Detroit Subfascial 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.
FAQs: Subfascial Breast Augmentation
Metro Detroit Subfascial Breast Augmentation
Although the Subfascial Breast Augmentation technique is relatively new in the United States, this method has been used in Brazil for several years. This procedure may also be referred to as a subfascial augmentation mammoplasty or subfascial breast implant surgery. While this revolutionary technique is ideal for athletic women, the benefits of this procedure have led to a countless number of less active women requesting that this innovative breast enhancement technique be used during their breast implant surgery. The board-certified plastic surgeons at Chau Plastic Surgery specialize in performing Subfascial Breast Augmentations. Using this procedure, Chau Plastic Surgery’s plastic surgeons provide women with the large, beautifully contoured breasts they desire.
Subfascial Breast Augmentations Are Available in the Metro Detroit Area
Initially, this technique was created for highly active women with concerns about implant distortion due to their high activity levels, however, this technique has become popular with women from all walks of life, including those who are less active. The surgeons at Chau Plastic Surgery in Berkley, Michigan, near Detroit, perform this innovative procedure to help women attain the subtle breast-enhancement results they desire.
What is the Difference Between the Submuscular, the Subglandular and the Subfascial Techniques?
During a submuscular breast augmentation, the breast implants are placed beneath the tissue and the pectoral muscle.
When the subglandular technique is used, the implant is placed just below the breast tissue but remains above the fascia and the pectoral muscle.
With the subfascial technique, the implant is placed beneath the strong layer of tissue (i.e., fascia) that sits directly above the pectoral muscle.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Breast Implant Placement Technique
Each placement technique has advantages and disadvantages in relation to recovery time and results. In addition, the final look of the breast is affected by the placement method that is used.
Submuscular breast implant placement
Submuscular breast implant placement – This option offers a natural-looking result, however, submuscular implant placement requires a lengthier recovery than is necessary following the subfascial or subglandular options. Furthermore, implants placed beneath the muscle usually require a few weeks to settle. Until the implants settle, the patient has breasts that sit too high on her chest. During this settling period, the pectoral muscle is reshaping itself to accommodate the newly placed breast implants.
Subglandular implant placement
Subglandular implant placement – With this technique, the implants are placed relatively close to the skin’s surface, therefore, the risk of seeing the edge of an implant or feeling it is higher with this method than with the other two breast implant placement techniques that are available.
Subfascial breast implant placement
Subfascial breast implant placement – This placement gives patients the natural-looking results they desire, without the need for a lengthy recovery.
During this procedure, the implants are immediately and permanently anchored within the pocket that the surgeon creates beneath the fascia, therefore, no settling of the implants is required, which helps speed up the patient’s recovery.
Benefits of Choosing the Subfascial Breast Augmentation Technique
When compared to the subglandular and submuscular placement techniques, this placement option offers patients in the Metro Detroit Area a variety of benefits.
Potential benefits include:
- The additional tissue coverage that the fascia provides between the skin and the implant prevents the implant from being visible or palpable. Both of these issues could arise with subglandular placement.
- Concerns related to the distortion (i.e., an animation deformity) or deformation of the breast implant is eliminated. These issues can sometimes occur with submuscular placement.
- The fascia separates the breast implant from the overlying parenchyma.
- This placement offers patients nicer cleavage than can be achieved with submuscular placement because the implant rests just beneath the fascia that is above the muscle.
- When compared to the postoperative pain experienced following submuscular implant placement, this innovative technique offers patients a shorter, less painful recovery period.
- The fascia provides additional support for the breast implant, especially when considering the upper pole of the breast. This additional support reduces the likelihood of complications related to implant movement (e.g., anatomical implant rotation, excessive movement of the implant, etc.). In addition, this extra support may eliminate the patient’s need for a breast lift.
The Subfascial Technique Offers a Shorter Recovery Time
Recovering after surgery is usually the most dreaded part of any surgical procedure, however, with this innovative implant placement technique, patients enjoy a much shorter recovery time. In addition, this shorter recovery time means that post-operative pain and discomfort are reduced. Many of Chau Plastic Surgery’s patients return to work or school within just a few days of their procedure. Furthermore, most patients can resume their regular exercise routine within two weeks of their breast augmentation.
