Below you will find the breast procedures we perform at our office. To learn more about our cosmetic surgery services, schedule a consultation today.
- Breast Augmentation
- View Our Breast Augmentation Gallery
- Breast Lift
- View Our Breast Lift Gallery
- Breast Reduction
- View Our Breast Reduction Gallery
- Breast Reconstruction
- Breast Implant Removal
- Gynecomastia (Male Breast Surgery)
Breast Augmentation
Objective: To increase breast size for a shapelier figure.
Thousands of women choose breast enlargement, or breast augmentation, each year as a successful body contouring tool. Depending on your unique beauty goals, we'll help you choose the breast size and shape that fits you perfectly. If you're self-conscious about your breast size, and you've always dreamed of having a more voluptuous figure, breast augmentation could be the perfect solution.
During Breast Augmentation Surgery
During breast augmentation, a small incision about two inches in length is made either in the fold beneath the breast, around the lower half of the areola (dark skin around the nipple), or in the underarm area. Next, the doctor creates a pocket either directly under the breast tissue or underneath the chest wall muscle. The placement of this pocket will depend on the surgeon's technique and the patient's anatomy. Then a breast implant or prosthesis is inserted into this pocket. As your body heals, it forms a membrane of scar tissue around the device to hold it in place. Several sutures are necessary to close the incisions. The breast augmentation procedure may take from one and a half to two hours to complete.
Anesthesia
Breast augmentation can be performed using general, intravenous, or local anesthetic depending on surgical technique and your anesthesia preference.
Recovery
Following breast enlargement surgery, a dressing and elastic bandage is applied for about one week. You can be up and about within a day, but strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for approximately four to six weeks. Depending upon the surgeon's preference, you will either wear an under-wire bra or a surgical soft bra for one week to control swelling and the position of the implants. Normal activities are gradually resumed over a period of two to four weeks. Bruising will disappear within a few weeks and swelling after a few months. You also may experience some degree of firmness in the breasts for a few weeks following breast enlargement surgery. This should also diminish with time.
We're Affordable!
It is our goal to make our procedures affordable for everyone. In general, breast augmentation surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by health insurance. We offer a variety of financing plans to fit your budget.
Before and Afters
Click on the thumbnail below to view our breast augmentation before and afters.
Breast Lift
Objective: To lift sagging breasts for a more youthful appearance.
Many women first notice the effects of time when their breasts begin to lose their fullness and the supporting skin begins to lose shape and elasticity. Pregnancy, nursing, genetics, aging, and fluctuations in weight can all contribute to sagging breasts. A breast lift, also referred to as a mastopexy, might be a solution for women who wish to rejuvenate their breasts and regain a more youthful body contour.
During Breast Lift Surgery
The design of the incisions can vary but usually involve one incision around the areola, another incision that runs vertically from the edge of the areola to the crease underneath the breast, and one horizontal incision along the crease under the breast. All of the incisions resemble an anchor shape or an inverted "T". The nipple and areola are then repositioned, the excess skin is removed, and the breast is reshaped in a pleasing contour and in a more normal position. A breast lift can be done with or without a breast implant for breast enlargement. This decision will be based on a patient's personal goals and the amount of available breast tissue.
Anesthesia
A breast lift is normally performed using general or local anesthesia with sedation.
Recovery
The length of time it takes to recuperate after a breast lift varies depending on the techniques used and the patient's individual characteristics. Following surgery you will wear a surgical bra. Bandages will be removed after one week during a post-operative visit. During that visit you will also be instructed on when you can switch to a support bra. You could possibly return to non-strenuous work within the first week, though this will be determined by the doctor. After several weeks you may return to most of your normal activities, including mild exercise. Scars are permanent but will fade considerably over time.
We're Affordable!
It is our goal to make our procedures affordable for everyone. In general, breast lift surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by health insurance. We offer convenient financing with Wells Fargo and Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union.
Breast Reduction
Objective: To reduce the size of breasts that are too large and may pose health risks.
Many women complain of breasts that are heavy and cumbersome that cause a variety of health problems. Oversized breasts can put unwanted strain on the upper body and may cause tiredness, lack of energy, and long-term back problems. If you would like a more comfortable breast size, a breast reduction may help you alleviate the daily stresses associated with breasts that are too large.
During Breast Reduction Surgery
Techniques for breast reduction vary depending on a patient's individual needs and the surgeon's preference. The most common technique involves an anchor-shape incision circling the areola, extending downward, and following the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. Excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin are then removed. The nipple and areola are then repositioned, giving breasts a natural appearance.
Anesthesia
Breast reduction surgery is normally performed using general anesthesia with sedation.
Recovery
After breast reduction surgery, you will be sent home with dressings on the incisions and will be wearing a support bra. Within the first week you may be able to return to non-strenuous work, though this will be determined by your doctor. Most patients can usually return to work, and other activities that don't involve much strain, approximately two weeks after surgery. Surgical scars are permanent, but they will fade with time.
We're Affordable!
It is our goal to make our procedures affordable for everyone. Breast reduction could be a covered expense under various health plans when meeting their individual criteria. We accept most major health insurance carriers, and we offer a variety of financing plans to fit your budget.
Breast Reconstruction
Objective: To recreate the normal breast following a mastectomy (removal of a breast due to cancer).
Breast reconstruction surgery performed at the time of mastectomy is called immediate breast reconstruction. Breast reconstruction surgery can help women who have lost a breast, or both breasts, to cancer by restoring the missing breast tissue. Our highly skilled surgeons will work with you to reconstruct your breast for a more natural look and feel. A breast reconstruction may also be performed months or years after mastectomy.
