Considering Breast Lift Surgery? Here are things you need to know:

Over time as the skin loses its elasticity with age, pregnancy, and breast feeding, the shape and firmness of the breast is lost and the breasts often begin to sag (ptosis). A breast lift (mastopexy) is a surgical procedure performed by Dr. Shaw that lifts and reshapes the breasts to improve their appearance. During a breast lift, excess skin is removed and breast tissue is reshaped to raise the breasts.

A breast lift can also reduce the size of the areola (the dark skin around the nipple). A breast lift may also be completed in conjunction with breast enlargement surgery (augmentation). This procedure is designed to elevate the breasts and give them a more youthful appearance. It is important to discuss your expectations with Dr. Shaw at the time of your initial consultation.

Surgery to lift and artistically shape the breast is a common procedure at The Shaw Center. Dr. Shaw employs his expertise and special techniques that enable him to achieve consistent, natural,and pleasing results.

Am I a Candidate for a Breast Lift?

You might be a great candidate for a breast lift if you have one or more of the following issues:

  • Your breasts sag. They’ve lost shape and volume, or they’ve gotten flatter and longer.
  • When your breasts are unsupported, your nipples fall below your breast creases.
  • Your nipples and areolae point downward.
  • You’re areoles have stretched out of proportion to your breasts.
  • One of your breasts falls lower than the other.

How to Prepare for Breast Lift Surgery:

Schedule a mammogram
After your consultation with Dr. Shaw, he will ask that you schedule a routine mammogram before your surgery. This will give him a baseline mammogram to see the overall health of your breast tissue.

Stop smoking
Smoking decreases blood flow in the skin and can slow down the healing process, which could lead to complications after your surgery.

Avoid certain medications
Avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and certain herbal supplements which increases bleeding. Dr. Shaw and his team will go over your medical history and current medication lists and will advise you on which medications you should avoid.

Be at a healthy weight.
You want to make sure your body is healthy before undergoing any type of surgery. Dr. Shaw will make sure you are at an optimal and healthy body weight before performing surgery on any of his patients. Consider making dietary changes or participation in an exercise program to assist with weight loss if you have gained weight in the last year.

Arrange for assistance during recovery.
You will need to make sure you will have someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you as you recover. You might need someone to assist you with daily activities, such as showering, clothing, and other daily activities during your initial recovery.

What to Expect at Your Consultation with Dr. Shaw:

During your consultation, Dr. Shaw will spend considerable time, one on one, with you to assess your anatomy, tissue and skin characteristics, volume, breast history and your desires for long term outcome. This helps Dr. Shaw determine the right techniques for your anatomy that will achieve safe, predictable, and desired results.

Breast Lift (Mastopexy) Surgery Day:

The breast lift surgical procedure usually takes two to three hours. Techniques vary from patient to patient, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-like incision along the underside of the breast. The incision goes around the area where skin will be removed, thus defining where the nipple will be relocated. When the excess skin has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved into a higher position. The skin surrounding the areola is brought down and together to reshape the breast.

Some patients, especially those with relatively small breasts and minimal sagging, may be candidates for modified procedures requiring less extensive incisions. One such procedure is the “doughnut (or concentric) mastopexy” in which circular incisions are made around the areola and a doughnut-shaped area of skin is removed. If the patient is having an implant inserted along with the breast lift, the implant will be placed in a pocket under the muscle of the chest wall.

The Recovery Process: 

Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time. Bandages are applied right after surgery to aid in the healing process and to minimize movement of the breasts. Once the bandages are removed, the patient will need to wear a specialized surgical bra for several weeks.

Patients sometimes report minor discomfort associated with mastopexy, which can be treated with oral medication. While complications are rare. patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the post-operative directions given by Dr. Shaw and his team.

About Dr. Shaw 

Dr. Lawrence Shaw is a double board certified plastic surgeon in Scottsdale, Arizona with over 30 years of aesthetic surgical experience. Dr. Shaw’s excellent reputation is attributed to his uncompromising commitment to the highest standards of patient care, rational decision making and meticulous surgical technique. He has thousands of satisfied patients throughout Arizona, the United States and beyond.

