Breast Augmentation Michigan

Breast augmentation is the enlargement of volume by the surgical placement of a breast implant. According to information provided by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), 330,631 patients underwent breast augmentation surgery in 2012 and the procedure remains one of the most popular procedures performed across the country today. The implantation device can be placed in women who feel that their breast is too small or who have lost volume from age, weight loss or pregnancy. Differences in size between the right and left – either naturally occurring or from a mastectomy because of cancer, for example – can also be improved with the use of breast implant. Women who have undergone enhancement or enlargement often feel a restored sense of image to their self esteem and confidence.

Saline and Silicone Breast Implants

Breast implants are devices that are either filled with saline (salt water) or silicone (gel). There are pros and cons with each device. Saline feel less natural and can show visible or palpable rippling; however, since all breast implants will eventually leak, there is no health concern if this happens. Silicone gel, however, feel more natural but if they leak, it may not be detected immediately. The good news is that scientific evidence so far has not shown women with silicone gel to be at any greater medical risk than those women with saline.

What are the incisions used?

There are basically four approaches to breast augmentation surgery. The most common sites would be the peri-areaolar (around the areola) and along the inframammary (crease) folds. These are the most straightforward approaches and have the advantage of being in direct proximity to the device so that their accurate placement can best be assured. A third approach involves placing the device through a cut made in the axilla (armpit); the scar is not on the chest but the manipulation of the implant to ensure its optimal position is potentially compromised. The final route involves placing the implantation device through a cut made around the navel and tunneling the device to its proper location on the chest. Unlike the other three approaches, the technique often places the implant above the muscle, which is often not the preferred location as the risk of scar tissue (capsule) problems can be higher. Finally, this method is not approved for safety by the FDA.

What can I expect after breast augmentation surgery?

Most patients in my cosmetic surgery practice in MIchigan feel that enhancement surgery was less traumatic than they expected and many stop taking their narcotic pain medication a day or two after surgery. The procedure is out-patient, which means you can go home the same day. The incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches and sealed with glue on the outside so there are no sutures to remove and patients can shower the very next day. Patients wear a support garment for about 4-6 weeks, after which, there are no restrictions at all.

Size and shape are important and should be a focus of discussion with Michigan board certified plastic surgeon Daniela Rodriguez, MD, PLC before breast augmentation surgery takes place. Many women believe they will be too large after surgery and therefore tend to choose a smaller size than what they really desired. However, there are also women who had friends who wished they had gone larger! These concerns are normal and Michigan Doctor and his staff will thoroughly discuss these options with you. Of course, you will likely become more comfortable with your new shape after surgery.

Your body’s size and characteristics, along with your desire for a specific shape and size, will usually dictate what is possible. You should be aware that after breast augmentation surgery one woman’s breast will be different than another’s even though the same breast implant was used. Also be aware that each woman’s body is different, and before and after photos of women who have had breast augmentation surgery, often shown on web sites, do not apply to you.

You should also understand that the female body will change over time, and your breast will sag and droop with age and also lose some volume over time. Additionally, you should understand that the size that you desire and the breast implant that you choose today may not be the same as what you might choose at a different stage of your life. In the future you may need a change of breast implant to achieve your desired result at that time.

Needless to say, follow up is very important and patients are encouraged to return to the Michigan office within the week, at six weeks, six months and a year. This will allow Breast Implants Michigan plastic surgeon Daniela Rodriguez, MD, PLC to not only address any concerns that you may have but also make sure that both short and long term progress has been up to his high standards.

Can breast augmentation surgery improve breast sagging?

This is an excellent and common question. In many cases, a small degree of sagging can be – if not corrected – at least tolerant to the placement of the breast implant. The key point to keep in mind is that the breast implant replace volume but don’t correct breast position. If the breast has significant drooping/sagging (ptosis) then a mastopexy – lift will likely be necessary. If the breast implant alone is used as a shortcut to attempt lifting the chest, the long term results will usually yield a larger chest that is still sagging. To complicate matters, the additional weight of the breast implant can even make the situation worse. Ultimately, both short and long term results and expectations need to be discussed.

What Size Options Do I Have?

Be frank and open in discussing breast size so that there is clear communication, from the beginning, between you and Michigan plastic surgeon.

Select several photographs from magazines illustrating ideal proportions, and bring these during your consultation as a way to begin the communication process. The examples should be of individuals with a similar body type to yours.

Don’t define your desired size only in terms of bra-cup size. Cup size can vary significantly among bra styles and manufacturers.

Michigan board certified plastic surgeon Daniela Rodriguez, MD, PLC also has breast implants in the office for you to “try on”. Do the same thing at home, using plastic bags filled with rice or oatmeal, and see how various sizes look in different types of clothing.

Maintain realistic objectives and don’t assume that bigger is always better. Bosoms that are too large not only will upset the aesthetic balance of your figure, but may promote more sagging and ultimately give you a “matronly” look. The best approach is to select the size that will look like a natural part of your body.

Additional Resources:
Candidates For Breast Augmentation in Michigan – Enlargement Surgery
Breast Implantation devices
Silicone vs Saline Breast Implants