SRMC Plastic Surgery offers life-enhancing treatments to help you look and feel your best. Breast surgery is the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedure in the United States. Age, pregnancy, nursing, and weight gain or loss can all impact the size and shape of your breasts. Many women choose to have breast procedures performed to enhance the appearance of their breasts and improve their body image and self-confidence.
In addition, women facing the breast cancer journey often need some type of surgery performed as part of their treatment. Dr. Camp is leading SRMC’s breast cancer committee to ensure that area women will have local access to these advanced services, and she consults with cancer patients at the University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center at SRMC. There are different types of breast surgery that Dr. Camp performs for women facing breast cancer, including:
Click on the links below to learn more about some of the most common breast procedures, how they are performed and what to expect.
To learn more about breast surgery or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Camp, call our office at 330-332-7383
Breast augmentation surgery involves the use of breast implants to enhance the size and shape of the breasts.
The decision to have breast augmentation is highly personal, and women choose to undergo this procedure for a variety of reasons. Breast augmentation can balance the size of uneven breasts, improve breast fullness after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss; and help create larger breasts to enhance self-image.
You may be a good candidate for breast augmentation if:
During your consultation, Dr. Camp will discuss your needs and preferences with you, including the different types of implants and your optimal breast shape and size.
Breast augmentation is usually an outpatient procedure, typically performed under general anesthesia. The location of your incision will vary based on the type of implant used, your anatomy, and the desired outcome. After making an incision, Dr. Camp will insert the implant behind your breast, underneath your breast tissue and muscle. Your incision will be closed with stitches and bandaged with skin adhesive and surgical tape.
You’ll likely experience some soreness, swelling and bruising for about 2-3 weeks following your procedure. It may be recommended that you wear a compression bandage or sports bra for extra support and positioning of the implants while you heal. If you don’t have a physically demanding job, you may be able to return to work within a couple of weeks.
You will notice immediate changes after surgery, which will become more apparent after the swelling goes down. Though the results of breast augmentation are typically long-lasting, you’ll want to keep in mind that aging, weight fluctuations and other natural changes can modify the appearance of your breasts over time.
A breast lift is a surgical technique used to raise your breasts by removing excess skin and tightening and reshaping the surrounding breast tissue.
As you age, your breasts begin to lose their elasticity and firmness. These changes can occur as a result of pregnancy, weight fluctuations and the effects of gravity. You might choose to have a breast lift to reduce sagging and raise the position of the nipples and breasts, giving you a more youthful profile.
You may be a good candidate for a breast lift if:
A breast lift is usually an outpatient procedure, typically performed under general anesthesia. The type of incision used will depend on your breast size and shape, the size and position of your areolas, the degree of sagging, your skin quality and elasticity, and the amount of extra skin. After the incision is made, Dr. Camp will remove excess breast skin, reshape your breast tissue and shift the nipples to a higher position. The procedure can also reduce the size of the areola, if necessary. Your incisions will be closed with stitches, surgical tape or skin adhesives.
After a breast lift, your breasts will be bandaged or placed in a surgical support bra. Your breasts will likely feel bruised, swollen and sore for a few weeks. You may also experience numbness in your nipples, areolae and breast skin; which should subside over time.
You will notice immediate changes after surgery, although the shape of your breasts will continue to settle over the next few months. Although the results of a breast lift are typically long-lasting, you’ll want to keep in mind that aging, weight fluctuations, and other natural changes can modify the appearance of your breasts over time.
Breast reduction surgery removes excess fat, tissue and skin from the breasts to create balance and enhance the appearance of your breasts in proportion to your body.
Why Consider Breast Reduction Surgery?
Women with large breasts may choose to have breast reduction surgery to achieve a breast size proportionate to their body. Breast reduction surgery can also be used to help alleviate self-image issues and the chronic physical pain and discomfort associated with the weight of oversized breasts.
Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction?
You may be a good candidate for breast reduction surgery if:
What to Expect
Breast reduction surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, typically performed under general anesthesia. The surgical technique and incision used to reduce the size of your breasts can vary based on your individual condition, breast composition, and the amount of reduction desired. After the incision is made, Dr. Camp will remove excess breast tissue, fat and skin to reduce the size of each breast. She will then reshape the breasts, repositioning the nipple and areola as needed.
After breast reduction surgery, your breasts will be bandaged or placed in a gauze dressing. Thin, temporary drainage tubes may also be placed under each of your arms. You’ll likely experience some soreness, swelling and bruising, and you’ll need to limit your physical activity for about 2-4 weeks while your breasts heal.
You will notice immediate changes after surgery, which will become more apparent as the swelling goes down. Your new breast size should help to relieve the pain and physical limitations you experienced prior to surgery.
Gynecomastia surgery (Male Breast Reduction) involves removing or reducing unwanted breast tissue in male patients.
Why Consider Gynecomastia Surgery?
Gynecomastia is a condition of overdeveloped or enlarged breasts in men that can occur as a result of hormonal changes, heredity, obesity or the use of certain drugs. Men with this condition may choose to undergo surgery to reduce breast size and flatten and enhance the chest contours.
Am I a Good Candidate for Gynecomastia Surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery candidates include males who:
What to Expect
Gynecomastia surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, typically performed under general anesthesia. In cases where gynecomastia is primarily the result of excess fatty tissue, liposuction techniques may be used. This requires insertion of a thin hollow tube, known as a cannula, through several small incisions. Excision techniques may be used when breast gland tissue or excess skin must be removed to correct gynecomastia. Excision is also necessary if the dark area of skin surrounding the nipple (areola) will be reduced or if the nipple will be repositioned to create a more natural male contour. In some cases, both liposuction and excision techniques will be used.
Following gynecomastia surgery, gauze or bandages will likely be applied to your incisions and a support garment may be used to minimize swelling and support your new chest contour as it heals after surgery. A thin, temporary drainage tube may also be placed under the skin. You will notice immediate changes after surgery, which will become more apparent after the swelling goes down. In most cases, the results of gynecomastia surgery are permanent.