Dr. Shaw is the founder and medical director of The Spa at The SHAW Center which has grown into a Premier Medical Spa offering non-invasive, anti-aging services ranging from advanced skin care, neurotoxins, injectable facial fillers, non-invasive fat reduction, cryotherapy, IV infusion therapy, to lasers for vaginal rejuvenation, hair removal and skin rejuvenation.

About The SHAW Center

At The SHAW Center, over the last 30 years, Dr. Shaw has created an environment to attract the best team possible to promote innovation and exchange ideas to fulfill our mission.

Dr. Shaw’s vision is to deliver the utmost in surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic care and patient experience. We strive to be the plastic surgery and medical aesthetic spa of choice where we consistently meet or exceed our patient’s expectations. Caring for our patients, assessing and realizing aesthetic goals in a safe, comfortable environment is always our top priority.

We provide compassionate personalized care that extends well beyond the treatment and recovery period leaving our patients with a positive lifelong lasting impression. It is personally gratifying to see how many patients from the 80’s and 90’s are still our patients and now referring their children to Dr. Shaw and our office. Our patients truly become “patients for life” and part of The SHAW Center family.

We invite you to come meet our incredible team to explore and realize your aesthetic dreams.


October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. It’s not just about acknowledging breast cancer as a whole, but making sure that the necessary steps are taken in order to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages. The SHAW Center is committed to making sure that all possible preventative measures are taken so that you can avoid scheduling the one consultation we never want you to have to make.


In the mirror:
Standing undressed in front of the mirror, with your arms relaxed by your sides, look for any skin puckering, dimpling, sores, or discoloration. Inspect your nipples and look for any sores, peeling, or change in the direction of the nipples.

Then with your hands on your hips, press down firmly to tighten the chest muscles beneath your breasts and turn side to side to examine the outer part of your breasts.
Next, lean towards the mirror while rolling your shoulders and elbows forward In order to tighten your chest muscles. Once your breasts fall forward, pay attention to any changes in the shape or contour of your breasts.

Now, clasp your hands behind your head and press forward. Again, turn from side to side to check the outside portion of your breasts, as well as the border underneath. You may need to lift your breasts to see this area.

Place your thumb and forefinger on the tissue surrounding the nipple and pull outward toward the end of the nipple to check for any possible signs of discharge.

In the shower:
Make sure you’re feeling for any changes in your breasts by checking for any lumps or thickening in your underarm area. Sometimes it is easier to detect these changes when your hands are slippery with soap and water. Put your left hand on your hip and reach over with your right hand to feel in the left armpit. Repeat with the opposite side.          
             
While your hands are still soapy, raise one arm behind your head to spread out the breast tissue, and use the flat part of your fingers from the opposite hand to press gently into the breast. Moving from the bra line to collarbone, follow an up-and-down pattern along the breast.

Lying down:
When lying down, place a small pillow under your right shoulder while putting your right hand behind your head.

Next, place your left hand on the upper portion of your right breast while fingers are together and flat. Following the perimeter of your breast and keeping your fingers flat, massage in circular motions feeling around for any strange lumps. Continue in this pattern until you’ve felt the entire breast. Make sure to feel the upper outer areas that extend into your armpit.

Place your fingers flat and directly on top of your nipple. Feel beneath the nipple for any changes. Gently press your nipple inward. It should move easily.

         Just In Case
          If you do discover any changes in your breast, you should see your health care provider as soon as possible for further examination. Changes you should be looking out for include:

-An area that is distinctly different from any other area on either breast
-A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm that persists through the menstrual cycle
-A change in the size, shape, or contour of the breast
-A mass or lump, which may feel as small as a pea
-A marble-like area under the skin
-A change in the feel or appearance of the skin on the breast or nipple (dimpled, puckered, scaly, or inflamed)
-Bloody or clear fluid discharge from the nipples
-Redness of the skin on the breast or nipple

Most plastic surgery procedures can be performed out of state, and in fact it is not uncommon to explore your options by searching around the country for your preferred physician. Most might find undergoing cosmetic surgery out of town more appealing due to the ability of being able to recover privately and out of the eyes of family and friends.  Confidentiality is key, and the SHAW Center ensures a customized and comfortable recovery period based on your specific needs and wishes.

