Detroit Breast Augmentation

Serving Metro Detroit & Michigan For Over 30 Years

At Chau Plastic Surgery. we strive to provide you with the best results. We will take the time to discuss all the options available to you so you can make an informed decision that best fits with your goals.

    Before & Afters 
    All procedures performed at Chau plastic Surgery

    FAQs: Breast Augmentation

     

    Why Get A Breast Augmentation?

    Breast augmentations are a very popular plastic surgery procedure that can have a positive impact on the following aspects of a woman’s life:

    • Balance of left and right breast size and shape
    • Overall balance of body appearance
    • Self-image and self-confidence
    • Restore breast fullness and shape

    Subfascial Breast Augmentation: Our Specialization

    Here at Chau Plastic Surgery in Berkeley, Michgan, we encourage our patients to undergo a more advanced surgical technique for breast augmentation called the subfascial breast augmentation.

    Above your pectoral muscle, there is a strong layer of tissue which covers the muscle called the fascia. For this type of procedure, our board-certified plastic surgeons will place the implant under the fascia but above the pectoral muscle. There are a few key advantages in utilizing this method versus subglandular (under the breast tissue but over the muscle and fascia) and submuscular (under the muscle) breast augmentations:

    More natural anatomical placement

    • More natural movement with no displacement when moving arms (a common effect with submuscular implants)
    • Better cleavage appearance (due to not having to place the implant under the muscle)
    • More natural appearance
    • Less post-operative pain
    • In some instances, eliminate the needs for breast lift

    There is a chance, however, that a subfascial breast augmentation may not be right for you. In this case, Dr. Chau and Dr. Tanzman will utilize the best method possible to achieve your desired results regardless if it is under the tissue, under the muscle or under the fascia. The only way to determine which procedure is right for you is to schedule an in-office consultation with our doctors.

    Types of Breast Implants

    Saline-filled Implants

    These implants consist of a silicone shell that is filled with saline (salt water). Versus silicone gel-filled implants, they tend to feel more firm and subsequently less natural. When saline implants are utilized, the empty shell of the implant is inserted first and then filled, thus requiring a much smaller incision. In the event of accidental rupturing, the harmless saline solution is absorbed into the body.

    One downside to saline-filled implants is the occurrence of rippling. Our surgeons can help prevent this from happening by utilizing a submuscular-type breast augmentation.

    Silicone-filled implants

    These implants consist of a silicone shell that is filled with a silicone gel. The silicone gel mimics the consistency of human fat and therefore looks and feels more like natural breast tissue.

    Placement of silicone implants can be either subglandular (under the breast tissue but over the muscle and fascia), subfascial (under the membrane covering the muscle but over the muscle itself) or submuscular (under the muscle).

    In the case of rupturing or leaking, this type of implant will maintain its shape and integrity. Because of this, the FDA recommends (but not mandatory) an MRI screening after 3 years to proactively detect ruptures or leaks.

    The Chau Plastic Surgery Difference

    Here at Chau Plastic Surgery in Berkeley, Michigan, we take our time in assessing your needs and utilize our extensive experience and training to determine which breast augmentation surgery and implant type and size are right for you. We have collectively performed thousands of breast augmentations and are confident that we can give you the look that best balances your desired appearance and your overall health.

    To get a consultation or to ask us a question about our breast augmentation procedures, give us a call at 248-799-2880 or schedule an appointment today!

     

    Metro Detroit – Breast Augmentation

    When it comes to the female body, the breasts have been a timeless, classic example of how a specific part of the body can enhance one’s beauty. Although beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, it seems that, regardless of the culture or the era, the breasts have remained a significant factor, weighing heavily on the female attractiveness scale: This can be disheartening for women who lack the larger breasts they desire. The good news is that today a woman in the Metro Detroit Area can attain the breasts she desires with the help of the board-certified plastic surgeons at Chau Plastic Surgery. This innovative breast-enlargement procedure is referred to as a Breast Augmentation (aka augmentation mammoplasty or breast implant surgery).

