Breast Lift, Breast Augmentation, and Other Breast Procedures - Camp Hill, Lancaster, Harrisburg
Board-certified plastic surgeon Wendell L. Funk, M.D., takes the same pride in his ability to sculpt the breast to match the expectations of his patients as he does in his skill with body contouring and plastic surgery of the face. His attention to detail and approachable manner make him the plastic surgeon of choice for women who expect beautiful, natural-looking results. A breast lift, breast augmentation, or other procedure at our Camp Hill, Lancaster, or Harrisburg-area office may boost your self-esteem and increase your self-confidence. Dr. Funk’s patients enjoy beautiful results from the following breast procedures:
Breast Augmentation
Full, beautifully shaped breasts can make any woman feel more feminine, attractive, and secure. Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure designed to increase and enhance the size and shape of a woman's breast. Working directly with Dr. Funk and his nursing staff, the breast augmentation patient receives guidance at our York, Lancaster, or Harrisburg (near Camp Hill) clinics in customizing the size and shape of the breast implants, which allows her to achieve the results that truly meet her expectations. During this outpatient procedure, a saline implant is carefully inserted either under or above the pectoralis muscles. The incisions used are areolar (through the dark circle of skin around the nipple), axillary (under the arm), or, most commonly, inframammary (in the inferior breast fold). Once the implant is placed in position through this very small incision, it is filled with a sterile saline (or saltwater) solution.
The position of the implant is dependent upon the size and shape of the breast and the specific medical history of the patient. In very thin women or women with very small breasts, positioning the implant under the chest muscles allows the muscles to act as a built-in natural bra. Once the implant is in place, the incision is carefully closed. Performed under general anesthesia, breast augmentation typically takes about one hour to complete. The average woman can return to non-strenuous activities in five to seven days. Typically, most women can return to their full range of physical activities, including exercise and athletics, in three to six weeks.
Silicone gel implants are available only to very select patients who meet stringent FDA guidelines. This can be discussed during your consultation with Dr. Funk. Breast augmentation can be used in conjunction with a mastopexy (breast lift) in patients who have significantly deflated or droopy (ptotic) breasts. For more information about breast augmentation, please schedule an appointment in York, Lancaster, or Harrisburg, near Camp Hill, at one of our comfortable offices.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
For a subtle enhancement of the bust line provided by nature, a breast lift may be the perfect solution. A breast lift can correct for the natural effects of aging such as drooping and sagging. The procedure can also get rid of the excess skin that can occur after pregnancy or nursing, or after a significant reduction in weight. The breast lift procedure consists of eliminating surplus skin and tissue, lifting and tightening the skin of the breast, and repositioning the nipples, thereby creating a perky, natural-looking breast.
A breast lift, which restores your youthful curves and shape, can usually be performed in two to three hours under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. It may take a month or more of recovery for patients to see the full benefits of breast lift surgery. If patients at our Camp Hill, York, and Lancaster offices want to increase their breast size as well, the procedure can be performed in combination with breast augmentation. Our goal with every breast lift procedure is to produce natural looking, beautiful results. As is the case with any other cosmetic surgery, realistic expectations for the breast lift procedure are key to achieving a successful outcome.
Breast Reduction
Women with overly large and heavy breasts frequently experience physical discomforts including neck, back, and shoulder pain, bra strap shoulder indentations, and skin irritation (intertrigo). Uncomfortably large breasts can make a woman feel self-conscious and embarrassed, as well as significantly limit physical activities and impair posture. Breast reduction is often a reconstructive procedure during which the breasts are made smaller, lighter, and more proportionate to the size and shape of the woman’s body in accordance with her goals. Preauthorization with your medical insurance company is almost always required for consideration of reimbursement from your insurance carrier. This request for preauthorization will be submitted to your insurance carrier after your initial consultation using photographs and all relevant health history information. If this request is denied, the procedure will then be considered cosmetic and the patient assumes responsibility for payment.
During the breast reduction procedure, excess breast tissue is removed, the nipple is usually elevated to a higher, more natural position, and the skin bra is then reshaped and tightened, yielding not only a smaller breast but also a more youthfully shaped and perky breast. The preoperative pain and discomfort are often immediately relieved by this surgical procedure, which can take two to three hours to perform. Breast reduction is usually performed as an outpatient surgical procedure under general anesthesia. Five to seven days after surgery, most patients are able to return to light activity. Within four to six weeks, most patients are able to resume most normal activities. Some women with large breasts may be candidates for breast reduction using the technique of liposuction. While this will make the breasts smaller, it usually will not result in making them perkier. This is more frequently reserved for younger women with large, but not droopy, breasts.
Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is commonly performed for women who have had a mastectomy (removal of a breast due to cancer or a pre-cancerous condition) or who may have significant breast deformities. Many women feel very insecure or self-conscious about the appearance of their breasts following mastectomy. Breast reconstruction allows many of their natural curves to be restored and can dramatically improve their quality of life and self-esteem.
Breast reconstruction is usually accomplished in stages and can span six to twelve months. Breast reconstruction can be classified as immediate or delayed. Immediate reconstruction means the surgical reconstruction is started at the time of the mastectomy. Reconstruction performed anytime after a mastectomy is considered delayed. Reconstruction can be performed using either tissue expanders and implants or autogenous tissues (natural tissues from the abdomen or back). Good to excellent results can be obtained with either procedure. The first stage of reconstruction, which is usually performed at the time of the mastectomy, is the longest and most complex. Subsequent surgeries are usually performed on an outpatient basis and involve much less discomfort with a more rapid recovery. Often, the other breast needs to be modified in order to achieve symmetry. This might require breast augmentation, breast reduction, or breast lift surgery.
Contact Wendell Funk, M.D.
There are many factors and variables to consider before undergoing breast surgery. A treatment plan can be formulated to meet your specific needs. Dr. Funk has tremendous experience with breast lift, breast augmentation, and other breast procedures. Contact us in the Camp Hill, Lancaster, and Harrisburg areas today to schedule an in-depth consultation at which you can discuss all of your concerns, goals, and treatment options.
To learn more about breast lift, breast augmentation, or another surgery available to Camp Hill, Lancaster, and Harrisburg-area residents, please contact Dr. Funk.
230 Harrisburg Avenue
Suite 7
Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17603
717.299.9551
1750 Fifth Avenue
Suite 300
York, Pennsylvania 17403
717.299.9551
Grandview Corporate Place
205 Grandview Avenue
Camp Hill, Pennsylvania 17011
717.299.9551
FAX: 717.399.9266