Self-breast exams

Checking your breasts every month is easy to do, only takes a few minutes at a time, and costs nothing! You should check your breasts after your period has ended so that they aren’t tender or swollen. And, even if you have been through menopause, you should still check them every month.

One part of the exam is a visual check – perform this in front of a mirror, first with your hands on your hips and then with both of your arms raised. You should also feel your breasts for any lumps, while standing up and also while lying down. Check the entire breast, including the sides and underneath. Check to see if they have changed at all in the past month. Pay attention to their color, size, and shape, and any signs of the nipple inverting (pushing inward instead of outward). Check for any redness, dimpling, or puckering.

If you do find a lump, don’t just assume the worst. There are other reasons for lumps besides cancer. Make an appointment with your doctor right away so that he or she can check and, hopefully, put your mind at ease.

Many women who have had a breast procedure, such as a breast lift or an augmentation, wonder how this will affect their breast health. Research has shown that a breast procedure does not increase the odds of getting breast cancer, and it should be no harder to detect cancer.

Monthly breast self-exams are important for catching cancer early, which increases the odds of successful treatment. Take care of yourself! And, if you are considering a breast or another procedure so that you can both look and feel your best, contact the office of Dr. Gary J. Price in New Haven or Fairfield County, CT, for a consultation. Call (203) 453-6635 for an appointment today!

The post October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! appeared first on Gary J. Price M.D., P.c..

Breast lifts and breast augmentation

Both procedures improve the appearance of your breasts, but they do this in very different ways. In a breast augmentation procedure, implants are used to increase the size of the breasts and give volume to the chest. There are different kinds of implants to choose from, such as saline, silicone, and the IDEAL implant – your doctor will be able to go over the benefits and disadvantages of each to help you decide.

Fat grafting is also an option. In this procedure, fat is taken from one area of the body (such as the thighs or lower stomach) and transferred into the breasts. This is a great option if you are concerned about any side effects that can come with an implant – because it comes from your own body, you don’t have to worry about any safety issues.

In a breast lift, excess skin is removed and the breast tissue is tightened and contoured. It can be used to “lift” breasts that sag after pregnancy, nursing, or after a dramatic weight loss.

Which one should you choose?

Your doctor will be able to tell you which procedure would be best for you – it will depend on the results you would like to see and some other factors as well. Some patients even opt for both procedures, with a breast lift to raise sagging tissue and an augmentation to increase firmness and size.

If you are unhappy with the size or shape of your breasts, it can begin to affect your self-esteem and can even start to affect your quality of life. A breast procedure can lift sagging breasts and give you a curvier figure. Dr. Gary J. Price in New Haven or Fairfield County, CT, can discuss the different breast surgery options and can help you decide which one would be best for you. Call (203) 453-6635 for a consultation today!

The post What is the difference between a breast augmentation and a breast lift? appeared first on Gary J. Price M.D., P.c..

If you have been considering a breast procedure, you probably have a lot of questions – one of which may be how a breast procedure, such as breast augmentation, a breast lift, or breast implants, will affect your future pregnancies and the ability to breastfeed. It is important to bring up these questions with your doctor, but for now, here is some basic information about how a

Can I breastfeed after a procedure?

Breast procedures include breast augmentation, using either the patient’s own tissue or implants; a breast lift (also known as mastopexy), which not only lifts breasts but gives them a firmness and an aesthetically pleasing shape; and a breast reduction, which reduces the weight and size of breasts. 

For most patients, future milk production is not affected by a breast procedure. In a breast lift or reduction, the breast tissue that enables milk production is left intact; in a breast implant procedure, the implants are placed in such a way that they don’t interfere with milk ducts or mammary glands. A woman will have a more productive milk supply if 5 years or more have passed since the breast procedure, according to the La Leche League, a group that strives to encourage women and educate them about the benefits of breastfeeding. 

But keep in mind….

If you do become pregnant and decide to breastfeed after a breast procedure, this can alter the work that you have had done, as both of these can really change a woman’s body! For this reason, you may want to consider putting any breast procedure off until you are done having children and breastfeeding. 

Breastfeeding can be a wonderful experience, one that not only nourishes your baby but gives the two of you the chance to bond, and it is an experience that you will look back on fondly for the rest of your life. If you are thinking about having a breast procedure but you have questions, Dr. Gary J. Price, in New Haven and Fairfield County, CT, can help. Call (203) 453-6635 for a breast procedure consultation today!

The post Is it possible to breastfeed after a breast procedure? appeared first on Gary J. Price M.D., P.c..

