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Breast Procedures
Order Your Natrelle® Pre-Consultation Kit TodayPurchase The Natrelle® Breast Implant Pre-Consultation Kit from Allergan and receive $40 off the Surgeon Fee when you book a Breast Augmentation with Dr. Nichols.
The Natrelle® Pre-Consultation kit is the complete way to get started.
We offer a complimentary consultation, so don't hesitate to contact us to schedule yours. - Cosmetic Surgery fees include all pre and post-operative appointments, any post surgical garments including post-operative bras for breast augmentation/lift patients and our saline and silicone gel breast implants include a warranty backed by both the manufacturer and Dr. Nichols. Please click here for implant warranty information. Breast Augmentation/EnlargementBreast augmentation may be right for you if fuller, larger and/or more shapely breasts are what you wish for. You may feel that your breasts simply never developed into a pleasing size or perhaps you just want to get back to what you looked like before pregnancy, weight loss or aging. Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the country. Implants are available as saline-filled or silicone gel-filled, either of which may have benefits tailored to you. Dr. Nichols will be able to give you his recommendations on what options will give you the best result at the time of your consultation. We also offer various pain management options to make your post-operative time a little easier and more comfortable. This procedure is commonly done with the tummy tuck procedure, known as the "mommy makeover." If you are dissatisfied with your breast size, augmentation surgery is a choice to consider. Breast augmentation can:
Also known as augmentation mammaplasty, the procedure involves using implants to fulfill your desire for fuller breasts or to restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy. What it won't do Breast augmentation does not correct severely drooping breasts. If you want your breasts to look fuller and to be lifted due to sagging, a breast lift may be required in conjunction with breast augmentation. Is it right for me? Breast augmentation is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else's desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image. Breast augmentation may be a good option for you if:
Prior to surgery, you may be asked to:
Special instructions you receive will cover:
Dr. Nichols and his staff will also discuss where your procedure will be performed. Breast augmentation surgery is performed at St. Anthony's in Gig Harbor or Allenmore in Tacoma. You'll need help Breast augmentation is typically performed on an outpatient basis, so be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery. What happens during breast augmentation surgery? Step 1 - Anesthesia Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your anesthesiologist will recommend the best choice for you. Step 2 - The incision Incisions are made in inconspicuous areas to minimize visible scarring. You and your plastic surgeon will discuss which incision options are appropriate for your desired outcome. Incision options include inframammary, transaxillary and periareolar. Incisions vary based on the type of implant, degree of enlargement desired, your particular anatomy, and patient-surgeon preference. Step 3 - Implant choice Breast size and shape are important, so be honest and open about your expectations when talking with your surgeon. Implant type and size will be determined not just on your desired increase in size but more importantly on your breast anatomy, skin elasticity and body type. Options for Breast Implants Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. They can be filled with varying amounts of saline which can affect the shape, firmness and feel of the breast. Should the implant shell leak, a saline implant will collapse and the saline will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body. Silicone implants are filled with an elastic gel. The gel feels and moves much like natural breast tissue. If the implant leaks, the gel may remain within the implant shell, or may escape into the breast implant pocket. A leaking implant filled with silicone gel may not collapse. If you choose these implants, you may need to see Dr. Nichols regularly to make sure the implants are functioning properly. An ultrasound or MRI screening can assess the condition of breast implants. See www.breastimplantsafety.org for more information. Step 4 - Inserting and placing the implant After the incision is made, a breast implant is inserted into a pocket either:
The method for inserting and positioning implants depends on the type of implant, degree of enlargement desired, your body type, and your surgeon's recommendations. Step 5 - Closing the incisions Incisions are closed with layered sutures in the breast tissue and with sutures, skin adhesive or surgical tape to close the skin. Over time the incision lines will fade. Step 6 - See the results The results of breast augmentation are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover and realize the fulfillment of your goal for fuller breasts. Breast Lift (Mastopexy)A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a procedure that removes excess skin to lift and reshape the breasts. Over time, your breasts' appearance may have changed due to the effects of gravity along with weight changes or pregnancy and nursing. The loosening of the skin is what causes sagging of the breasts as well as loss of shape and firmness. A breast lift will give your breasts a more youthful appearance and shape, reduce asymmetry, establish better proportion and, if you choose, reduce the size of the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple). We also offer various pain management options to make your post-operative time a little easier and more comfortable. Is it right for me? Breast lift surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else's desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image. A breast lift is a good option for you if:
What it won't do Breast lift surgery does not significantly change the size of your breasts or round out the upper part of your breast. If you want your breasts to look fuller or smaller, you might want to consider either breast augmentation or breast reduction surgery. What happens during a breast lift surgery? Your breast lift surgery can be achieved through a variety of incision patterns and techniques. The appropriate technique for you will be determined based on:
Step 1 - Anesthesia Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your anesthesiologist will recommend the best choice for you. Step 2 - The incision There are three common incision patterns:
Step 3 - Reshaping your breasts After the incisions are made:
Step 4 - Closing the incisions After your breasts are reshaped and excess skin is removed, the remaining skin is tightened as the incisions are closed. Some incision lines resulting from breast lift are concealed in the natural breast contours; however, others are visible on the breast surface. Incision lines are permanent, but in most cases will fade and significantly improve over time. Sutures are layered deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly shaped breasts. Sutures, skin adhesives and/or surgical tape may be used to close the skin. Step 5 - See the results The results of your breast lift surgery are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover and realize the fulfillment of your goal for breasts which have been restored to a more youthful and uplifted position. The risks include:
You should know that:
Be careful Following your physician's instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself. Be sure to ask questions: It's very important to ask Dr. Nichols questions about your breast lift procedure. It's natural to feel some anxiety, whether it's excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don't be shy about discussing these feelings with Dr. Nichols or his staff. Breast ReductionWomen with very large breasts may often suffer from problems such as chronic back and neck pain, recurrent skin irritations, posture problems and general discomfort. The breast reduction procedure removes fat, breast tissue, and excessive skin, and reduces the size of the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple). This results in the breasts being smaller and lifted, which gives you a breast size in proportion with your body and alleviates the discomfort associated with overly large breasts. The goal of the procedure is to make your breasts smaller, lighter, firmer and in better proportion with your body. Breast reduction is a good option for you if:
Your consultation The success and safety of your breast reduction procedure depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. You'll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle. Be prepared to discuss:
Your visit may also include:
Prior to surgery, you may be asked to:
Special instructions you receive will cover:
You'll need help Breast reduction procedures are typically performed on an outpatient basis, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery. What happens during breast reduction surgery? Breast reduction is usually performed through incisions on your breasts with surgical removal of the excess fat, glandular tissue and skin. In some cases, excess fat may be removed through liposuction in conjunction with the excision techniques described below. If breast size is largely due to fatty tissue and excess skin is not a factor, liposuction alone may be used for breast reduction. The technique used to reduce the size of your breasts will be determined by your individual condition, breast composition, amount of reduction desired, your personal preferences and the surgeon's advice. Step 1 - Anesthesia Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your anesthesiologist will recommend the best choice for you. Step 2 - The incision Incision options include:
The incision lines that remain are visible and permanent scars, although usually well concealed beneath a swimsuit or bra. Step 3 - Removing tissue and repositioning After the incision is made, the nipple-which remains tethered to its original blood and nerve supply-is then repositioned. The areola is reduced by excising skin at the perimeter, if necessary. Underlying breast tissue is reduced, lifted and shaped. Occasionally, for extremely large pendulous breasts, the nipple and areola may need to be removed and transplanted to a higher position on the breast (free nipple graft). Step 4 - Closing the incisions The incisions are brought together to reshape the now smaller breast. Sutures are layered deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly shaped breasts; sutures, skin adhesives and/or surgical tape close the skin. Incision lines are permanent, but in most cases will fade and significantly improve over time. Step 5 - See the results The results of your breast reduction surgery are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover. The risks include:
You should know that:
Following your physician's instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself. Be sure to ask questions: It's very important to address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon. It is natural to feel some anxiety, whether excitement for the anticipated outcome or preoperative stress. Discuss these feelings with your plastic surgeon. Recovery When your procedure is complete, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. An elastic bandage or support bra may be worn to minimize swelling and support the breasts as they heal. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect. You will be given specific instructions that may include: How to care for your surgical site(s) following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon Results The results of breast reduction surgery will be long-lasting. Your new breast size should help relieve you from the pain and physical limitations experienced prior to breast reduction. Your better proportioned figure will likely enhance your self image and boost your self-confidence. However, over time your breasts can change due to aging, weight fluctuations, hormonal factors and gravity. Cost may include:
Breast reduction surgery is generally considered a reconstructive procedure and may be covered by health insurance when it is performed to relieve medical symptoms. Many insurers define breast reduction surgery as reconstructive based on the amount of tissue that will be removed. However, pre-certification is required for reimbursement or coverage. Each insurance policy varies greatly. Carefully review your policy to determine coverage. Other Breast ProceduresWith both the breast lift and breast reduction procedures, additional benefits may include areola reduction, nipple reduction and/or inverted nipple correction. However, if you are concerned about your areola size, nipple size, or your inverted nipples and are not a candidate for, or not interested in, a breast lift or breast reduction, we are also able to do those procedures separately. Male Breast ReductionGynecomastia, or enlarged male breasts, affects about 35-60% of men and is common in men of any age. This condition is typically caused by hormone changes during puberty, weight changes or part of the aging process. There has been some correlation between gynecomastia and certain medical conditions or drugs. If you feel self conscious about how you look or feel because of enlarged breasts, the male breast reduction procedure may be right for you. In many cases, liposuction alone can improve the area, however in certain instances, excision of skin and some breast tissue may be required. The goals of the procedure are to reduce the size of your breasts, while making them flatter and firmer. Gynecomastia is characterized by:
Is it right for me? Gynecomastia surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else's desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image. This procedure is a good option for you if:
Adolescents may benefit from surgery, although secondary procedures may be needed in the future should breast development continue. Surgical correction of gynecomastia is best performed on:
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