Houston Breast Augmentation Procedures

Henry A. Mentz, M.D., PA, FACS, FICS

The most common plastic surgery breast procedures include breast augmentation (or breast enlargement) using saline breast implants, mastopexy (or breast lift) and macromastia (or breast reduction).

Breast implants were invented in Houston, Texas, in 1962 and Dr. Mentz's training with their inventors in 1989, 1990 and 1991 provided him with insight into the management of individual breast implant cases at multiple levels of difficulty. Through detailed discussions and careful measurements Dr. Mentz will work with you to determine the breast procedure that is right for you.

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Breast Augmentation & Breast Enlargement in Houston - Texas

Women with small or underdeveloped breasts who wish to increase the size of their breasts may choose to have a procedure called breast augmentation mammoplasty, or simply, breast augmentation implants. Both moderate and large breast augmentation is available, and Dr. Mentz will discuss with you which procedure is best for your body type and lifestyle. Implants can increase your breast size from one to three cup sizes. You may try on implants in our clinic to assist in choosing you correct size.

During breast augmentation, Dr. Mentz will make 3/4 inch incisions either in the crease under the breast or at the edge of the areola (the dark skin around the nipple) so that he may insert the implants under or over the chest muscle. He will then fill the implants with saline to achieve the desired size and shape of your breasts.

The procedure is normally completed under general anesthesia and lasts from one to two hours. Sutures are used underneath the skin and do not require removal. You will be encouraged to wear a sports-style bra with frontal closure. Most patients can return to work five to six days after their surgery and resume exercise and other strenuous activities after two weeks.

The best candidates for breast augmentation are women who want to improve the appearance of their breasts, but not perfect their breasts. Some women may believe their breast size is too small, while others have the procedure after pregnancy and having lost a large amount of breast volume. Breast augmentation also is used as a corrective surgery for women who have breasts of different sizes.

As with all surgical procedures, certain risks are associated with breast augmentation and breast implants, such as excessive bleeding, infection or desensitization or numbness of the nipples. Dr. Mentz will discuss with you all possible risks and complications before you have your surgery.

Breast Lift Plastic Surgery in Houston, Texas

Mastopexy, or breast lift, is a procedure used to safely lift sagging breasts, which are a result of aging and also pregnancy. During your breast lift, Dr. Mentz will remove excess skin from the breasts, as well as raise the nipple to a higher position. He will then reshape the skin to create breasts that are more youthful in appearance.

Depending on your breasts, Dr. Mentz may also recommend saline breast implants in addition to a breast lift. This combination may be done more safely with a two part implant inflation of the implant innovated by Dr. Mentz in 2004. Women who are planning pregnancies may wish to postpone a breast lift, as it may need to be repeated after each pregnancy.

Breast lift surgery is performed as outpatient surgery and generally lasts two to three hours. Most patients can return to work four to five days after surgery. Dr. Mentz will discuss with you all risks associated with the surgery during your office visit.

Breast Reduction Surgery in Houston, Texas

Breast reduction surgery normally is performed to correct a medical problem, as weight from very large breasts can cause women back pain, neck pain, skin irritation and/or problems with breathing. Some health plans may cover this procedure for women whose large breasts contribute to medical problems.

During breast reduction surgery, Dr. Mentz will remove fat, tissue, and excess skin from the breast, resulting in their becoming smaller, lighter and firmer. He also will reposition the nipple in proportion to your new breast size. The procedure is not recommended for women who intend to breast feed or for girls whose breasts are no fully developed, but if large breasts are causing serious problems, Dr. Mentz may recommend this procedure for younger patients.

The surgery lasts about three to five hours under general anesthesia, and your recovery period will last from about seven to 10 days. Most women can return to work in about two weeks, but should avoid lifting or strenuous exercise for almost four weeks. During the several weeks following your surgery, you will need to wear a support bra to reduce swelling and bruising.

To learn more about Breast surgery contact Dr. Mentz at
713-799-9999.

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