You may be on the fence about getting breast augmentation – should you spend the money? What will it look like when it’s complete? Will it be worth it? Here are 6 reasons why now is a great time to get a

1. This one is #1 for a reason – breast augmentation can do wonders for your confidence and your outlook on life. Have you lost a lot of weight, along with some fullness in your chest? Have you always been self-conscious about your chest? Has it always been the one part of your body you wish you could change? There’s no need to feel self-conscious anymore, thanks to a breast augmentation procedure.
2. You don’t have to wonder or worry about what the final look will be. State-of-the art technology such as the Vectra 3D imaging system can let you see what you will look like after augmentation. You can even compare implants of different sizes to help you choose which one is right for you.
3. The recovery time from breast augmentation surgery is relatively quick. Your downtime will probably be less than 2 weeks, and you can get back to strenuous activity after about 4 to 6 weeks – not too bad, considering the dramatic and impressive results you’ll see.
4. You’ll see results for years. Implants are long-lasting, and most will last for about 15 years, but some can even last a lifetime.
5. Breast augmentation is a safe procedure. It is true that any surgical procedure carries some risk, but breast implants have a safe history, with few reports of complications or adverse effects.
6. You have your choice of implant. Choose from saline, silicone, and Ideal. Each one has different advantages and disadvantages, which your doctor can discuss with you.

Honestly, any time is a great time for a breast augmentation, as long as the time is right for you. When you decide to go ahead and do it, call Dr. Gary J. Price for a breast augmentation consultation. Call the office in New Haven or Fairfield County, CT, (203) 453-6635 for an appointment!

The post 6 Reasons to Get a Breast Augmentation appeared first on Gary J. Price M.D., P.c..

Here are seven reasons why you should consider a breast augmentation.

• Your breasts didn’t develop. Some women have a condition called micromastia, which is when their breasts failed to develop as they should during puberty. This can affect one or both breasts, making women feel self-conscious.
• You’ve experienced pregnancy or lost a significant amount of weight. Pregnancy and fluctuations in weight can do a number on the volume and perky appearance of your breasts. A breast augmentation may be performed with a breast lift to “lift” the breasts into a more youthful position.
• One breast is a different size than the other. Breast augmentation surgery can address asymmetry in breasts. Not only does this look bother some women, but it can make it more difficult to shop for bras or tops that fit properly.
• You’ve had a mastectomy. If you’ve undergone a mastectomy to treat breast cancer, a breast augmentation is part of the reconstruction process to help restore the normal look and feel of your breasts.
• You can change the shape and size of the areola. The areola is the pigmented area of the skin that surrounds your nipple. During breast augmentation surgery, Dr. Price can change the size and shape of your areolae to a size that’s more in proportion with the size of your breasts.
• You want to improve self-esteem. Breast enhancement surgery has been linked to significant improvement in self-esteem.
• It can be performed with other procedures. A breast augmentation may be done with other body contouring procedures such as liposuction and tummy tuck for what’s called a mommy makeover. A body lift may be done to help patients who have reached a weight loss goal.

While breast augmentation surgery comes with numerous benefits to the patient, it’s important that you make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons and not being influenced by others. If you’re interested in learning more, (203) 453-6635 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Price.

The post 7 reasons why you should consider a breast augmentation appeared first on Gary J. Price M.D., P.c..

Breast augmentationbreast augmentation

A breast augmentation surgery is the most common plastic surgery procedure that’s performed each year. A major reason is women are unhappy with their breast size and want larger breasts or to balance out asymmetrical breasts.

If you are considering breast augmentation, you and your surgeon will look at four major areas: the placement of the incision, type of implant, implant size and shape, and the risks with each implant. Silicone and saline breast implants give you several options for the desired look and feel. While silicone implants are the most popular because of their more natural feel, they do carry a risk of rupture without you knowing. That’s why it’s important to have a great relationship with your surgical team and physician to have routine imaging of the breasts.

Breast lift

Drooping or sagging breasts are best addressed by a breast lift, which will correct the drooping by reshaping and “lifting” the breasts. During this surgery, the surgeon removes excess skin and tightens the surrounding tissue to create a more youthful contour. Often the areolae become enlarged over time, so a breast lift can reduce the size of the areolae as well.

There is a variety of incision patterns and techniques for a breast lift. The technique for you will be determined based on the size and shape of your breasts, the size and position of your areolae, the degree of breast sagging, the amount of extra skin and the skin quality and elasticity.

Breast augmentation with lift

Often, a breast lift is done in conjunction with breast augmentation. This surgery provides breast fullness and repositions sagging breasts and nipples.

The decision to undergo breast enhancement surgery is a very personal one. A consultation with your plastic surgeon will determine which procedure would meet your goals. If you’re interested in learning more about your breast enhancement options, call (203) 453-6635 to set up a consultation with Dr. Price.

The post Do I need a breast augmentation or lift? appeared first on Gary J. Price M.D., P.c..

Here are some criteria:

You are generally healthy and are not pregnant or breastfeeding. You will discuss your medical history and any health concerns during your consultation. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or even if you are planning a future pregnancy, you will want to hold off until you are done with childbearing. Patients who smoke, drink excessively, have active infections or serious illnesses are not good candidates for this procedure.

Your breasts are fully developed. You have to wait until your breasts are done growing until you have this surgery, as it can reverse your results. Some women still go through changes in their 20s. To be considered for surgery, a patient must be at least 18 years old to have saline implants and 22 years old to get silicone gel implants.

You believe your breasts are too small. If you have abnormally small breasts (micromastia), implants can help you achieve a more proportional shape to your figure.

