Just some questions...

[Tonys Girl]

Hello Dr. Pelletiere,

I have a few questions and woudl like some of your input! Thanks in advance.

My first breast augmentation is in 7 days. Some background info:

I have A-cup tuberous breasts. I'll be getting silicone implants placed via the circumareolar incision. My PS said that he will score my breast tissue inside. He also said that I will be getting a mastopexy, but not a breast lift. (I thought the 2 were the same?) I was told that mastopexy can refer to any type of re-shaping of the breast. (I'm kinda having a difficult time understanding this.) He also said that I will have a few stitches in my crease, but they won't really be stitches for an incision. I'm getting the circumareolar incision! I'm just kinda confused. I forgot what he told me when I asked him about some of these questions that I have:

1. Why would he want to use drains, and do drains increase the risk of getting CC?

2. What, exactly, is mastopexy? Is it true that mastopexy doesn't necessarily mean that you're getting a lift?

3. What could the purpose of those stitches at my crease be?

Thanks so much!

[Dr. Pelletiere]

Congratulations on your upcoming surgery. I am not sure why your surgeon needs to use drains, but each of us is different. I do not use drains at all for an augmentation, lift, etc. At the end of my surgeries the pocket should be completely dry, so there is no reason for a drain. However, some surgeons still like to use them. It will not increase your risk of contracture. A mastopexy does refer to a lift - with most women who have tuberous breasts, it is not enough to score the breast tissue. You often still need to raise the nipple-areola up a little on the chest so it sits in a better position on the implant. While not a full lift, it is still a type of lift. The sutures on the inside are to help secure the fold and placement of the implant. Usually with tuberous breasts you have to create a new fold for the implant to sit at. It is helpful to reinforce this fold internally with some sutures so that the implant doesn't try to bottom out. The best thing for you to do after your surgery is be patient - with tuberous breasts it can take months before the tissues fully stretch out, etc, and form the more natural shape. I hope this helps.

[Tonys Girl]

Oh man, you are AWESOME.

Your response was so thorough, and I understood everything that you were talking about. Thank you SO, SO much. I really appreciate your time!!