Breast Augmentation

Your Breast Augmentation Options

A breast augmentation procedure involves the placement of prosthetic breast implants in order to enhance the breasts’ appearance. Implants come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and textures. It’s important to understand your breast implant options as thoroughly as possible, since each type of implant comes with its own set of benefits.

Patients can choose between silicone breast implants and saline breast implants. Saline implants consist of a silicone shell which is inserted and then filled with sterile salt water to achieve the patient’s desired breast volume. Silicone implants contain silicone gel within a silicone shell. The gel has a thicker consistency than saline, offering a more natural feel. However, placing silicone implants typically requires a larger incision than with saline implants.

Gummy bear implants are a specialized type of cohesive silicone breast implant. They are often called form-stable implants because whenever there is a rupture, they maintain their form rather than collapsing.

Along with implant type, you will need to decide between teardrop-shaped (anatomical) and round implants and whether you want implants with smooth or textured surfaces. There are many choices when it comes to the profile of breast implants, as well.

Our surgeons will further customize your breast augmentation procedure by selecting the optimal placement technique. With subglandular placement, implants are placed behind the breast tissue. With submuscular placement, implants are placed behind the pectoral muscle.

Your Breast Augmentation Consultation

During your consultation with your surgeon, you will inform him about your aesthetic goals for breast implant surgery. Your surgeon will perform a physical examination and will go over your full medical history, including past procedures and pre-existing conditions. A personalized breast implant treatment plan can then be designed for you.

Your surgeon will review your treatment plan with you, explaining exactly how the procedure will be performed. Details regarding pre- and post-operative care requirements will also be discussed, and any questions you may have will be addressed.

How to Prepare for Breast Augmentation Surgery

You can expect to receive pre-operative instructions that are tailored to your unique needs. These will include information about any necessary changes in how you take certain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

It is imperative that patients cease smoking several weeks in advance of any cosmetic surgery. This is because smoking interferes with the body’s ability to heal, increasing the risk of complications.

Patients should also spend ample time planning for their recovery. Be sure to arrange for transportation home after your surgery, as you will not be able to drive yourself. You will also need someone to assist you around the house for the first 24-72 hours of your recovery, and you will need to coordinate with your employer for approval of about a week of time off work.

What to Expect During Your Breast Implant Procedure

At the start of your breast augmentation procedure, anesthesia will be administered. Next, an incision will be created. This may be made within the underarm area (transaxillary), along the inframammary fold, or breast crease (inframammary), or around the areola (periareolar).

A pocket will be made in the tissues to house the implant. Next, the implant will be passed through the incision into the tissue pocket. Finally, the incision will be closed with stitches. This process will then be repeated for the other breast.

What Is Breast Augmentation Recovery Like?

Most patients fully recover within six weeks. However, every human body is unique, so the recovery timeline will vary from case to case.

You will be fitted with a surgical bra at the conclusion of your breast implant procedure. It is important that you wear this specialized compression garment, as directed, to protect the treatment area and promote optimal healing.

The first five to seven days are a period of bed rest. Temporary discomfort, pain, bruising, and swelling are common. Pain medication will be prescribed, and cold compresses can aid in swelling reduction.

You will need to return to our office periodically for follow-up appointments, so the surgeon can assess how the healing process is progressing. Based on his findings in these appointments, he will approve incremental increases in physical activity levels over the next several weeks until you can safely resume your full, normal routine.

Breast Augmentation Results

Your breast implants will settle and “fluff” as the treatment site heals. For most patients, complete healing and final results can be expected within three to six months.

Most patients enjoy their breast implant surgery results for a decade or more. However, breast implants are not intended to last a lifetime, so replacement procedures are often recommended after about 15 years. The longevity of your breast augmentation results will also depend on how your body responds to the natural effects of gravity and aging.

Breast Augmentation Cost

When determining the cost of breast augmentation surgery, factors like the price of the chosen implant and total surgical time are considered. Additional factors that may impact pricing include the surgical techniques required and anesthesia fees. The cost associated with your breast implant augmentation procedure will be reviewed with you during your consultation.

Arrange a Consultation

Women considering breast augmentation in Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair, or Wayne County are encouraged to contact Renaissance Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. Our team looks forward to providing the personalized care and transformative results you deserve.