Mammoplasty in South Boston: Implants and Price

Mammoplasty is an umbrella for several procedures: augmentation (increasing volume with implants), reduction (taking away excess tissue and skin), mastopexy (lifting sagging breasts), reconstruction (after mastectomy) and asymmetry correction. Your wishes and the surgeon's advice determine the best individual method.

If you follow all the recommendations, complications are rare; they may, however, include hematoma or seroma, wound infection, decreased or heightened nipple sensitivity, capsular contracture, aesthetic asymmetry, wound separation and tissue necrosis.

You can expect a long-lasting mammoplasty result: about 10–15 years after augmentation (until the implants are replaced) and 5–10 years after a lift or reduction. How long it lasts is affected by weight, pregnancy, skin aging and gravity. Wear supportive underwear and control your weight to keep it.

Breastfeeding after mammoplasty depends on the procedure. Augmentation through an under-breast or armpit incision with a submuscular implant usually keeps lactation intact, since glandular tissue is not damaged. With a lift or reduction the risk is higher, because ducts may be cut. Be sure to discuss this with your surgeon in advance.

Choosing an implant takes into account the material (silicone looks the most natural, saline is used less often), shape (round or anatomical teardrop), surface (smooth or textured), size and profile. Your surgeon will select the best option for your anatomy and wishes.

The operation is done under general anesthesia, so the patient feels nothing. Over the first 1–3 days moderate discomfort may occur and is eased with painkillers. By day 5–7 pain drops noticeably, and by weeks 2–3 the discomfort has gone. If the pain is severe, let your doctor know at once.

Work (without physical strain) is possible after 7–14 days. Gentle walks after 1–2 weeks. Fitness and swimming after 4–6 weeks, strength workouts after 3 months. The pool and sea after 4–6 weeks. Compression garments are needed for 4–6 weeks. Exact dates depend on how your recovery goes.

Science has found no evidence that mammoplasty increases the risk of breast cancer. Implants are not a cause of cancer. After the procedure, go on with regular screening, including self-exams, mammography and ultrasound, and always tell the examining doctor about the implants.

After a C-section, mammoplasty can be done once the body has fully healed. At least 6–12 months should pass after delivery and after breastfeeding ends. A consultation and examination by a surgeon are required before the operation.

Scars do remain after mammoplasty, but a skilled surgeon keeps them to a minimum. Incisions are placed in hidden zones: beneath the breast, around the areola or in the armpit. The scars are reddish for the first months and fade within 6–12 months to become almost invisible.

Slight asymmetry early on, in the first weeks after surgery, is normal and is due to swelling and uneven healing. If the difference in shape or size persists after 3–6 months, get examined by your surgeon to identify the cause.

Temporary changes in nipple and breast sensitivity, reduced or heightened, can occur after mammoplasty. The reason is irritation of nerve endings. For most patients sensitivity comes back within 3–12 months. If a year passes without improvement, see your surgeon.

Hormonal drugs (contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy) do not affect implants themselves, but they can cause swelling or a change in breast tissue volume that alters the appearance for a time. Always inform your surgeon about them ahead of surgery.