Simple Steps
The process for out-of-town patients is made as seamless as possible when going through our surgical center. First, have a friend or spouse help you take photos of the areas you’re concerned with, and send them via email at info@theshawcenter.com, which will go directly to Dr. Shaw for review.
Following this you will want to schedule a phone consultation to voice your concerns, hear out Dr. Shaw’s recommendations, as well as discuss recovery plans.
Shortly after, your patient coordinator with help you in scheduling your surgery date along with pre and post-operative appointments.

Travel With A Friend
While maintaining your privacy during recuperation is essential throughout this process, making sure you have your spouse, a close friend or a family member by your side is also extremely important. Depending on the surgery, you may not be able to do everything yourself the first couple of days right after the procedure so having someone to assist you will allow you to fully focus on recovering.

What To Pack
Unless specifically recommended otherwise by Dr. Shaw, typically wearing loose-fitted clothing is recommended after your surgery. No need to pack any muumuus, but relaxed fits and sweatpants are ideal being that they’re extremely easy to get on and off. 

From demis to push-ups, finding the right bra for you can be a tedious process.  Having the proper knowledge of exactly what to look for in an undergarment can make a worlds difference and feel less overwhelming.  Knowing your bra size is critical, but there’s more to it than just numbers and letters.  Wearing a bra shouldn’t be like donning some dated, Victorian contraption. It should be effortless!
Not only is it important to determine which type of underwear you feel best in, it’s also instrumental in guaranteeing a flattering figure. Whether it’s the constant struggle of trying to reduce your bustiness or attempting to make your girls look even, there’s a solution for even the most frustrating fixes. Plus, at times wearing the right bra can even make you look as though you’ve dropped 10 lbs!
HerRoom has comprised a chart that both simplifies and personalizes your bust and its corresponding bra style. Obviously, you can’t define your breasts based entirely off of a structured list of categories, but it will aid in helping to give you that extra needed support and shape. 
For example, a demi cup will allow for you to showcase some cleavage due to its shorter underwire and wide-set straps. If you’ve recently come to terms with the fact that no matter how much you try your top is a stage one clinger and won’t settle without first exposing your bra’s silhouette, then the t-shirt bra might be the best bet. Lift your spirits and your bust with these considerations next time you’re in the market for some new lingerie. Do not forget to embrace your shape!
            Contact The SHAW Center at (480) 767-1900 for more information about a breast reduction or augmentation procedure or to schedule a consultation! 

            The latest technology for breast lifts, Seri Surgical Scaffold, helps maintain your results better than before.  Seri Surgical Scaffold is a new, innovative surgical mesh derived from natural silk.  The mesh aids in preserving the breast lift by resisting the stretching or “bottoming out” of the lower portion of the breast that may occur post mastopexy (breast lift) regardless if you have implants or not.
            Dr. Shaw, a nationally recognized plastic surgeon, had the pleasure of being among the first group of US surgeons hand selected to be trained in the use of Seri back in September, 2013.  Seri Surgical Scaffold has been approved to be utilized in procedures that demand soft tissue support and repair, like breast lifts.
            Seri Surgical Scaffold is the premier and exclusive Silk-based Biological Scaffold, not originating from human cadavers or animal tissue.  More particularly, Seri is a “knitted, multifilament, bioengineered, long-term bioresorbable scaffold.”  Studies have shown that after 2 years Seri tissue indicated about twice the standard strength of ovine fascia. 
            Silk was one of the first and finest supported surgical substances and was only accessible as a quality suture, until Seri Surgical Scaffold.  Seri aids in strengthening and supporting tissues that have been stretched due to large breasts, implants or aging.    
            If you’re intrigued by Seri Surgical Scaffold and would like to find out if it’s fit for you, call The SHAW Center at (480) 767-1900 to schedule a Breast Lift Consultation with Dr. Shaw. 
  