Your breasts have lost shape and volume after pregnancy, weight fluctuations or aging. Pregnancy, nursing, losing significant weight not related to pregnancy and just aging in general can make breasts lose volume and sag, appearing deflated.

One breast is larger than the other. Puberty, hormonal changes and trauma can affect the shape and size of breasts. Breast augmentation can help you achieve a symmetrical look.

One or both breasts didn’t develop normally. If your breasts didn’t develop normally or have an elongated shape, this surgery can help bring about a youthful, balanced look.

It’s imperative you have realistic expectations and to be in a good frame of mind when undergoing any plastic surgery, as they can permanently change your appearance. If you’re considering breast augmentation surgery for fuller, larger breasts, give us a call today at (203) 453-6635 to set up a consultation.

The post Who is a good candidate for breast augmentation? appeared first on Gary J. Price M.D., P.c..

ven things you should know about breast reduction surgery.

 

• Women who undergo surgery say they feel more at home in their bodies. Large breasts can bring on unwanted attention and can make certain clothing uncomfortable.
• Candidates for surgery have reached full physical and emotional maturity. Patients who are planning on future pregnancies or are breastfeeding are not good candidates for breast reduction surgery.
• Breast reduction is usually done on an outpatient basis. Patients go under general anesthesia during the procedure, which takes about 3 to 5 hours.
• There are several techniques for incisions. Donut incision runs around the areola, while a keyhole incision (also called a lollipop incision) encircles the areola and runs straight down to the breast crease. The anchor incision borders the areola, extends to the breast crease and then runs along the breast crease. For women who have fatty breasts with excellent skin elasticity, a liposuction technique with microincisions maybe all that’s needed.
• Scarring varies with each technique. You should expect to have some visible scarring. Incisions around the areolae tend to disappear into the border between the darker areola skin and breast skin. As you heal, scar appearance becomes increasingly subtle to where you should only see a slight line.
• Breast reduction can be combined with lift. Reducing breast size does not affect projection or breast height on the chest wall. If breast weight caused the skin to become loose and saggy, a lift will reposition the breast tissue to sit higher and project fully.
• Results are long-lasting. Unless you get pregnant or gain a significant amount of weight, you can expect your breasts to remain the same size after this surgery. With age, however, you may experience normal sagging.

Breast reduction is a life-changing surgery for many women and even men. For a comprehensive consultation, call (203) 453-6635 today.

The post 7 things you should know about breast reduction surgery appeared first on Gary J. Price M.D., P.c..

Which breast implant is best for me?

There are three common types of breast implants. Silicone gel implants consist of a medical-grade silicone gel, which has the benefit of feeling more like natural breast tissue. Saline implants also have a silicone outer shell, but they are filled with sterile saline water. Another option is IDEAL implants, which combines the natural feel of silicone gel with saline inside.

Should I also consider a breast lift?

Pregnancy, breastfeeding and weight gain and/or loss can impact the shape of breasts and cause them to sag, which is why a breast lift may be recommended in tandem with breast augmentation. This procedure removes excess, sagging skin and changes the position of your breasts to improve the overall results of the implant surgery. Breast augmentation and breast lift are also part of an all-encompassing, increasingly popular procedure called a “Mommy Makeover,” which includes liposuction and tummy tuck.

Where will the incisions be made?

Implants are placed through one of three incision locations, and Dr. Price will help you understand the benefits of each option and which one may be best for you. The most popular choice, inframammary incisions are made just above the crease on the underside of the breast, which means the scar will be hidden beneath a bra or bikini top. Periareolar incisions are made just below the areola, which is the dark skin surrounding the nipple, and as these incisions are nearly invisible once healed. Transaxillary incisions are made in the armpit, which leaves no scarring on the breast.

To learn more about breast augmentation and all the different options to customize your desired look, schedule a consultation with Dr. Price by calling (203) 453-6635 today.

The post Common Questions about Breast Augmentation appeared first on Gary J. Price M.D., P.c..

Massage

After you get a breast augmentation, it’s natural for your body to respond to the new implants by forming scar tissue around them, but we always encourage our patines to massage their breasts to get rid of that scar tissue. Getting rid of the scar tissue will also help your breasts feel less painful and will help speed up your recovery. To massage them, try to pull the implant away from the muscles and massage it from side to side. Repeat this a few times a day.

Take NSAIDs

Once you get rid of a lot of the tenderness and swelling, you will feel like getting out of bed and getting outside. Try taking some over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen or Motrin a few times a day or until the swelling subsides.

Wear the Compression Bra

We know that compression bras aren’t the sexiest piece of lingerie that you’ll ever own, but it may be the most beneficial. Make sure that you wear your compression bra every day for the first week or two to help get rid of any swelling.

Getting rid of the swelling and tenderness in your breasts can take a couple of weeks, but the sooner you can find some relief, the sooner you can show off your new breasts. To learn more about breast augmentation recovery tips, contact our Guilford office and call us at (203) 453-6635.

The post 3 Tips to Help Speed Up Your Breast Augmentation Recovery appeared first on Gary J. Price M.D., P.c..