Breast Surgery

West Houston Plastic Surgery offers the full range of breast procedures — augmentation, lift (mastopexy), and reduction — performed in its on-site AAAASF-accredited surgical suite under IV sedation and local anaesthesia, with same-day discharge for most patients. Breast augmentation uses saline or silicone-gel implants placed over or under the pectoral muscle through a natural breast-crease incision. Mastopexy removes excess skin, tightens supporting tissue, and repositions the nipple-areola complex; an anchor or concentric incision pattern is chosen based on the degree of ptosis. Breast reduction addresses overly large breasts through a three-incision technique removing excess tissue, fat, and skin, with optional liposuction for underarm contour refinement.

West Houston Plastic Surgery provides a comprehensive breast surgery programme delivered by double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Alfonso Barrera and his associate Dr. Eric Ruff, whose specialty focus is aesthetic body and breast contouring. All procedures are performed in the clinic's on-site AAAASF-accredited ambulatory surgical facility, which operates under IV sedation with local anaesthesia (Total IV Anaesthesia / TIVA) rather than general anaesthetic gas — a distinction that may support a smoother post-operative recovery and reduced nausea for many patients. Exparel, a long-acting liposomal bupivacaine formulation, is used post-operatively to provide extended local pain control at the surgical site. Breast augmentation at West Houston Plastic Surgery is performed through a discreet incision placed in the natural inframammary fold (approximately 4 cm), through which either a saline-filled or silicone-gel implant is inserted and positioned over or beneath the pectoralis major muscle depending on the patient's anatomy, existing tissue coverage, and aesthetic goals. The submuscular plane may provide a more natural slope for patients with minimal native breast tissue, while a subglandular or subfascial position may suit patients with adequate tissue coverage who prefer reduced animation distortion during exercise. Both saline and cohesive silicone-gel options are discussed during consultation, and implant profile (low, moderate, high) is matched to the patient's chest width and desired projection. Breast lift (mastopexy) at West Houston Plastic Surgery addresses ptosis — the downward descent of the breast and nipple-areola complex caused by pregnancy, weight fluctuation, or time. The procedure removes excess skin from the lower pole of the breast, tightens the remaining envelope, and repositions the nipple and areola to a higher, more youthful position. Incision pattern is selected by degree of ptosis: a concentric (periareolar) technique suits mild cases, while the full anchor pattern (circumareolar + vertical + horizontal) is used for significant tissue descent. Many patients combine a lift with implant placement to restore lost upper-pole fullness simultaneously. Surgery lasts 1.5–3.5 hours; light daily activity typically resumes within one to two days, with overhead lifting and sports restricted for three to four weeks. Breast reduction alleviates the physical discomforts associated with disproportionately large breasts — neck, shoulder, and back pain; skin irritation in the fold; and difficulty with exercise. Dr. Barrera and Dr. Ruff employ a three-incision technique: a periareolar incision to reposition the areola, a vertical incision extending to the fold, and a horizontal incision along the inframammary crease. Excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin are resected; the areola is reduced in diameter if needed; and optional liposuction refines lateral chest and underarm contour. Procedure duration is 2.5–3 hours. Most patients return to non-strenuous work within one week, with full recovery at approximately six weeks. Houston-area patients considering breast surgery are encouraged to book a consultation to receive a personalised surgical plan and cost estimate.