Breast Augmentation
Detroit plastic / cosmetic surgeon - Farmington Hills, MI and surrounding Suburbs
Breast Enhancements: Breast Augmentation | Breast Lift | Breast Reduction
| Breast Augmentation Before & After Photo Gallery |
|
 |
 |
| Before | After |
| Click here to view Photo Gallery | |
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to enhance the shape and size of a woman’s breasts, using breast implants. This procedure can help to make the breasts more proportionate to the rest of the body, even out breasts which are different in size or shape, and it can enlarge and reshape breasts which have lost their fullness or shape due to weight loss, pregnancy, breast feeding, or age. Breast augmentation can also be used for reconstructive purposes on patients who have undergone mastectomy or those with a congenital breast deformity.
The best candidate for breast augmentation is a woman over the age of 18 who is unhappy with her breast size or shape and looking to alter their appearance. Patients must be psychologically stable, physically healthy, and have realistic expectations. Breast augmentation can enhance the look of the breasts, and often has the added benefit of increasing one’s self confidence.
THE SURGERY
Breast augmentation typically takes between one to two hours to complete and may be performed under general anesthesia or a combination of local anesthesia and IV sedation.
There are several different possible locations for the incisions: axillary, which is under the armpit, inframmary, which is within the crease below the breast; and periareolar, which is around the nipple. Dr. Hardaway will make a determination of the most effective method to achieve the most positive results. Once the incision is made, the breast tissue is lifted to make a space or pocket into which the implant is then inserted. The implant may be placed in one of two locations: subglandular, which is above the chest muscle, or submuscular, which is beneath the chest muscle. The implant is typically a silicone shell that is usually filled with either medical grade silicone or a saline solution. Saline implants are inserted empty and then filled, allowing for minimal scarring. Silicone implants are pre-filled. After the implant is inserted, the incisions are then closed. Stero strips may be used for added support. You will be discharged with a surgical bra.
Breast augmentation involves many different options and techniques. Choices must be made about the incision location and the implant placement. The choices that are right for you will depend upon your individual circumstances, and, thus, are best made with the help of Dr. Hardaway. In terms of incision placement, the axillary and inframmary placements are typically associated with fewer complications with future breast feeding, though both of these placements do produce a visible, though small, scar. The periareolar placement involves a very small scar, but it is associated with an increase in breast feeding complications. There is also a fourth placement, known as the umbilical or endoscopic placement, which involves the placement of the implant through the naval or belly button, though this is a relatively new technique, and generally not recommended.
THE RECOVERY
After surgery, patients often feel somewhat sore and stiff, which can last for up to a week. Some degree of pain is usually experienced because the procedure stretches the tissues, though the submuscular placement of the implants is typically associated with more discomfort. Prescribed pain medication can help alleviate any pain or discomfort you experience. Dr. Hardaway may also request that you keep your arm extensions to a minimum, raising your elbows no higher than your armpit, for three to five days after surgery.
Two days after surgery, you will be able to shower and will need to wear a support bra for thee weeks. Sutures are usually removed within a week to ten days after surgery.
The breasts may feel tight at first as the skin adjusts to the new breast size, and the breasts themselves may seem firm at first, though they will soften in time. Swelling is common and usually begins to fade within a few weeks. Increased sensitivity to physical contact of the breasts may occur for a month or longer. The scars will be pink right after surgery and for several weeks, but will fade over a period of several months. The amount of time it takes to recover will be different for each patient and for each technique. However, most patients find that they can return to work a few days after surgery. Nonetheless, you will need to refrain from overly strenuous activities for several weeks.
If you have been wondering if a breast augmentation is right for you, we encourage you to contact our office today to set up a personalized consultation with Dr. Hardaway. This may be the most important decision you make this year. Call (248) 855-6030
Visit our plastic / cosmetic surgery office located in Farmington Hills, Michigan (MI), a suburb of the Detroit area.
