Breast - Cosmetic Procedures

During the breast enhancement and breast surgery process, Dr. Slavin works closely with patients throughout the consultation to determine a personalized plan outlining the best options to fit their unique needs. His personal philosophy is to help patients look and feel like better versions of themselves. This is an important component of evaluating and advising patients on putting their breasts into better proportion.

Breast Enlargement

Breast augmentation uses implants to improve the size and shape of the breasts. It is an ideal procedure for patients who wish to enlarge their natural breast size, correct a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy, balance a different breast size or as a reconstructive technique following breast surgery. Patients who have sagging breasts and a lack of breast volume often combine breast lift surgery with breast enlargement to achieve a more youthful body contour.

Dr. Slavin first meets with the patient to gain a clear understanding of her wishes and surgery expectation. They discuss available implant devices, then use sizers and before-and-after photographs of similarly sized patients to determine which implant size, placement behind or in front of the pectoral muscle, placement of incision  and type – whether silicone or saline – is ideal. We use this process to ensure that every patient enjoys completely a customized treatment designed with her specific goals in mind.

Both saline and silicone implants are approved by the FDA for breast augmentation and have the same outer shell made of silicone plastic. Each offers its own advantages that Dr. Slavin carefully explores with patients as they decide which is right for their needs. An important consideration to keep in mind is that both implant types eventually need to be surgically replaced, usually after ten years or so. This means that multiple replacements will be necessary over one’s lifetime, with more in women who are very young at the time of the initial procedure.

A breast lift raises and reshapes sagging breasts to a more aesthetically pleasing position and youthful shape following pregnancy, weight loss, loss of the skin’s natural elasticity or simply the effects of aging and gravity. By removing excess skin and repositioning the remaining tissue and nipples, the surgery achieves an uplifted, youthful and more attractive contour to the breasts. Breast lifts can also reposition and reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple, which may have stretched or drooped.

Breast size does not change after a breast lift, nor does the fullness or roundness in the upper part of the breasts. Women who desire larger, smaller or more rounded breasts may want to consider a breast augmentation or breast reduction together with a breast lift.

Several types of incision methods can be used when performing a breast lift. Dr. Slavin thoughtfully considers a number of factors when determining which technique is best, including the patient’s breast size and shape, degree of sagging, size and position of the areolas and nipples, amount of excess skin and skin quality.

Breast reduction is designed to balance breast size with body proportions. It can also relieve a variety of medical problems associated with overly large breasts, including pain, improper posture, rashes, breathing problems, skeletal deformities and low self-esteem. The procedure removes fat and glandular tissue from the breasts and tightens skin to yield smaller, lighter and firmer breasts. It can also reduce the size of the areola if the goal is to achieve small, better-shaped breasts in proportion with the rest of your body. In addition to size reduction, the patient benefits from a simultaneous breast lifting.

Reconstruction Procedures

Breast reconstruction attempts to restore a breast to normal shape, appearance and size following a mastectomy from cancer or other disease. It is among the most rewarding surgeries available today and is a deep area of interest for Dr. Slavin. The most common technique combines skin expansion and subsequent insertion of an implant.