mammoplasty

mammoplasty /mam·mo·plas·ty/ (mam´ah-plas″te) mammaplasty.

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mam·mo·plas·ty (mm-plst)

n.

Variant of mammaplasty.

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Mammoplasty

Surgery performed to change the size of breasts.

Mentioned in: Plastic, Cosmetic, and Reconstructive Surgery

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mammoplasty

[mam′əplas′tē]

Etymology: L, mamma + Gk, plassein, to mold

plastic reshaping of the breasts, performed to reduce or lift large or sagging breasts, to enlarge small breasts, or to reconstruct a breast after removal of a tumor. To reduce the size of the breasts and raise them, excess tissue is removed from the underside of the breasts. The breast is then lifted, and the nipple drawn through an opening in an overhanging skin flap. To enlarge a breast, a saline-filled or silicone gel prosthesis is inserted in a pocket formed beneath the breast on the chest wall. The complications after surgery are infection and, with the use of foreign body implants, rejection by tissues. The nurse observes the nipples for signs of vascular insufficiency or congestion, applies a firm supporting breast binder or brassiere, and instructs the patient to limit use of her arms to lift herself.

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mammoplasty

plastic surgery of the breast.

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mammoplasty

Surgery Any form of surgery to the breast. See Augmentation mammoplasty, Breast implants, Mastopexy, Reduction mammoplasty.