           
           
        

            About 1 in 8 U.S. women (approximately 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime, according to www.breastcancer.org.  Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, it’s not only essential to become more conscious about it but to also educate yourself.  There are numerous myths out there about breast cancer and we’re here to help set some of the popular ones straight!    
A Double Mastectomy Will Save My Life If I Have Cancer in One Breast: Research has proven that double mastectomies don’t boost survival rates.  In fact, the chance of cancer spreading to the other breast is extremely low, approximately 1 percent or less.  A double mastectomy is a longer, vigorous procedure and holds higher risk than breast-sparing techniques.
Deodorant Can Cause Breast Cancer: This one is entirely false and there is no evidence to support it.  One reason why people may believe this is thanks to email blasts over ten years ago that alerted women that certain chemicals used in deodorant imitate estrogen, which then increases a woman’s breast cancer risk.
Wearing an Underwire Bra Causes Cancer: Some believe that underwire bras squeeze the lymphatic system in the breast, which then creates toxins to gather and eventually lead to breast cancer.  This is theory is simply not scientific.  The tightness and type of bra you wear doesn’t have any effect on your risk of breast cancer. 
All Breast Lumps Are Cancerous: When you discover a lump in your breast, you should immediately contact your doctor, however don’t panic and automatically assume it’s cancer.  “Roughly 80% of lumps in women’s breasts are caused by benign (noncancerous) changes, cysts, or other conditions,” according to www.health.com.  Although not all lumps are cancerous, discovering breast cancer early is advantageous. 
Cancer Will Spread When Exposed to Air: Research demonstrates that surgery doesn’t cause or spread breast cancer.  One result from surgery is that your doctor can discover that the cancer has spread more than they previously thought. 

            Due to Dr. Shaw’s numerous years of experience within the plastic surgery industry, it is uncommon for him to come across new and exciting things that compliment his status of expertise.  However, 3-D Vectra imaging has trumped this theory. 
“3-D imaging and morphing technology has come a long way and will help my patients better understand the proposed surgery and together we can come to a visual agreement of intended surgical results,” said Dr. Shaw.  “Patients who have had the opportunity to experience the technology are very excited about it.”
            When you come in for a consultation at the SHAW Center, your photo will be taken with a VECTRA 3D picture session.  Dr. Shaw will then be able to show you the various possible results of your aesthetic procedure due to special simulation software with the 3D picture.  You can play around with altered looks until you come across one that you desire. 
            Once you determine which image you like best, the simulation will supply a foundation for your surgical procedure.  The majority of patients are at ease going into their surgery since they have a better idea of what their desired outcome will be. 
            Try out an online demoto get a feel for how 3-D imaging works.  Although you can get a rough idea from the demo, a consultation with Dr. Shaw and the VECTRA software allows you to use a 3D image of your own body, “try on” different size implants, see the results from different angles, and choose the implant that’s best for you.
            If you are interested in scheduling a consultation with Dr. Shaw or have any questions, contact the SHAW Center at (480) 767-1900.

