BREASTPROCEDURES

BY GULF COAST PLASTIC SURGERY

A GUIDE TO

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Breast augmentation surgery is designed to increase the volume of the breasts. Women who have always been unhappy with their small breasts, women who have lost breast volume due to pregnancy or breastfeeding, and women who have lost volume due to aging may choose breast augmentation as a solution to this lack of volume. Breast augmentation is the most popular plastic surgery among women today, with more than 300,000 women having the procedure every year.

Breast augmentation

salineFilled with saltwater that is very similar to the natural saline within the body. Saline implants can be adjusted to the proper volume during the procedure. Many people say that saline implants feel firm-er and less like natural breast tissue than silicone implants.

SiliconeSilicone implants are made from a non-liquid form of silicone that has a similar consistency to gelatin. These implants will retain their shape long term, and they feel very natural. The silicone gel implants are available in a variety of sizes, and we can help you select the volume that will work best for your size and body type.

gummy bearGummy Bear implants are also known as form stable implants. Form stable implants are made from a more solid silicone and are can be teardrop-shaped or round for a very natural look. They are more firm but they are the most durable implants.

types of implants

Each type of implant can help you achieve the results you want, the choice between saline, silicone, and form stable silicone is completely up to you. We will be happy to help you determine which fits your needs best. To learn more about Breast Augmentation Surgery at Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery, click here.

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breast augmentation techniquesBreast augmentation surgery is done while the patient is under general anesthesia. You'll be completely asleep for the surgery and will not feel any pain during the procedure. There are several different incision types, and we will carefully evaluate which is right for you. The best type of incision for the vast majority of breast augmentation patients is the inframammary incision. This incision is made just beneath the breast to allow for a smooth and precise implant placement. This incision has the best results for most patients, as it allows for less scarring, less risk of implant contamination and implant infection, and less impact on the nerves than other incision types do.

While the primary goal of breast augmentation is increasing breast volume, there may be other benefits as well. Breast augmentation is not able to alter the position of the breasts on the chest, but it can greatly improve the way that they look in their current position. If breasts are asymmetrical, breast augmentation may be able to both enlarge them and make them evener. If you want to correct sagging breasts while adding volume, a breast lift can be performed in conjunction with a breast augmentation.

breast augmentation results

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Breast lift surgery may be right for anyone who has experienced drooping or falling of the breasts. In many cases, this sagging may be due to the effects of aging. Many women also experience breast sagging after they have children or after breastfeeding. Some women may have sagging due to having very large breasts. A breast lift surgery can restore the breasts to their original position, or even slightly higher than their previous position. Women who are in good physical health and who are at or close to their ideal weight are typically good candidates for breast lift surgery.

Breast lift

breast lift techniquesThe technique used for the breast lift will depend on the degree of correction that you require. Patients who need moderate correction typically require a vertical incision. This incision is placed around the areola and then vertically to the breast crease but may involve an incision at the crease. Patients who need a large amount of correction, often require a keyhole incision. This incision extends completely around the areola and down to the bottom of the breasts, and includes an incision in the crease under the breast. The keyhole technique allows for a major repositioning and lifting of the breast tissue.

A breast lift can take your existing breast tissue and raise it into a better position on the chest, but it does not change the volume of the breasts. A breast augmentation adds volume to the breasts, but it does not change breast position. If you are looking for both improved volume and lifted breasts, we can do both a breast lift and a breast augmentation at the same time. To learn more about Breast Lift Surgery at Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery, click here.

breast lift results

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Breast reduction surgery may be right for anyone who has experienced heavy or overly large breasts and associated problems. Breast reduction surgery can reduce breast volume as well as lift the breasts. Women who are in good physical health and who are at or close to their ideal weight are typically good candidates for breast reduction surgery. Some insurance companies will pay for breast reduction surgery. Our patient care coordinators will help you with the insurance approval process.

Breast reduction

breast reduction techniquesThe technique used for the breast reduction will depend on the degree of correction that you require. Patients who need moderate correction may require a vertical incision. This incision is placed around the areola to the breast crease but may involve an incision at the crease. Patients who need a large amount of correction, often require a keyhole incision. This incision extends completely around the areola and down to the bottom of the breasts, and along the fold under the breast. The keyhole technique allows for a major reduction and lifting of the breast tissue.

The results of breast reduction surgery will be long-lasting. Your new breast size should help relieve the pain and physical limitations experienced prior to breast reduction. Your better proportioned figure will likely enhance your self-image and boost your self-confidence. To learn more about Breast Reduction Surgery at Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery, click here.

breast reduction results

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Breast reconstruction surgery can be nothing short of a miracle procedure for women who have to lose their breasts in a mastectomy. Rather than being left flat-chested, a woman can have natural-looking implants that allow her to fill out clothes just like natural breasts did before. This type of surgery may not fully replicate the appearance of the breasts when nude, however, it can allow for natural-looking breasts in everything from swimsuits to curve-hugging dresses.