Natural-Looking Breast Augmentation Results
The Subfascial Breast Augmentation provides patients with long-term, natural-looking results. By placing the breast implant directly above the muscle and securing it with the fascia, the implant receives immediate support, much like the support provided by a brazier. This immediate support and the creation of an internal bra provide the patient with breasts that have a slope-like appearance, which makes the patient’s final result look very natural.
The Benefits of Having Internal Support
This internal support ensures that the breast implants remain in the correct position and retain the beautiful, natural-looking result the surgeon created using this innovative breast augmentation technique.
Issues Negatively Affecting Traditional Breast Implant Placement That Subfascial Placement Eliminates
Certain physical activities can negatively affect the results achieved during a traditional breast implant surgery. Therefore, women who are extremely active may find maintaining their subglandular or submuscular placed breast implants challenging.
When routine arm movements affect the breast implant, this is referred to as muscle movement animation. Women who experience muscle movement animation usually had their implants placed beneath the pectoral muscle.
For patients who are experiencing muscle movement animation, their arm movements cause simultaneous lateral movement of the coinciding breast implant. However, this complication can be avoided if the patient decides to have a Subfascial Breast Augmentation. During this procedure, the implant is placed above the muscle. And, since the implant is secured in place, it is not affected by movement of the pectoral muscle.
Women in the Metro Detroit Area who would like to continue living an active lifestyle, but still want to enhance their breasts should consider having implants placed using this revolutionary breast augmentation technique.
Breast Implant Longevity
Breast implants are not life-long devices, however, they do last for a significant amount of time. On average, implants last for at least 10 years: There are women who have the same implants for 20 years (sometimes even longer). That said, most surgeons recommend that patients exchange their breast implants every 10 years.
Who Should Consider Having a Subfascial Breast Augmentation Near Detroit?
This innovative technique is ideal for nearly all women, especially those who are highly active (e.g., bodybuilders, boxers, etc.). This augmentation technique allows active women to enhance their breasts without having to compromise their strength or reduce their activity level.
Some of the top candidates for a Subfascial Breast Augmentation include women who:
- Have already experienced the complication referred to as implant displacement.
- Are interested in replacing their older, larger breast implants with new implants that are placed in a location offering a more natural-looking result.
- Have weak tissue or pectoral muscles as a result of childbirth or due to aging.
While these are the top candidates for this type of augmentation mammoplasty, each patient is unique and today, due to the benefits the Subfascial Breast Augmentation offers, women from all walks-of-life are benefiting from this revolutionary breast implant surgery technique.
Types of Breast Implants Available at Chau Plastic Surgery in the Metro Detroit Area
All the silicone and saline breast implants used at Chau Plastic Surgery are approved for use by the FDA. Therefore, these breast implants are proven to be long-lasting, safe and effective.
Custom-Tailored Breast Augmentation Procedures in Detroit
The array of implant options available in the Metro Detroit Area allows the plastic surgeons at Chau Plastic Surgery to custom-design each surgical procedure to meet a patient’s specific needs and fulfill her desires.
An Initial Consultation for a Subfascial Breast Augmentation Near Detroit
Once the initial consultation is scheduled, patients need to take some time to write down their medical history (e.g., surgical procedures, medications, chronic conditions, etc.). Bringing this list to the appointment makes it much easier for the patient to fill out her registration information.
If the patient has experienced any kind of breast issue, it is vital that she let the surgeon know. These issues include breast disease, masses and lumps.
Any allergies to medications must be included in the patient’s registration paperwork. In addition, patients who have a latex allergy need to let the surgeon and the medical staff know right away.
The surgeon asks questions to find out the reasons a patient wants to have a breast augmentation.
The patient’s breasts may be examined. The surgeon may take measurements and photographs. These photos are taken from various angles and will be used by the surgeon while creating the patient’s custom-designed surgical treatment plan. They will remain in the patient’s medical file; therefore, these photos are considered confidential.
Custom-Designed Subfascial Breast Augmentation Procedures Near Detroit
All patients are unique and the surgeons at Chau Plastic Surgery know that, which is why they create each patient her own surgical treatment plan.
At Chau Plastic Surgery, the seasoned, board-certified plastic surgeons draw upon their experience and artistic vision to assist patients with choosing the implant characteristics and surgical options that will provide her with optimal results.
Types of Implants Used During a Subfascial Breast Augmentation Procedure Near Detroit
Saline VS Silicone Breast Implants:
Silicone breast implants offer patients a result that feels more natural than saline, especially when the saline implant is placed beneath a relatively thin layer of breast tissue.
