Breast Surgery

Breast surgery is any procedure performed on the breast, usually altering size, shape, or positioning. Both men and women have breast surgery for different reasons. You may choose this surgery for cosmetic reasons, to improve the way you look or feel about your appearance.

Breast surgery may be a medical procedure, done to improve your health. Some people have breast reduction surgery to relieve back pain while others have part of a breast or the entire breast removed due to cancer.

Dr. Lapuerta provides a full spectrum of breast surgery procedures. His knowledge and experience are enhanced by the state-of-the-art facilities where he performs the procedures for breast surgery in Texas. His continued commitment to ongoing education ensures he stays up to date on the latest trends and techniques in breast surgery. Services he provides include:

Breast Augmentation

This surgery enhances the patient’s breast size and shape either through fat transfer or silicone or saline implants. You can increase your breast size by one or two cups, occasionally even more. It can restore the size that may have been lost from losing weight or pregnancy, and it can also improve the symmetry between breasts.

Breast Lift

This procedure allows the doctor to lift breasts that have begun to sag as the skin loses its elasticity. The doctor removes excess skin and tightens the remaining skin and muscle to give the breasts a lifted appearance. This procedure is often performed along with a breast augmentation or breast reduction.

Breast Reconstruction

A doctor may recommend this procedure after breast cancer, which requires a full mastectomy of one or both breasts or a partial mastectomy. It involves taking tissue from other areas of the body, such as the abdomen, and moving it to the chest. Dr. Lapuerta rebuilds the breast to its original shape and size or to match it to the remaining breast. This surgery can help restore a woman’s self-confidence after going through a serious and life-changing illness.

Breast Reduction

In this procedure, the size of the breasts is reduced by the removal of excess breast tissue. Patients may choose this procedure if they don’t like the size of their breasts or if they suffer from back pain because of the weight of the breasts.

Breast Implant Removal

This procedure is often performed when a previous breast augmentation leads to problems with the implants. In other cases, the patient may decide they don’t want the implants anymore, especially since they can require removal after about 10 to 15 years. The doctor removes the implants through small incisions around the breasts. If you’re suffering from signs of breast implant problems, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Lapuerta, who can help you decide if you need to have the implants taken out.

Regardless of which type of breast surgery you want to have, you’ll want to choose a reputable surgeon. You want someone who has the experience, skills, and certification to help you feel confident about the procedure. One of the most important decisions you’ll make with any type of breast surgery is who you choose to perform the procedure. This choice can impact your recovery time and your results. It can also reduce the side effects and risks that accompany any surgical procedure.

Dr. Lapuerta is an experienced breast reconstruction surgeon in Houston, TX, and the Chief of Plastic Surgery at St. Joseph Hospital. His kind and caring manner puts patients at ease as they discuss their goals for breast surgery in Houston. He helps them develop realistic goals for their appearance after surgery. You can schedule a consultation to talk with Dr. Lapuerta, and together you can decide if Houston breast surgery is the next step in your life.

Breast implants come in different shapes and sizes. Dr. Lapuerta will help you decide on the right fit for your body. You’ll want to consider how the implants will enhance your appearance and complement the rest of your curves for a more natural look. They come in a round or teardrop shape, which adds fullness to your breasts and looks more natural if you have thick breast tissue.

The two types of breast implants are saline and silicone.

Saline and Silicone Implants

Saline implants have a silicone base filled with a saline solution. They can be inserted before being filled, allowing the surgeon to adjust them to fit your body using a smaller incision.

Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel. They have a more natural look and feel. If the silicone implant leaks or breaks, the gel will stay inside the implant. You can choose either a round or teardrop shape for silicone implants, while saline implants must be round.

Implant Shapes

Depending on the type of implant you select, you have two options for its shape. Round implants are full all over, but they have various profiles, which means how high they sit on your chest. The higher the profile, the more fullness you achieve in the upper part of your breasts. Most round implants have a smooth texture, which will help prevent wrinkling.

The teardrop implant is tapered and has a subtler look, which appears more natural. It generally creates fullness in the lower part of the breast, which is beneficial for women with minimal breast tissue. Teardrop implants are textured, which makes them noticeable if they move out of place. They can only be filled with saline, which can limit their usage.

Considering Breast Implant Size

Implants are measured in cubic centimeters. The higher the number, the bigger the implant will be. When deciding on how much bigger to go, you’ll want to consider how your body can handle the larger implant. If your implant is too big, you can end up with wrinkles, stretch marks, and the bottom of the implant slipping out of place. Dr. Lapuerta will work with you to decide the correct size for your implants to help you achieve the look you want while avoiding complications.

Before you have breast surgery, you will need to meet with your doctor for a consultation. They will ask you questions, such as why you want surgery, what you hope to achieve with surgery, and other medical concerns. They will perform an exam to determine if you are healthy and a good candidate for breast surgery.

The doctor will discuss any steps to take to prepare for surgery. They may have you stop taking medications like aspirin and other prescription medications. You may need a blood test and begin taking vitamins if recommended. You will need to stop smoking or using nicotine and avoid alcohol until after your recovery.

The doctor will measure your breasts and take photos for before and after images. This is also the time when you can ask questions about the surgery and recovery process.

