Breast Surgery – Options at Our South Carolina Center
Experienced plastic surgeon Richard J. Wassermann, MD, MPH, FACS, specializes in breast procedures to help patients enjoy an improved body contour and proportion, and increased self-confidence.
Dr. Wasermann's expertise in breast surgery has earned him a reputation for consistently superior results. He performs breast augmentation, breast lift (mastopexy), breast reduction, and breast reconstruction to help patients at his South Carolina center enjoy more shapely, proportionate figures.
Additionally, as the only plastic surgeon in Columbia who performs transaxillary endoscopic breast augmentation, Dr. Wassermann is able to provide his patients with increased options for the most individualized treatment and natural-looking results possible.
Patients at our private surgical facility can also take advantage of overnight accommodations available in our fully-staffed center. This extra level of care makes the immediate recovery period as convenient and relaxing as possible.
During your personal consultation at our plastic surgery center, Dr. Wassermann can help you understand your options and make the decision that is right for you.
- Breast Augmentation
- Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
- Breast Reduction
- Male Breast Reduction
- Breast Reconstruction
Breast Augmentation
Performed to increase breast size and create a more shapely, feminine figure, breast augmentation at our South Carolina plastic surgery center produces natural-looking and beautiful results. With an eye for symmetry and proportion, Dr. Wassermann can help patients make their dreams a reality.
Dr. Wassermann works with each woman to develop a personalized treatment plan based on her unique goals. Careful consideration is put into pre-operative choices such as implant type and size (shaped, silicone or saline), incision location, and implant placement (above or below muscle) to ensure maximum satisfaction with the breast augmentation procedure.
Implant Type
Moderate profile implants can be used to achieve the most natural shape and appearance with a broader base. High profile implants create forward projection for a given breast width producing more upper pole fullness and allowing for the correction of some ptosis and sagging.
In addition to saline implants, Dr. Wassermann has access to silicone gel-filled implants for certain anatomic conditions and reconstruction. The size of the implant, whether moderate or high profile, will also influence the final result.
Incision Location
Breast augmentation at our South Carolina Center may be performed through periareolar (around the areola), inframammary fold (breast crease), or transaxillary (through the underarm) incisions. The incision placement will influence the size and type of scarring that develops.
Dr. Wassermann is the only plastic surgeon in Columbia who performs transaxillary endoscopic breast augmentation. This technique allows the entire procedure to be completed through a small incision hidden in the underarm.
Implant Placement
Implants may be placed over or under the pectoralis muscle depending on personal preference and body type. There are specific benefits to both techniques, and Dr. Wassermann can help his patients determine which approach is appropriate for them.
Dr. Wassermann's extensive experience and careful treatment plans allow most breast augmentation patients at our South Carolina center to enjoy a rapid recovery and to return to non-strenuous activities in one week.
To learn more about breast augmentation options, please contact our South Carolina cosmetic surgery center today to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Wassermann.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
For women who have experienced decreased volume or tone in their breast tissue due to weight loss, aging, pregnancy, or other factors, the breast lift procedure can be an ideal option for restoring a youthful contour by reshaping and coning the breast and repositioning it higher on the chest wall.
At his South Carolina center, Dr. Wassermann skillfully performs breast lift surgery to raise and reshape the breast, creating a more aesthetically pleasing and defined figure. Patients often look years younger and pounds lighter after undergoing breast lift surgery.
In certain patients, the breast lift procedure can be combined with breast augmentation for enhanced results, correcting breast sagging and ptosis and creating harmony between the nipple and point of maximum projection of the breast mound.
The result of Dr. Wassermann's medical expertise, personalized treatment approach, and artistic vision is a natural-looking, balanced, and attractive breast lift outcome. Scarring, incision placement, and other concerns are discussed thoroughly prior to the procedure so patients can make informed decisions that are right for them.
Typically, breast lift patients at our South Carolina center are able to return to work and light activities in one to two weeks.
Contact our practice today to learn more about breast lift options or to schedule a consultation at our convenient Columbia, South Carolina location.