            If you are receiving a procedure from the SHAW Center Spa, all treatments will be performed within our office.  For more invasive procedures, there are several options for surgical facilities.  The North Scottsdale Outpatient Surgery Center is a modern, state-of-the-art facility conveniently located on the first floor of our building, offering a comfortable private outpatient surgery option.  The Piper Outpatient Surgery supplies a personalized high quality care for patients undergoing a surgical procedure.  Dr Shaw is also on the staff of Good Samaritan Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital with full admitting and outpatient surgical privileges.
The North Scottsdale Outpatient Surgery Center’s highly trained staff will work with you before, during and after surgery to help you feel as comfortable as possible.  The facility is a fully AAAASF-accredited Ambulatory Surgical Facility, meaning that it is frequently inspected and evaluated to be accredited by the program.  The AAAASF preserves the highest standard of excellence for the facilities it certifies and regularly updates its requirements for safety and quality of care.
            The operating suite within the North Scottsdale Outpatient Surgery Center is fully prepared, providing general anesthesia and innovative instruments and monitoring devices for patient safety throughout surgery and recovery.  Board-certified anesthesiologists perform all procedures that involve anesthesia and all staff members are certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).
            The Piper Outpatient Surgery Center supplies tailored, high caliber care for patients enduring a surgical procedure.  This surgery center is located on the Shea Campus of Scottsdale Healthcare.  Patients experience comprehensive nursing care from the moment they are admitted until they are properly discharged.  On top of that, Piper provides a remarkable quiet nursing care unit that creates a relaxed, therapeutic environment for patients that need to extend their stay for 1 to 2 days.  This unit also enables one adult family member to stay overnight with the patient.  

            

            Dr. Shaw has a high level of expertise and experience within the plastic surgery industry.  He was originally born and raised in Long Island, New York and completed his undergraduate at Emory University.  He received his medical degree from New York Medical College in 1979 and then continued to achieve a five-year General Surgery residency.  He completed his plastic surgery residency training at the Phoenix Integrated Plastic Surgery residency in 1986.

            Since then Dr. Shaw has performed thousands of plastic surgery procedures.  He is now a double-boarded Plastic Surgeon, which demanded 7 years of surgical training alone.  He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties to certify doctors in Plastic Surgery.  He is also certified by the American Board of Surgery.                  

            The American Board of Plastic Surgery only certifies physicians who have completed the following:
  • Medical School
  • A specialized residency in Surgery, Otolaryngology, or Orthopedics
  • A Plastic Surgery residency
  • A rigorous set of oral and written examinations

            Aside from his certifications he is also a member of regional and national medical societies including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
            Throughout his 25+ years of performing plastic surgery in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, he has been recognized and awarded with numerous achievements.  Some of his recognitions include receiving the most votes in the category of Plastic Surgery and was also named the “Top Doc” in Plastic Surgery in Phoenix Magazine in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014.  He was named “Top Doc” in both Plastic Surgery categories – Body and Facial Plastic Surgery in 2013.  The readers of Scottsdale Magazine also voted Dr. Shaw as the “Best Plastic Surgeon in Scottsdale.”
           Dr. Shaw now exclusively practices Cosmetic Plastic Surgery utilizing the most innovative techniques available such as endoscopic facial and breast surgery and ultrasonic and laser assisted liposuction (SmartLipo).  Find out more about Dr. Shaw along with reviews, photos, and frequently asked questions at www.realself.com
            Undergoing plastic surgery is a significant event and it’s important to find a plastic surgeon that makes you feel secure and comfortable about your procedure.  Often times patients search throughout the country in order to find the best plastic surgeon.  Utilizing a surgeon that is out of town provides privacy, confidentiality and enables a patient to recover away from their friends and family.  The SHAW Center’s excellent reputation attracts a number of patients from outside Arizona.  We have a few simple steps in order to adequately accommodate out of town patients. 
            Once you decide to undergo a procedure, have a friend or spouse help take photos that can easily portray your areas of concern.  Email the pictures along with your concerns to info@theshawcenter.com or click on the Contact us link on our website.  Our forms of contact are confidential and is sent directly to Dr. Shaw to analyze. 
            After you send Dr. Shaw pictures, the next step is to set up a phone consultation.  Throughout your conversation with Dr. Shaw he will provide his recommendations along with your surgical and recovery plans.  You are more than welcome to express any concerns or questions throughout your consultation.  A general pricing plan can be supplied along with financing assistance as needed.  Keep in mind that surgical planning and pricing may alter until it is established with an in-office evaluation. 
            Following a phone consultation, you may schedule a surgery date along with pre-operative and post-operative appointments.  Contact Samantha at (480) 767-1900 to schedule your surgery and visit to Scottsdale.  Our staff will tailor your recovery period depending on your specific needs and customize it to your desires.