Saline breast implants are filled after insertion, therefore, if the patient changes her mind on the volume she desires, as long as the surgeon is informed of her wishes before the procedure begins, the patient’s implant volume choice can usually be adjusted rather quickly. However, since silicone breast implants are filled by the manufacturer, changing the volume in this type of implant requires some additional time, which could postpone the patient’s procedure.
In the event of a rupture, patients who have saline implants typically recognize that their affected breast is getting smaller in size, however, women with silicone implants may not readily know that the implant’s shell is compromised because the silicone implants used today consist of a very thick gel. This thick gel allows these implants to maintain their shape because the gel remains within the pocket of the implant. As such, according to FDA recommendations, patients who choose to have silicone breast implants should have MRI scans to check for ruptures every couple of years. Since an MRI’s ability to detect cancer is lacking, the biannual MRI cannot replace the patient’s annual mammogram.
Implant Options in the Metro Detroit Area
Breast implant options for a Subfascial Breast Augmentation near Detroit:
- Various volume increments and widths – Silicone and saline implants are available in a variety of volume increments and widths. With these options, the surgeon can customize the breast implant to fit the patient’s individual breast and chest configurations.
- Implant’s amount of projection– The implant profile is the term that is used when referring to how far the implant projects out from the chest wall. Projections available include: low, moderate, moderate plus, high, ultra high and very high.
- Texture – Breast implants are available with smooth or textured shells.
- Shape – Implants can be round or anatomical (teardrop) shaped. Teardrop-shaped implants help to fill out the upper pole of the breast.
Incision Location Options: Submammary, Transaxillary or Periareolar
When a surgeon is performing a Subfascial Breast Augmentation in the Metro Detroit Area, there are several incision options available.
Breast Augmentation incision options include:
- The submammary (aka inframammary [IMF]) – This incision is created in the crease located at the base of the breast (i.e., the inframammary crease).
- The periareolar (aka infra-areolar) – This incision is created along the lower border of the areola, which is the slightly darker skin that surrounds the nipple.
- The transaxillary – This incision is created within the patient’s underarm area.
Chau Plastic Surgery’s experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons perform this surgical procedure at a nearby hospital.
Breast implant surgery typically lasts approximately two hours.
On the Day of the Subfascial Breast Augmentation Procedure, Remember to Bring a Driver
During this procedure, patients receive general anesthesia. Therefore, they are not permitted to drive following their breast implant surgery and need to bring a licensed driver with them to the hospital on the day of their procedure.
Since Chau Plastic Surgery prohibits using for-hire or public transportation following a procedure requiring anesthesia or sedation, patients who arrive at the hospital without a licensed driver will need to reschedule their breast implant surgery. Prohibiting the use of for-hire and public transportation is a policy created for the purpose of patient safety.
A Subfascial Breast Augmentation in the Metro Detroit Area – The Procedure
Pre-Op
While the patient is in the pre-op area, the surgeon may make a variety of markings on her breasts. These markings serve as a guide for the surgeon while performing the procedure.
Patients are encouraged to ask their surgeon any last-minute questions they have at this time.
The Operating Room
Creating the Incision
Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the surgeon creates the incision. The incision created is placed either within the armpit, beneath the breast or along the base of the nipple-areolar complex: The type of incision the surgeon intends to use is discussed with the patient prior to her procedure.
Pocket Creation During a Subfascial Breast Augmentation
The pocket that will hold the breast implant is created just beneath the fascia.
Placing the Implant
The fascia is lifted.
The implant is placed. If the patient chose a silicone breast implant, it is already filled and ready to place.
If a saline implant is being used, the shell is inserted into the pocket and then filled with saline. The surgeon continues filling the shell until the number of CCs necessary to provide the patient with the breast size she desires is reached.
Reviewing the Subfascial Breast Augmentation Results
Once the implants are in place, the surgeon checks to make sure that the patient’s breasts are symmetrical and that the shape of each breast successfully mimics that of a natural breast.
Incision Closure, Gauze Placement and Application of the Compression Garment
The incisions are closed using sutures, gauze is placed over the closed incisions and the patient receives a compression garment. This compression garment is worn for six weeks.
The Recovery Room
Once in the recovery room, the patient is monitored until she is fully awake. The surgeon may visit her at this time.
