The Practical & the Personal
Every woman has her own reasons for considering changing her breasts. Whether it’s enlarging your breasts, lifting them or reducing their size, it’s natural to want to improve yourself. Breast surgery isn’t just a way to change how you look, it represents a transformation in how you feel about yourself and your body.

Breast Augmentation
Breast Augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the nation. Dr Randolph performs a significant number of breast augmentations every year, and she also performs a large number of revisions for patients who have existing implants from previous generations.

Your visit will last about an hour and you will meet with Dr.Randolph and our Patient Care Coordinator, Ashleigh Myers, who will help you understand the logistics and finances of the procedure. In addition, you will be examined by the doctor and screened for any medical illnesses that would preclude surgery. If you are over 35, you need a current mammogram to proceed with surgery. Dr. Randolph will also speak with you about your desire for breast augmentation and your expectations, and you will learn learn about the procedure, types of implants, and try on multiple breast sizers to determine the best implant for your body type.

Choosing the implant that is right for you is another consideration when planning your surgery. Implants are named according to what fills them. Saline implants are filled with saline (sterile saltwater), and silicone implants are filled with liquid silicone gel. Regardless of what breast implants are filled with, they all have a solid silicone shell. During your consultation, Dr Randolph will discuss the benefits of each type of implant and make a recommendation.

Saline Breast Implants
1. Used for cosmetic augmentation and cancer reconstruction since 1999.
2. Made of outer silicone shell filled with sterile salt water.
3. Lasts 10-15 years before the shell wears out and the implant deflates; diagnosis is made by physician within 72 hours.
4. Edges of the implant is palpable and visible rippling is seen in some patients with thin skin.
5. Feels like a “bag” in thin patients and patients with loose skin.		 Silicone Breast Implants
1. Used for cosmetic augmentation lifts and cancer reconstruction since 1978.
2. Made of outer silicone shell filled with new cohesive silicone gel.
3. Lasts 10-15 years before the shell wears out. There are no outer signs of deflation, and the diagnosis of implant failure can only be made with an MRI test.
4. Edges of the implant are not palpable and conform to the breast tissue.
5. Feels like natural, soft tissue even in thin patients with loose or thin skin.

Breast Lift
A breast lift is necessary when age and life experiences change the shape and firmness of your breasts. During a breast lift, excess skin is removed and the nipple is repositioned for a more aesthetic appearance. Often an implant is also necessary for achieving optimum fullness and results.

Patients who are generally satisfied with the size of their breasts can have a breast lift to firm and create a more youthful breast contour. If you are unhappy with the volume of your breast then an implants might be used in conjunction with a breast lift can increase breast size at the same time as the shape and position of the breasts are enhanced.

Breast Reduction
Patients who undergo breast reduction surgery are often seeking relief from physical symptoms caused by the excessive weight of large breasts. If your breasts are out of proportion to the rest of your body and you have back, neck or shoulder pain caused by the weight of your breasts, reduction surgery might be an option for you.

Insurance coverage is sometimes available for breast reduction surgery. Many factors determine your eligibility. Please bring your insurance card to your consultation and we’ll discuss the matter in more detail with you. Also, we typically take photographs of your breasts to submit to your insurance carrier along with the request.

Breast Reconstruction
Breast Cancer Reconstruction may involve using muscle, fat and skin from other areas of  your body, such as the abdomen or back, in an attempt to restore the breast to near-normal shape, appearance and size following mastectomy. Occasionally, that flap can reconstruct a complete breast mound, but more often provides the muscle and tissue necessary to cover and support a breast implant. The process is then completed with nipple reconstruction, usually at a later date. Flap-type procedures usually take more time in the operating room and also require a more extended stay in the hospital after surgery.

More commonly, breast reconstruction involves use of breast implants to reconstruct the breast mound. Immediate breast reconstruction is performed at the same time as mastectomy, and delayed breast reconstruction is done at a later date after mastectomy. An implant expander, which is like a balloon, is put under the skin and chest muscle. Through a tiny valve under the skin, Dr. Randolph injects a salt-water solution at regular intervals over the course of 4 to 6 months to fill the expander. After the skin over the breast area has stretched enough, a second surgery is done to remove the expander and put in the permanent implant. Most of the implant reconstructions require shorter operative times and at most an overnight hospital stay after surgery. A final stage of nipple reconstruction is done at a later date if desired.