Breast Procedures

If you want more information or to schedule an appointment with New Jersey Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon Dr. Richard Peck about Breast Enhancement Surgery such as Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Breast Reduction, or Breast Reconstruction, please contact us at our New Jersey office.

For the woman whose breasts are too large or sagging, we perform a breast lift/reduction, which involves removing excess skin (and, if necessary, tissue) and repositioning the breast. Women who want larger, firmer, or more symmetrical breasts can get saline implants with or without a breast lift.

Breast Lift

Who is a Candidate?

If you have sagging breasts due to past pregnancies, genetics, or aging.
If the sagging is too great to be treated with an implant alone.
If your nipple-areolar complex (pigmented areas around nipples) are enlarged.

Intended Result

An elevated, more youthful breast contour.
Nipple-areolar complexes of the desired size and at the correct height

Procedure Description

The procedure is done on an outpatient basis under sedation and local or general anesthesia.
The design of the incisions can vary but usually include incisions around the nipple areolar complex and in the crease under the breast.
The nipple-areolar complex is repositioned higher, the excess skin is removed, and the breast is reshaped in a pleasing contour and in a more normal position.
The insertion of an implant as well, may or may not be advisable.

Recuperation and Healing

The patient goes home in a bra with only light dressings over the incision lines.
The bra is worn as a "dressing" for 2-3 weeks.
Sutures are usually completely removed within 2-3 weeks.
Initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication.
Light activities may be started in 7-10 days.

Other Options

An additional procedure that would enhance the result is Mastopexy (breast lift) -- if the breasts are saggy in addition to being small.

The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are rare.

Breast Reconstruction

Breast Reconstruction West Orange Modern surgical technology makes it possible to construct a natural-looking breast after mastectomy (breast removal) for cancer or other diseases. The procedure is commonly begun and sometimes completed immediately following mastectomy, so that the patient wakes with a new breast mound instead of no breast at all. Alternatively, reconstruction may begin years after mastectomy. Many insurance companies cover reconstruction following breast cancer surgery, and legislation is currently before Congress to make coverage mandatory.

Women whose cancer seems to have been eradicated with mastectomy are the best candidates for breast reconstruction. Those with health problems such as obesity and high blood pressure and those who smoke are advised to wait. Others prefer to postpone surgery as they come to terms with having cancer, consider the extent of the procedure, or explore alternatives.

The reconstruction itself consists of multiple operations, the first of which involves creation of the breast mound and is performed during or after mastectomy in a hospital under general anesthesia. Later surgeries, if necessary, may be done in the hospital or an outpatient facility, with either general or local anesthesia.

Breast Reduction

Who is a Candidate?

If you have large, heavy breasts, which may be the cause of breathing difficulties, back, shoulder and neck pain, poor posture, bra-strap indentations and chafing under the breasts.
If you have excessive breast size, which may decrease a sense of attractiveness and self-confidence.

Intended Result

More attractive contour and smaller breast size.
Freedom from health problems associated with excessively large breasts.
Improved self image.

Procedure Description

The procedure is done under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis or in the hospital.
Incisions are made around the pigmented area (the nipple-areolar complex) and extend vertically below the nipple and in the fold under the breast. The nipple-areolar complex is moved upward to the desired location; excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are removed.

Recuperation and Healing

The incisions are covered with light dressings, and the breasts are placed in a bra. The bra holds the breasts symmetrically during initial healing.
Initial discomfort subsides daily and can be controlled with oral medication.
Scars will usually fade in 6-12 months.
Surgery will probably reduce, and possibly eliminate, the ability to breast feed.

Other Options

An additional procedure that would enhance the result is Liposuction of axillary area to reduce excess fat deposits.

This procedure is commonly covered by insurance though insurance criteria are becoming more and more restrictive. Our staff will assist you in obtaining pre authorization.