    What Issues Can a Detroit Breast Augmentation Address?

    An augmentation mammoplasty can be performed using either silicone or saline implants.

    Issues addressed with breast implant surgery include:

    • Lopsided breasts – Breasts appear uneven.
    • Reduced breast size – Small breasts resulting from the removal of breast cancer.
    • Deflated-looking breasts – Mothers who notice changes in the appearance of their breasts after they finish breastfeeding.
    • Naturally smaller breasts – Women who would like to have larger breasts.
    • Tubular breasts – This genetic abnormality can be addressed with a Breast Augmentation.

    Reasons Women in the Metro Detroit Area Choose to Have Implants Placed

    A woman may decide to have a Breast Augmentation to:

    • Improve the overall balance of her body.
    • Balance her breasts.
    • Increase her breast size.
    • Enhance their shape.
    • Raise her self-confidence level by improving her self-image.

    Are Breast Implants Safe?

    Yes, the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has approved both silicone and saline breast implants. When used as intended, both saline-filled (salt-water solution) and gel-filled (silicone) breast implants are safe.

    Implants have been approved by the FDA for:

    • Increasing the breast size.
    • Reconstructing the breasts following trauma or a mastectomy.
    • Correcting developmental defects.
    • Improving the results of a previous breast surgery.

    All the breast implants that are used at Chau Plastic Surgery are approved for use by the FDA.

    Breast Augmentation Options Available In Metro Detroit

    Before having an augmentation in the Metro Detroit Area, patients have a few options to consider.

    Incision Location

    There are three incision locations frequently used during an augmentation mammoplasty.

    1. The Inframammary Incision (IMF)

    For most patients, the preferred incision is the inframammary.

    Benefits of an IMF incision include:

    • A reduced likelihood of complications.
    • Easy manipulation of the implant, which allows the surgeon to have more control and provide the patient with a precisely placed implant.
    • Should a second surgery be required, the IMF incision site can be used.
    • The IMF incision option may not be the best choice for patients who are prone to developing thicker, wider scars (i.e., keloid scars).
    • As time passes, the scars resulting from breast implant surgery usually fade substantially. Furthermore, when an IMF incision is used, the natural breast crease helps to hide this scar.

    2. The Periareolar Incision for a Breast Augmentation

    This incision is created along the base of the nipple-areolar complex.

    Benefits of the periareolar incision include:

    • The scar resulting from this incision tends to blend in well with the slightly darker skin of the nipple.

    3. The Transaxillary Incision

    This incision is created in the armpit area.

    Benefits of the transaxillary incision include:

    • Due to the location of this incision, there are no scars on the breast itself.
    • Patients enjoy less noticeable scarring.

    The transaxillary method does make implant surgery more difficult to perform because manipulating the implant from this location can be challenging (especially for an inexperienced plastic surgeon).

    Implant Location Options for a Breast Augmentation

    At Chau Plastic Surgery in the Metro Detroit Area, patients have three implant location options available. These placement options include the subglandular, submuscular and the subfascial.

    1. Subglandular Placement

    The implant is placed beneath the glandular tissue, but above the fascia and pectoral muscle.

    2. Submuscular Placement

    The implant is placed beneath the glandular tissue, the fascia membrane and the pectoral muscle. This implant placement option provides patients with a more natural-looking result than can be achieved with subglandular placement.

    If a patient has a muscular chest, the submuscular placement may not be the best option because the muscles can distort the implant’s shape or cause discomfort.

    3. Subfascial Placement

    The subfascial placement option is one of the most recent advancements in breast implant surgery techniques and the surgeons at Chau Plastic Surgery specialize in performing this innovative Breast Augmentation procedure.

    Directly above the pectoral muscle is a layer of tissue. This tissue is referred to as the fascia. When performing a Subfascial Breast Augmentation, the surgeon places the implant beneath the strong layer of fascia, but above the patient’s pectoral muscle. This placement offers patients better, more natural-looking results.

