Breast Augmentation in Michigan
Serving Detroit, Southfield, Port Huron & Jackson, Michigan
Larger Breasts Can Enhance Your Figure
Pregnancy, breast-feeding, and weight loss can alter your figure and your breasts. If you’re unhappy with your breasts following one of these major events, or you’ve always wanted to enhance your figure, a breast augmentation may be right for you.
Breast Augmentation- Overview
A breast augmentation is achieved using a breast implant that contains either saline (salt water solution) or silicone gel. The implant is placed in one of two positions, either above the chest muscles or underneath them. Implants can be inserted in one of four places: the fold directly underneath the breast, through the lower half of the areola, under the arm, or through the belly button. Dr. Rifai can help you decide which incision location is best for you. Surgery takes approximately one hour, with 30-45 minutes of immediate recovery time.
Breast Augmentation- Recovery
You can expect a short recovery after the procedure with some swelling and minimal to moderate discomfort. Every patient is prescribed pain medication to address this discomfort, however some patients only require Tylenol. The position of the implants may appear higher initially, but don’t worry, this should correct itself within 3-6 weeks.
Restrictions following a breast augmentation include any activities that place strain on the area, such as vacuuming, reaching up high, and lifting weights or small children. It is typical to return to work in less than a week, however this may vary if you are more active at your job.
Michigan breast surgeon Dr. Rifai has performed thousands of breast augmentation procedures and will discuss all aspects of this procedure during your consultation.
Frequently Asked Breast Augmentation Questions
Q: What is the difference between saline and silicone gel implants?
Answer: Saline implants have a shell of silicone elastomer (feels like plastic) and they are filled with sterile saline solution through a valve present on the surface of the implant.
Silicone gel implants have the same external shell, but are filled with a gel-like clear silicone.
Q: How do I know which implant is right for me?
Answer: Either saline or silicone will accomplish the augmention, however, the difference will be in the feel or looks. Silicone gel implants feel and look more “natural.” The downside of silicone gel implants are: 1) Higher cost, 2) age restriction (patient must be at least 22 years of age), 3) the recommendation from the FDA for structured follow-up exams and alternative screening (Mammograms with MRI’s when the patient starts getting routine screening mammography), 4) Recommendation against breastfeeding.
Q: How do you determine the appropriate implant size?
Answer: Based on the examination of the breasts, height and weight, and the discussion between patient and surgeon, the appropriate size can be agreed upon, generally within a small range. Generally, patients request the largest size that would still look “natural.”
Q: Do I need a mammogram prior to surgery?
Answer: You will need a recent mammogram result if you are 40 years of age or older. A mammogram may be obtained at an earlier age in cases with a family history of breast cancer.
Q: How much pain will I have after surgery?
Answer: While the degree of discomfort after surgery varies between patients, pain medication and muscle relaxants are prescribed and are very adequate to control any discomfort following the operation. Some patients will make use of all of the pain medications, while others will use Tylenol only or find no need for any medication because their discomfort is minor.
Q: How will my breasts look immediately after surgery?
Answer: Swelling will be present, making their size somewhat larger. Additionally, the position of the implants may be higher initially due to muscle spasm – this will correct itself, typically within 3-6 weeks.
Q: How long does the surgery take?
Answer: Typically, the operation takes about an hour, with 30-45 minutes of recovery time following it.
Q: How long will the implants last?
Answer: The implants can last a lifetime or fail at any time. Implants do carry a lifetime warranty and will be replaced free of charge by the manufacturer. An extended warranty program also exists that your doctor will discuss with you upon scheduling breast augmentation surgery.
Q: What are the restrictions after surgery?
Answer: Any activity that requires a wide separation of the area from the body of involves any strain on the areas and chest muscles. IE: Vacuuming – reaching high, lifting weights (including children), etc.
Q: How soon can I drive and return to work?
Answer: Driving is generally possible 3-4 days after surgery, only if you are not using the pain medication or muscle relaxants. Returning to work will depend on the level of physical activity required of you. A desk job can be returned to in less than a week, while a manual job may require 3 weeks or longer.
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