Other Procedures

Women & Men may decide to undergo plastic surgery to enlarge or reduce their breasts, to achieve a balance in size or shape for their breasts, or to reconstruct one or both breasts after mastectomy. Whatever the motivation, breast surgery is safer and easier now than ever before. Please review the list of other breast services we provide to help you make an informed decision and achieve the most satisfying results.

IMPLANT REMOVAL

The goal of breast implant removal surgery is to remove breast implants from breast augmentation or breast reconstruction patients. Breast implants are not lifelong devices and it is important to have them exchanged or removed approximately every 10 years. This decision is typically based on the individual and the patient's needs and desires.

BREAST RECONSTRUCTION

For either an immediate or delayed reconstruction, where no radiation was needed, the first operation involves using an implant called a tissue expander which is placed behind the muscle and skin after the breast has been removed. Two weeks following the surgery, the tissue expander is filled with fluid (saline) in small increments to increase the size of the breast mound. This is done weekly in the outpatient department at the hospital. The patient is seen weekly and the implant filled until the desired breast mound size is achieved.  The breast mound is left for 3 months to allow the tissues to get used to the stretch created by the tissue expander implant.

A second operation is then done. This involves removing the previously inserted tissue expander and placing a permanent implant (usually a silicone implant) in the same space. This is similar to a breast augmentation.

The breast mounds are adjusted to create symmetry: this may involve placing an implant in the opposite breast, or using a breast lift or breast reduction technique, or any combination of the above on the opposite breast to create breast symmetry.

A third operation to create a nipple is the final step in the reconstruction. This is done if the patient desires an actual nipple projection. The alternative is a nipple tattoo which creates no projection, but can mimic the size, shape and color of the nipple of the opposite breast.

TRANSGENDER REAFFIRMATION

Transgender reassignment patients may seek an alteration in their breasts. Whether male to female or female to male, Dr. Giuffre has extensive experience with implant insertion and revision, and highly recommends scheduling a consultation so that you can discuss the goals and expectations for this important stage in your transition journey.

AXILLARY BREAST SURGERY

Breast tissue makes up the shape and size of your breasts. However, it can sometimes develop beyond the normal location of your breasts. It is particularly common in the area of your armpits (technically known as the axilla)

BREAST FAT GRAFTING

This surgical technique takes fat from one part of a patient’s body using a form of liposuction. This fat is prepared and then injected into another part of the patient’s body that requires filling, correction of a contour abnormality, or increased tissue volume. Only the patient’s own fat can be used (a friend or relative cannot donate some of their fat.