Breast reconstruction

breast reconstruction techniquesThere are two major techniques used for breast reconstruction today. By far the most common is breast implants. A silicone shell that is placed at the time of your mastectomy or at a later date, is gradually filled with saline via a specialized tissue expander. This gives the muscles and skin time to stretch and adjust. Once the silicone shell is fully expanded to the desired size, the permanent implant is inserted at a secondary surgery several months later. Implant size varies and is dependent on want the patient wants and/or what the body can tolerate. Breast implants will retain their shape and size for many years.

With the fat transfer technique, the breast is rebuilt using fat grafted from other portions of the body. Typically, fat is harvested from the abdominal area, thighs, or buttocks. The fat is then injected into the area where the breast tissue was previously located before the mastectomy. Our surgeons usually recommend fat grafting with an implant, as injected fat usually can only increase a breast size by one cup and multiple procedures may be needed to create a breast using only fat. Fat grafting in conjunction with an implant gives a more natural look and feel while providing a long-lasting result.

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types of mastectomyOur board-certified plastic surgeons will assist the general surgeon in performing the mastectomy, and then immediately follow that procedure with the first stage of the reconstruction process while the patient remains under anesthesia. A total mastectomy is the complete and total removal of the breast tissue, nipple, and areola. Lymph nodes in the axillae area are left intact. A nipple sparing mastectomy is a technique that is best for women who do not have tumors in the area immediately around the areola and do not have breast ptosis. In this method, the breast tissue is removed while the nipple is left intact. To learn more about Breast Reconstruction Surgery at Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery, click here.

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Combining cosmetic surgery procedures can save patients a great deal of time and money. With the sophisticated new surgical techniques and heightened safeguards now available, it is now possible to do multiple procedures at once. This means a patient could have a procedure like a breast augmentation at the same time that they have a tummy tuck. There are now more benefits than ever to combining cosmetic surgery procedures. Drs. Butler, Leveque, and Patterson offer a 10% discount on the surgical fee for patients that have more than one procedure. This discount IS NOT reflected in the prices quoted by the cost estimator on our website. Patients receive this discount whether they choose to have their surgeries at the same time or separately. However, combining surgeries does have many advantages:

A single anesthesiaOne surgery equals one anesthesia if the surgeries are scheduled separately. This means that a person who wants a tummy tuck, liposuction, and a breast lift would have to go under anesthesia three separate times if the surgeries are scheduled separately. If the procedures are scheduled together, a patient only has to go under anesthesia once, greatly reducing the stress on the body. While the time under anesthesia is longer when a patient has multiple procedures, this extra time has very little risk of causing added complications.

one period of recoveryMost cosmetic procedures have a recovery period, usually anywhere from a few days to several weeks, before the patient can go back to work and their regular routine. When there are multiple surgeries, there are also multiple recovery periods, potentially putting the patient out of commission for months. When the surgery is scheduled all at one time, there is just a single recovery period - usually only around a week to a couple of weeks - before the patient can get back to their life.

Reduced costEvery time that you enter the operating room and undergo anesthesia, it will incur new costs. By combining the procedures, you are only going to sleep and waking up once. This reduces the overall time in the O.R. This means that the overall costs are dramatically lower in most cases. As previously mentioned, Drs. Butler, Leveque, and Patterson all offer a 10% discount on the surgical fee for patients that have more than one procedure. Patients receive this discount whether they choose to have their surgeries at the same time or separately. (This discount IS NOT reflected in the prices quoted by the cost estimator on our website.)

reach cosmetic goals all at onceHaving multiple cosmetic surgery procedures all at one time can allow you to achieve your goals relatively quickly and easily. This allows for beautiful and dramatic results that will be long-lasting or permanent for most people.

combining cosmetic surgery Procedures

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The ideal candidate is an adult who maintains a healthy weight and is in overall good health. Patients who need to lose a significant amount of weight are encouraged to lose weight first and then have the surgery for the best results.

ideal surgery candidate

Patients should arrange for a friend or family member to take them home after the surgery. It is best to have someone stay with you for at least the first full day. Avoid blood-thinning medications, including all herbal medications, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, andSt. John's Wort, for at least two weeks before and a few days after your operation. Some medications can cause blood clots or excessive bleeding that may interfere with healing. Please be aware that smoking increases risk after surgery. We recommend that you stop smoking before any surgery and for a short time after surgery. To heal as quickly as possible, good hydration is important. Drink plenty of water, especially in the first few days after surgery. Consuming extra protein assists in healing. Your doctor may recommend you have a protein shake a day during your initial recovery.