    The Subfascial Breast Augmentation Difference

    The surgeons at Chau Plastic Surgery specialize in performing this type of augmentation. As such, they frequently encourage their patients to choose this more-advanced augmentation method.

    When compared to the other Breast Augmentation placement options available (i.e., submuscular and subglandular), there are a few key advantages to choosing a Subfascial Breast Augmentation.

    These advantages include:

    • Reduced postoperative pain.
    • A completely natural-looking result.
    • The potential to eliminate the need for a breast lift.
    • Natural structural placement and movement.
    • Enhanced cleavage. This enhanced cleavage is possible because the implant was not placed beneath the muscle.
    • No displacement while moving the arms: This is a relatively common side effect that occurs when implants are placed submuscularly.

    Some patients are not considered to be good candidates for a Subfascial Breast Augmentation, which is why the traditional subglandular and submuscular Breast Augmentation procedures are also available at Chau Plastic Surgery.

    The Types of Implants Available in the Metro Detroit Area

    Silicone and Saline

    Each type of implant has its own benefits, which is why knowing the differences between the two and the benefits each type of implant offers is vital when choosing the best option.

    Both types of implants consist of a silicone outer shell. These shells can vary in thickness, surface texture and contour.

    Additionally, silicone and saline implants are available in a variety of sizes.

    Silicone implants:

    • These implants successfully mimic human fat, which is why this option tends to feel more natural than the saline implants do.
    • Since these implants consist of a thick gel, recognizing that a silicone implant is leaking or ruptured can be difficult. However, if a silicone implant has been compromised, it can be detected using an MRI or an ultrasound. For this reason, the FDA recommends that patients with silicone breast implants have an MRI (or ultrasound) performed three years following their initial Breast Augmentation procedure and every two years thereafter.
    • Patients need to continue having their breast cancer screenings.

    When a silicone implant ruptures, the shell usually tears: This may be referred to as a gel fracture. Although a silicone breast implant can rupture without causing the patient to experience any symptoms whatsoever (i.e., a silent rupture), on rare occasions, signs and symptoms of a rupture become evident.

    Here are a few signs patients can watch for that may indicate a gel fracture:

    • Inflammation that remains over a period of several weeks.
    • Firmness in the breast.
    • Changes in the shape or size of the breast.
    • Increasing breast pain.

    Patients experiencing any of the symptoms above should contact their surgeon.

    Saline implants:

    • The feel of a saline implant is usually firmer than that of its silicone counterpart. This firmness causes the saline implant to feel less natural than the silicone implant.
    • In the event of a rupture, the body readily absorbs the saline (which is just salt water). Since the size of the affected breast decreases, augmentation patients with saline implants know if the implant has ruptured.
    • Saline implants are typically less expensive than those that consist of silicone.
    • After their Breast Augmentation procedure at Chau Plastic Surgery, in Metro Detroit, patients need to continue having their cancer-screening mammograms as recommended by their health care provider.

    One of the downsides to using saline breast implants is the increased likelihood of the implant rippling. However, the experienced plastic surgeons at Chau Plastic Surgery help prevent rippling by using a submuscular-type placement technique.

    Implant Texture

    Patients can choose either a smooth or a textured implant. The smooth implant is extremely popular. However, the most touted benefit of textured implants is that they remain securely in place, which prevents the breasts from sagging.

    All three placement options (i.e., submuscular, subfascial and subglandular) may be used with textured or smooth silicone implants and saline implants.

    Implant Shape

    Breast implants can be round or shaped like a teardrop (i.e., anatomical).

    Determining Implant Size

    At the first consultation, patients may be able to try on implants of various sizes. When choosing a breast size, it is essential that patients take their lifestyles into consideration. For example, women who tend to be athletic may choose a smaller implant than women who are not very athletic.

    Preparing for a Breast Augmentation in the Metro Detroit Area

    To begin the Breast Augmentation journey, individuals must schedule their initial consultation with a plastic surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will ask specific questions related to what the patient would like to accomplish with this procedure. Following the initial consultation, patients will have a clear understanding as to what an augmentation can accomplish for them.