Before leaving the hospital, patients receive information about their follow-up appointment and recovery (e.g., what to look for that requires attention, restrictions, wound care, etc.).
The Recovery Process Following Subfascial Breast Implant Surgery
Chau Plastic Surgery requests that their patients have someone remain with them for the initial 24 hours following their procedure. This individual needs to be an adult who has the ability to assist the patient in any way necessary. To ensure the patient remains comfortable, she should choose someone that she trusts.
Patients do receive a prescription for pain medication. The pain medication the surgeon orders lasts for two days, after that, the patient can switch to over-the-counter medications (e.g., Aleve, Motrin, etc.). After she finishes her prescription pain medication, the patient should be able to begin driving again.
During recovery, patients need to avoid sleeping on their stomach and instead sleep on their side or their back.
It is vital that the patient wear her compression garment as directed during the initial six weeks following her procedure. This garment helps reduce inflammation, which can decrease the amount of pain the patient experiences. In addition, this garment provides support for the patient’s new breasts.
Most of Chau Plastic Surgery’s breast implant surgery patients return to school or work within 72 hours of their procedure.
Strenuous activities and exercises must be avoided until the surgeon releases the patient to participate in these kinds of recreational pastimes.
Possible Complications and Risks Following a Subfascial Breast Augmentation Near Detroit
Every procedure has risks, however, studies indicate that complications associated with this type of breast implant surgery are extremely rare.
The same complications that relate to nearly every procedure are always possible, including:
- An infection.
- An undesirable result.
- Excess bleeding.
- A reaction to anesthesia or some other product used during surgery.
- The need for additional surgeries.
Possible complications associated with breast augmentation procedures include:
- Deflation – Breast changes due to a leaking saline breast implant.
- Capsular contracture – Excess scar tissue is created around the breast implant resulting in a firm breast that appears distorted. Another surgery is required to remove the excess scar tissue so that the implant is released.
- Systemic symptoms – This complication refers to a variety of symptoms that some women experience following breast implant or breast reconstruction surgery. Symptoms experienced range from feeling nervous, to having muscle pain, to feeling lethargic. Breast Implant Illness (BII) is the term being used when referring to this condition.
- A silent rupture – This rupture only occurs with silicone implants. It is referred to as silent because there are no symptoms experienced.
- A rupture – Tears or holes in an implant’s shell can occur with both types of breast implants.
- Breast implant associated-anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) – BIA-ALCL can arise with both types of breast implants. Breast implant associated-anaplastic large cell lymphoma causes T-cells to make lymphomas in the patient’s breast. The lymphomas that these diseased T-cells create remain in the area of the breast that surrounds the implant. When appropriate treatment is sought, patients usually receive a good prognosis.
How Much Will It Cost for a Subfascial Breast Augmentation with the Surgeons from Chau Plastic Surgery?
At the initial consultation the surgeon will be able to gather the information necessary to determine how much a patient’s breast implant surgery will cost. If you are interested in learning more about the plastic surgery options that are available, please call (248) 290-8288 to schedule an appointment.
Would Health Insurance Pay for Breast Implant Surgery Near Detroit?
That depends, if this procedure is being performed as part of the breast reconstruction process following a mastectomy, the insurance may very well cover portions of this type of breast implant surgery. Nonetheless, if the breast implant surgery is being performed solely for cosmetic reasons, it is unlikely that the insurance will help cover any of the costs associated with this procedure.
What Makes Chau Plastic Surgery Different?
The board-certified plastic surgeons at Chau Plastic Surgery are dedicated to providing each patient with a personalized treatment plan that is designed to fulfill her desires while addressing her needs.
At Chau Plastic Surgery in Berkley, Michigan, near Detroit, patients receive treatment from board-certified plastic surgeons who have the experience, skill and artistic vision necessary to provide breast enhancement results that look and feel natural. In addition, these seasoned plastic surgeons provide women who have undergone a mastectomy with beautifully contoured breasts that successfully mimic the natural breast.
If you are considering a Subfascial Breast Augmentation and you will be in the Metro Detroit Area, contact the office today to schedule your initial consultation with an experienced and caring board-certified plastic surgeon. To call the office for an appointment: (248) 290-8288 or to request an appointment with an online form, please click here. The office is located at 27901 Woodward Ave., Ste 100 in Berkley, Michigan.