Breast Reduction
Physical discomfort, multiple additional symptoms, and dissatisfaction with appearance are commonly cited concerns of women who desire breast reduction surgery. Often, excessively large and heavy breasts cause chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain and can interfere with daily activities. Dr. Wassermann's comprehensive breast reduction training and personalized surgical techniques minimize scarring.
With breast reduction surgery, Dr. Wassermann gives his patients a more proportionate figure that relieves their symptoms and improves self-esteem. He has performed extensive research on the efficacy and outcomes of breast reduction surgery and combines his detailed knowledge with an innovative touch to achieve beautiful, natural-looking results.
During breast reduction surgery, incisions are made around the areola and extend down the breast and along the crease. Excess skin and tissue are removed and the breast is reshaped, coned, and lifted on the chest wall with elevation of the nipple. As part of the process, the areola is reduced in size as well.
Surveys of Dr. Wassermann's previous patients have shown that 85 percent report complete relief of all pre-operative symptoms. The remaining 15 percent report an 80 percent reduction in their symptoms. This is in addition to a more balanced figure, improved posture, increased clothing options, and enhanced confidence.
Average breast reduction weight loss is approximately 4.5 pounds at the time of surgery and 12 pounds six months post-surgery.
Typically, breast reduction patients at our South Carolina center are able to return to work and other light activities in one to two weeks.
For more information on breast reduction surgery, please contact our South Carolina practice. During your consultation, Dr. Wassermann can help determine if this treatment is appropriate for you.
Male Breast Reduction
Gynecomastia, or enlarged male breasts, is a common condition that may occur for a number of reasons and can affect men of all ages, causing physical discomfort as well as self-consciousness.
To treat this condition, Dr. Wassermann performs a type of breast reduction surgery at his South Carolina center, removing excess glandular and fatty tissue and creating a flatter, firmer, and more masculine chest wall. Various techniques may be utilized to achieve the best results based on each patient's unique anatomy.
Most gynecomastia patients at our center enjoy a rapid recovery with minimal scarring and are able to return to work in one to two weeks.
Contact our cosmetic surgery center to schedule a private consultation to discuss gynecomastia treatment with Dr. Wassermann.
Breast Reconstruction
To help restore a sense of wholeness and overall well-being following breast removal (mastectomy), Dr. Wassermann performs reconstructive surgery at all local hospitals and his South Carolina center.
Reconstruction can be performed in an immediate fashion (combined with mastectomy) or in a delayed fashion when treatment of the breast cancer has been completed.
Typically completed in stages, breast reconstruction can be achieved using various techniques. Two of the most common include a skin expansion technique along with a breast implant or a TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis muscle) flap technique, which utilizes skin and soft tissue from the patient’s abdomen to create a new breast mound.
A subsequent step includes reconstruction of a nipple and areola. Part of the reconstructive sequence can also include a procedure on the unaffected breast (augmentation, mastopexy, or reduction) in order to ensure excellent symmetry.
Dr. Wassermann's uncompromising commitment to excellence and personal, compassionate care ensure that his patients complete their recovery with confidence. Please note that due to the sensitive nature of this diagnosis and procedure, photos are available for review and discussion at the consultation.
Contact our South Carolina cosmetic surgery center to learn more or to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Wassermann.
Contact Our Plastic Surgery Center Today
To start enjoying improved body contour and increased self-esteem with options like breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, or breast reconstruction, please contact our South Carolina cosmetic surgery center today.
Patients interested in learning more about breast surgery options can also review our glossary of plastic surgery terms and check out our before and after photo gallery to view the stunning results Dr. Wassermann's previous patients have achieved.
Dr. Wassermann may suggest liposuction, abdominoplasty, facelift, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, BOTOX® Cosmetic, Restylane®, and more to further enhance results.
For more information on breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, or breast reconstruction, please contact our South Carolina plastic surgery center.
Plastic Surgery
Consultants
1220 Blanding Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Ph. 803.779.1200
Fx. 803.779.1220
Please see our glossary for information on common plastic surgery terms.
For the convenience of the cosmetic and reconstructive surgery patients at our South Carolina practice, our New Patient Forms can be downloaded. Please complete them prior to your visit and bring them with you to ensure you get the most out of your consultation.