    What to Expect During An Initial Consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon In Metro Detroit

    During a consultation at Chau Plastic Surgery, the surgeon gathers information and uses it to create the patient a custom-designed Breast Augmentation surgical plan. Therefore, to attain the best results possible, it is essential that patients are candid with their surgeon because this is the only way that a surgeon can provide the patient with the results she desires.

    The surgeon reviews the medical history provided by the patient. Patients need to inform the doctor of any previous surgeries, current medications, ongoing medical conditions as well as any pertinent family medical history, especially in relation to the breasts.

    Patients who have had breast masses, lumps or breast disease need to inform their surgeon of these issues. Patients also need to let their surgeon know if they have an allergy to any medications or latex. Gathering a thorough medical history helps the surgeon determine if a patient is more susceptible to certain risk factors, thus, allowing any necessary precautions to be taken.

    If the patient experienced some kind of complication before, during or following a previous surgery, the patient needs to provide the surgeon with specific details related to this experience.

    By knowing about previous issues, the surgeon will take precautions ahead of time to reduce the likelihood of a repeat occurrence. For example, if a patient experienced nausea after having general anesthesia, steps can be taken to prevent the onset of this side effect following the patient’s Detroit Breast Augmentation.

    Patients may need to have a physical and lab work prior to their Breast Augmentation in the Metro Detroit Area.

    Personalized Breast Implant Surgery Treatment Plans in the Metro Detroit Area

    Once the surgeon understands what the patient would like to accomplish, a discussion about the patient’s options is initiated. Following this discussion, the surgeon creates the patient a custom-tailored breast implant surgery plan.

    Before scheduling surgery, patients need to ask someone they trust to drive them to and from the hospital on the day of their procedure. In addition, the surgeons at Chau Plastic Surgery prefer that their patients have someone remain with them for at least 24 hours after their Breast Augmentation.

    The Night Before Surgery

    Patients need to refrain from eating and drinking for at least eight hours before their surgery. Fasting for this length of time reduces the likelihood of the patient regurgitating while she is under anesthesia.

    What to Expect on the Day of Surgery

    Since patients are given anesthesia during their breast implant surgery, for safety’s sake, they will not be allowed to drive themselves home. This policy is followed whenever a patient has a surgical procedure requiring anesthesia or sedation. As such, patients need to bring a licensed driver to the hospital on the day of their Breast Augmentation. The individual the patient brings with her must be someone that she trusts. Patients who arrive at the hospital on the day of their augmentation without a driver will have to reschedule.

    For-Hire Transportation Following Surgery

    The surgeons at Chau Plastic Surgery do not permit their patients to use public transportation, or any other type of for-hire transportation service, following procedures requiring sedation or anesthesia. This policy is in place for the protection of the patient.

    Patients need to wear a loose, oversized shirt to the hospital. This shirt must either button or zip in the front because following surgery patients need to refrain from lifting their arms above their head.

    Upon arriving at the surgery center, patients will change into a hospital gown.

    The surgeon makes marks in various places on the breasts or in the underarm area (depending on where the incisions will be made): These markings are used as guides throughout the surgical procedure.

    To minimize the risk of infection, antimicrobial soap is used to clean the surgical area.

    Patients are connected to several monitors. These monitors are designed to keep track of the patient’s vital signs (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, etc.).

    The Breast Augmentation Procedure at Chau Plastic Surgery In Metro Detroit

    This procedure usually lasts two hours. Regardless as to which breast implant surgery options are decided upon, general anesthesia is used.

    Once the anesthesia takes effect, the incisions are created in the previously agreed-upon locations.

    The surgeon carefully creates a pocket in which the implant will be placed.

    Silicone implants are filled before insertion (they arrive at Chau Plastic Surgery pre-filled by the manufacturer) and the saline implant shells are filled after being placed within the newly-created pocket.