Healing time after breast surgery depends on the procedure you are having. Recovery will take at least one week and up to six weeks or even longer for a breast augmentation. You can expect to be sore for several weeks even as the pain lessens.

The doctor will have you wear a compression garment to help reduce swelling. They will also give you restrictions, such as not lifting or engaging in heavy exercise.

Best Scar Treatment After Breast Surgery

You can expect to have scars after breast surgery, but you can minimize them with the right treatment. After the incision has closed, you’ll want to begin applying a scar treatment. The best products include silicone as the main ingredient. Massage the scar as you apply the gel, which will help keep the scar soft and flatter.

If you follow your doctor’s instructions, the breast surgery scars will fade in time. It will take some time for them to become less noticeable, but they shouldn’t be as visible if you maintain proper care.

The cost of breast surgery varies, depending on the procedure. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a breast lift costs an average of around $5000. The average cost of a breast reduction is slightly higher at almost $6000. Breast augmentation is a little lower at $4500.

None of these prices include the cost of anesthesia, the use of the operating room, or other expenses. When you schedule a consultation with Dr. Lapuerta, he will discuss pricing based on your goals.

If you’re considering breast surgery in Houston, Dr. Lapuerta has a clinic near you where he provides surgery for breast augmentation, breast reduction, and breast lift. Patients are treated in an outpatient setting at a private surgical facility. This facility meets the standards for outpatient safety with AAAASF accreditation.

Dr. Lapuerta is recognized as one of the premier breast surgeons for augmentation and breast revision in Houston. In addition to his practical skills, he serves on the faculty of the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at St. Joseph Hospital. He is triple-board-certified and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Dr. Lapuerta has privileges at many of the local area hospitals, including St. Joseph Hospital, Southeast Memorial Hospital, St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, and Pearland Medical Center. To maintain his certifications and privileges, he must meet continuing education requirements, which helps to ensure he stays up to date on advanced techniques in breast surgery in Texas. With his privileges at these state-of-the-art facilities, he has access to the newest equipment, which can help reduce recovery time and improve results. He’ll also provide you with breast augmentation recovery tips to help you get back to your normal routines as quickly as possible.

If you’re considering breast surgery in Houston, you can read testimonials from former patients. You can also look at before-and-after photos to see the successful results of previous surgeries. If you’re facing the same situation, you’ll see what you can do with breast reconstructive surgery, which can give you hope.

Best Plastic Surgeon in Houston for Breast Implants

Dr. Lapuerta is dedicated to patient satisfaction. He’ll take the time to meet with you for an initial consultation, listen to you, and discuss your goals for having breast surgery in Texas. He will help you make the right decision on size and shape and answer any questions you may have.

With over 20,000 surgeries performed, many of them breast surgeries, Dr. Lapuerta has a high success rate with his patients. He looks at surgery as more than just changing the physical. He also considers how it impacts the mental and emotional aspects of the person by improving their self-confidence and body image.

The Art of Breast Surgery: A Personalized Approach

Dr. Lapuerta believes in a personalized approach to every Houston breast surgery he performs. He avoids the “factory” attitude of plastic surgery, where some surgeons quickly churn out procedures. Instead, he takes the time to sit down with you and discuss your unique needs and goals. He will answer any questions you have in a comfortable setting where you can relax. Dr. Lapuerta encourages conversation and provides honest information in a kind way. His goal is to help you make a big decision that will impact your life in a stress-free environment.

During your initial consultation, you’ll learn all about the breast surgery you plan to have. You’ll see photos of before and after surgery along with a video that prepares you for the procedure. Dr. Lapuerta will go over your medical history and perform his own physical exam. He doesn’t rush you through the process. Instead, you can plan for an in-depth meeting that will take at least an hour.

Dr. Lapuerta considers the height and build of the person when determining breast implants or reconstruction. For instance, a petite woman might find it challenging to have large breast implants, while someone with a taller or sturdier frame may not have any trouble carrying larger implants. He is diligent in finding out what your personal goals are. You might want to fit in the same size clothes on top as on the bottom or feel more confident in swimsuits or revealing clothing. Your goal might be to get back to your pre-pregnancy body. Dr. Lapuerta understands that breast surgery is about more than just changing the size and shape of your breast. It’s about how you feel about your new look. He’ll help you navigate all these decisions for the best natural-looking results of your breast surgery in Houston.

Finding the Right Plastic Surgeon in Houston

When you’re choosing a plastic surgeon for breast augmentation and other types of breast surgery in Houston, Texas, you want someone who is experienced with female patients. They should have an in-depth understanding of how changes in breast size and shape impact their entire appearance. They should also recognize the mental and emotional impact these procedures can have on a woman.

Dr. Lapuerta has been performing Houston breast surgery for over two decades. His compassion and kind nature make it easy for him to converse with his female patients and get to know their needs and goals for having the procedure. They trust his guidance, knowing that he truly cares about them and wants to help them achieve their goals.

Dr. Lapuerta is a well-respected, experienced plastic surgeon who is triple-board-certified with privileges in many of the Houston area hospitals. He has performed countless breast surgeries over the past 20 years. If you’ve been searching for a qualified surgeon to perform breast surgery in Houston, Texas, you’ll be impressed with what Dr. Lapuerta offers. Schedule a consultation to learn more about how he can help you look and feel your best. Contact Dr. Lapuerta and his team today.