During Breast Reconstruction Surgery
The most common method of breast reconstruction is the skin expansion technique using a breast implant. After mastectomy, a balloon expander is inserted beneath the skin and chest muscle. This balloon expander will be gradually filled in the doctor's office with a salt water solution. This causes the overlying skin to stretch. When the skin has stretched sufficiently, the expander will be surgically replaced with a more permanent implant. Some expanders are designed to be left in as the permanent implant. Another common technique, called flap reconstruction, uses tissue taken from other parts of the body, such as the abdomen, to reconstruct the missing breast.
Follow up procedures could include reconstruction of the nipple and areola. Your surgeon could also recommend an additional operation to lift or reduce the opposite breast to match the appearance of the reconstructed breast. Your surgeon will discuss the different types of breast reconstruction with you during your consultation and help you choose the method that will give you the best results.
Anesthesia
Breast reconstruction surgery is normally performed using general anesthesia with sedation.
Recovery
After breast reconstruction surgery, sutures are usually removed in about seven to 10 days. Overall physical recovery from breast reconstruction can take up to six weeks, though this can vary depending on the extent of surgery and method used. It is usually recommended that anything strenuous - heavy lifting, sexual intercourse, contact sports - be abstained from for about three to six weeks after surgery. Following breast reconstruction, scars will begin to fade after several weeks, although it may take several months to see a significant fading.
Coverage
Insurance companies are now required by law to cover the expense of breast reconstruction after mastectomy. The law also requires coverage for procedures to restore and achieve symmetry on the opposite breast. However, many insurance companies still require a letter of predetermination for breast reconstruction and subsequent procedures. Our office staff will gladly help you with this and any other matter related to your surgeries.
Breast Implant Removal
Objective: To remove breast implants.
The most common reason that cosmetic patients wish their breast implants removed is to have larger implants placed. There are also replacement operations for implant rupture and breast hardening, or capsular contracture . The initial insertion of breast implants is a voluntary procedure, so anyone who has had a breast augmentation is entitled to removal of the implants. However, the breast implant removal may be more of a necessity in situations involving implant rupture or incomplete healing. Depending on the situation, scar tissue may be removed in addition to the breast implants.
During Breast Implant Removal Surgery
The doctor will surgically remove your implants and, if desired, replace them with a variant size or material. You may also opt for removal of the scar tissue barrier or "capsule" that naturally forms around the implants when they are inserted. This procedure is called a capsulectomy. A Breast Lift, or Secondary Breast Augmentation procedure may be performed at the same time as the implant removal.
Anesthesia
Depending on the extent of surgery, breast implant removal can be performed using local anesthesia with sedation. General anesthesia may also be used.
Recovery
If only implants are removed, pain will be minimal. If implants and capsules are removed, the discomfort will be similar to the discomfort experienced after the initial augmentation procedure. Postoperative discomfort can be controlled with oral medication. Most patients are able to return to work just a few days after breast implant removal. Recovery from swelling should also take just several days. Strenuous activity should be postponed for about six to eight weeks.
We're Affordable!
It is our goal to make our procedures affordable for everyone. Breast implant removal for cosmetic reasons is not a covered expense under health insurance. We offer financing with Wells Fargo and Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union.
Gynecomastia (Male Breast Surgery)
Objective: To remove fat and/or glandular tissue from overdeveloped male breasts in order to achieve a flatter, firmer, and better contoured chest.
Gynecomastia affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of the male population. It may affect one breast or both. There is no known cause in most cases, although certain drugs and medical problems have been linked with the over-development of male breasts.
During Gynecomastia Surgery
If mainly excess fatty tissue needs to be removed, the procedure will likely consist of liposuction to remove the excess fat. Incisions are placed around the areola, or can also be placed in the underarm area.
If the gynecomastia is caused by excess glandular tissue, this tissue will be surgically removed. This can be performed alone or in conjunction with liposuction. Incisions are made in an inconspicuous area (around the areola or in underarm area). In some cases, when significant amounts of skin and tissue need to be removed, the incisions will be larger, resulting in more conspicuous scars.
Anesthesia
Depending on the extent of surgery, male breast reduction can be performed using local anesthesia with sedation. General anesthesia may also be used.
Recovery
You will feel some discomfort for a few days after the surgery. This can be remedied with oral medication, prescribed by your surgeon. There will be swelling and bruising for awhile and you will be instructed to wear a garment for a week or so and for a few weeks longer after that at night. It may be 3 months or more before the final results are visible. You will be advised to avoid strenuous exercises and sports or activities that risk a blow to the chest. However, you can be up and walking the day of your surgery, and can return to work when not taking pain medication.
We're Affordable!
It is our goal to make our procedures affordable for everyone. Our office will do a predetermination to see if gynecomastia surgery is a covered expense under your health insurance policy. We accept most major health insurance carriers, and we offer financing with Wells Fargo and Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union.
To schedule a consultation or to ask us a question about a cosmetic surgery procedure, contact our office today.
Breast surgery performed by Dr. John D. Franklin can help you achieve your optimal body contour. Contact us today to learn how a breast procedure can give you the look you desire.
Specialists in Plastic Surgery, P.C.
979 East Third Street,
Suite A-0445
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37403
(Our office is at 979 East Third Street, Suite A-0445 in Chattanooga. Located inside Erlanger's Medical Mall, take the "A" elevators to the 4th Floor and meet our medical team at Suite A-0445.)
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Ph.866-492-6554
Fx. 423-778-7450