    The surgeon inserts the empty saline shell into the pocket and then begins filling it with salt water. The number of CCs injected into the implant depends on how large the patient would like her breasts to be.

    Should a saline implant rupture or sustain any other type of damage, the saline that escapes is harmless and will be absorbed by the body.

    If a silicone implant is being used, it is pre-filled, therefore, the surgeon just needs to insert it into the pocket and ensure it is in a desirable location.

    After inserting the implants, the surgeon checks to make sure the breasts are symmetrical. Once the surgeon is happy with the way the patient’s breasts look, the incisions are closed.

    Gauze is placed over the incisions.

    A compression garment is applied.

    The patient is taken to the recovery area.

    What Patients Can Expect as They Recover

    For the first 24 hours following a Detroit Breast Augmentation, patients need to have another adult stay with them.

    Patients receive prescription pain medication. This medication will be used for two days. Once the initial 48 hours have passed, patients can try to use an over-the-counter pain medication (e.g., Advil, Motrin and Aleve).

    Patients can drive again once they have discontinued taking the narcotic pain relievers prescribed by the surgeon.

    Most patients return to work or school within three days of their Breast Augmentation procedure.

    The compression garment is worn for six weeks. This garment helps reduce inflammation and provides support for the breasts.

    Patients need to avoid performing strenuous exercises or participating in physically demanding activities until their surgeon releases them to do so.

    Throughout the recovery process, patients need to sleep on their side or on their back.

    A Breast Augmentation: The Potential Complications and Risks

    Complications following Breast Augmentation procedures are rare, nonetheless, it is still important for patients to know what the potential risks and complications are.

    Risk factors and complications associated with breast implant surgery include:

    • Capsular contracture – This complication occurs when the body creates excess scar tissue around the implant. This scar tissue squeezes the breast implant, which results in a firm, malformed-looking breast. Capsular contracture can be corrected with another surgical procedure.
    • Deflation – Visible changes to the size of one’s breast due to leaking of a saline-filled breast implant.
    • A rupture – This refers to holes or tears in the shell of an implant. A rupture can occur with saline and silicone implants.
    • Silent rupture – This type of rupture can occur with a silicone-filled implant. It is called a silent rupture because the patient does not experience any symptoms.
    • Infection – As with any surgical procedure, infection is always a possibility.
    • Additional surgeries – An additional surgery may be necessary if the patient is unhappy with her results or if a complication related to the breast implant arises.
    • Systemic symptoms – Some women experience a variety of symptoms following breast reconstruction or breast implant surgery. Symptoms range from muscle pain to anxiety to fatigue. This condition is referred to as Breast Implant Illness (BII).
    • Breast implant associated-anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) – Breast implant associated ALCL can occur with silicone and saline implants. BIA-ALCL causes diseased T-cells to create lymphomas in the breast. These lymphomas remain within the area surrounding the breast implant. Patients who receive the appropriate treatment usually have a good prognosis.

    How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

    Although breast implants are not considered lifetime devices, they will last for a very long time. Breast implants last at least a decade. Some women still have their implants after 20 years.

    How Much Does an Augmentation in the Metro Detroit Area Cost?

    The only way a surgeon can determine how much a procedure will cost a patient is with a consultation.

    Reasons People in the Metro Detroit Area Choose Chau Plastic Surgery

    The surgeons at Chau Plastic Surgery take their time in assessing each patient’s needs. This allows them to utilize their extensive training and years of experience to assist each patient with choosing the Breast Augmentation options that will suit her best. The goal of each surgeon is to provide every patient with optimal results.

    Collectively, Chau Plastic Surgery’s surgeons have performed thousands of Breast Augmentations, which is why they are confident in their ability to provide each of their patients with exquisite, beautifully contoured, natural-looking breasts.

    To schedule a consultation with an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon call (248) 799-2880.

    Chau Plastic Surgery, 27901 Woodward Avenue, Suite 100, Berkley, Michigan, near Detroit.

     

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