We may recommend that you wear compression garments after surgery. These garments can minimize the swelling and bruising while providing support. While your incision will be protected, you should still avoid stretching the surgical area during your early recovery. Walking after your surgery is strongly encouraged. Simply walking around the house can help with blood circulation and overall healing. Be sure to tell us what your schedule is like so we can plan the best time for you to have the surgery.

The return to physical activity should be done gradually over a four to six week recovery period. Avoid strenuous exercise like weightlifting or jogging for at least a month to six weeks after surgery.

scarring and recovery

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During your consultation, we will talk about your expectations for the breast surgery. Most patients experience excellent results, but realistic expectations play a major role in how you feel about your results. Prior to your surgery, we will ask for a list of your medications. Be sure to list all prescription and nonprescription drugs, even natural supplements. We will also ask you about your general lifestyle, including your work schedule and your recreational habits. Don't be afraid to be honest with us regarding your lifestyle because it allows us to better plan your surgery and recovery.

the importance of a consultation

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Meet the doctorsDr. nathan Patterson

Dr. Patterson, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, maintains memberships in elite plastic surgeon associations including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is an active member of the American Medical Association, and is currently a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).

Dr. Patterson's education started at Birmingham-Southern College in Alabama, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude as a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. He then graduated medical school, earning an M.D. at the University of Alabama in Birmingham School of Medicine. Dr. Patterson's surgical training took place at Birmingham's Carraway Methodist Medical Center and the highly esteemed Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation in Louisiana. His plastic surgery residency was completed at the University of California San Diego, where he trained with some of the foremost plastic surgeons in the world.

Dr. Patterson has a passion for helping patients achieve their appearance goals. His artistic abilities and medical expertise combine to help you get the beautiful body you want.

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Peter Butler, M.D., FACS is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the National Board of Medical Examiners. He is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), and the prestigious Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. He has been practicing plastic surgery for 20 years. He is the co- founder of Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery, one of the largest and most well-regarded practices in North Florida.

Dr. Butler attended Florida State University, where he majored in biology and chemistry. Dr. Butler not only excelled academically at FSU, but athletically as well. He played for the FSU Lacrosse Team and was even a walk-on kicker for the FSU football team. After receiving his Bachelor of Science in Biology, Dr.Butler decided to pursue a graduate degree in chemistry. While the lab held great allure for Dr. Butler, he longed to combine his love of science with his passion for helping people. Medicine seemed to be the ideal way to realize both dreams. He was accepted into the University of Florida College of Medicine. After medical school, He chose a general surgery residency position at the University of North Carolina’s program at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, NC. During the five-year general surgery residency, Dr. Butler honed his surgical skills. He was also known for his ability to relate to his patients and explain complicated medical issues in an easy to understand way. Dr. Butler accepted a fellowship in plastic surgery at the University of Utah where he had the opportunity to learn plastic and reconstructive surgery from some of the best academic surgeons in the United States.

Dr. Butler believes that he and his patients are partners in achieving the best results possible. “I think one of the most important things a plastic surgeon can do is listen,” says Dr. Butler. “During their initial consultation, I take the time to really talk with a prospective patient. I want to understand thoroughly why someone has come to see me, what his or her expectations might be and what I can do to help.”

Dr. peter butler

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Dr. Leveque obtained her board certification by The American Board of Surgery in February, 1999 and The American Board of Plastic Surgery in March,1999 with a recertification in plastic surgery in 2009 and again in 2019. She became a fellow of the American College of Surgeons in October, 2000. She also holds memberships in many prestigious professional organizations including the America Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the Southeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons, and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. She was valedictorian of her high school class and received the Joseph M. Brunini and the Presidential Scholarship to attend Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama. She graduated cum laude from this prestigious institution with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Biology and Chemistry. She then attended the University of South Alabama College of Medicine earning a Doctor of Medicine degree. In medical school she was very active in the American Medical Association Medical Student Section and received the AMA recruiting award. Dr. Leveque remained at the University of South Alabama Medical Center to complete a five year general surgery residency which was ranked as one of the top general surgery programs in the country. Dr. Leveque spent the next four and a half years in New Orleans, Louisiana at Tulane University first completing a plastic surgery residency then an appointment as an Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Department of Plastic Surgery. She has been in practice in Pensacola for 20 years and is the co-founder for Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery. Dr. Leveque’s mission is to provide the highest level of quality care to the cosmetic and reconstructive patient in a relaxing, stress-free environment by a compassionate and highly skilled staff. She believes honest communication is the key to establishing a good patient/physician relationship.

Dr. jocelyn leveque

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Ready to discuss a cosmetic procedure? Call or send us a message anytime, and we'll be happy to schedule your consultation with Dr. Peter Butler, Dr. Nathan Patterson or Dr. Jocelyn Leveque. (If you would like to meet with one, two or all three of our award-winning plastic surgeons before deciding on which surgeon is right for you, we are happy to arrange that.)

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