Breast Enhancement

Breast augmentation surgery is used to enhance the size, shape, and symmetry of the breasts. Breast augmentation is a highly customizable procedure, allowing patients to choose the size, shape, and material of their breast implants to help them achieve the look they want. When it comes to choosing the right breast implants, Dr. Colony will discuss the patient’s unique concerns, goals, and lifestyle. Breast augmentation can be performed alone to increase the size of the breasts or can be combined with a breast lift to address sagging and excess skin.

Breast Augmentation Procedure

Before the breast surgery, Dr. Colony will discuss the varying breast implant types and how they can affect your outcome. Silicone implants tend to be firmer and fuller, and patients with silicone gel implants can expect their breast tissue to feel indistinguishable from the implant. However, saline breast implants are fluid and only filled upon insertion– for this reason, saline implants tend to offer a more stubble result.

During the cosmetic surgery, saline or silicone breast implants are surgically placed to the patient’s desired size. Due to the nature of the procedure, general anesthesia is most commonly used by East Lansing surgeon, Dr. Colony. Incisions are placed either under the breast itself, under the nipple, or through the armpit depending on a patient’s anatomy, the desired size, and the type of the implant. The implants are inserted either under the pectoral muscles, under the pectoral muscle covering, or behind the breast tissue. This surgical procedure may also be used as a reconstructive breast surgery following breast cancer.

Breast Augmentation Recovery

Following the breast augmentation procedure, recovery time often varies from patient to patient, but most patients benefit from 24 to 48 hours of rest followed by several days of low levels of activity. Swelling, bruising, and general discomfort can be expected during this time and can be managed with ibuprofen and prescription pain medication from Dr. Colony. Patients typically take about a week off work to properly recover at home and should arrange for someone to drive them home from their procedure and help care for them for a day or two.

During breast augmentation recovery, the incisions will be taped in a bandage and patients will be instructed to wear a support bra to minimize swelling. It is important to keep the incision sites clean and covered at all times when healing. Patients should avoid certain movements and activities that involve the chest muscles such as heavy lifting and exercise. Physical activity should be limited for at least the first two weeks following surgery. Dr. Colony will provide more detailed aftercare instructions and a recovery timeline to patients after their procedure.

FAQs

Are breast implants under warranty?

Most breast implants are under warranty for 10 years. This means that the manufacturer will provide a replacement in case of a leak or rupture.

Can breast implants cause pain years later?

If you experience pain years after your breast augmentation, this can be a sign of capsular contracture or other complications. Schedule an appointment with your plastic surgeon as soon as possible.

Can breast implants last 30 years?

Breast implants are designed to last 20 years or more. It is common to have a revision surgery before 30 years have passed.

Can fat be transferred to breasts?

Yes - this is sometimes called natural breast augmentation and can be an alternative for patients who dont want implants, though multiple fat grafting sessions may be necessary as results are subtle. Breast fat grafting can also be used in tandem with traditional breast augmentation.

Can I move my arms after breast augmentation?

Patients should avoid lifting their arms above their heads for at least five to seven days after breast augmentation.

Can you breast feed after breast augmentation

It is possible to breast feed after breast augmentation. However, some patients choose to wait until after they are done have children and breast feeding to have a breast augmentation so they can enjoy their results long-term.

Do breasts sag after breast augmentation?

Breasts can sag after breast augmentation which is why a breast lift is sometimes recommended along with breast augmentation for some patients. Breast augmentation can enhance the size of your breasts, but it isn't meant to help with sagging breasts or loose skin. Wearing constant support after a breast augmentation is important to prevent sagging.

Do you have to replace breast implants every 10 years?

Most breast implants are FDA-approved to last for 10-20 years but that doesn't mean you have to replace them every 10-20 years. As long as your breast implants are intact and healthy, you shouldn't have to replace them.

Does getting breast implants make you gain weight?

Slight weight gain after surgery is not uncommon, and is typically due to swelling and retention of fluid. However, this should gradually resolve as you heal.

Does insurance cover breast implants?

Insurance usually does not cover breast implants as it's a cosmetic procedure and not medically necessary.

How do I prepare for breast implants?

To prepare for breast implants, you'll want to get any blood tests, EKGs, etc. that your doctor recommends, stop smoking, avoid certain medications like blood thinners, and discuss any health conditions you have and medications you take with your doctor.

How long do breast implants last?

Saline or silicone implants generally last for around 10-20 years. However, some people can enjoy their breast implants for longer.

How painful is breast augmentation recovery?

Because breast augmentation surgery is an invasive procedure, some discomfort is to be expected after surgery. However, pain medication can help with any discomfort.

What is the difference between a breast augmentation and breast implants?

Breast augmentation is a procedure done to enhance the breasts. Breast implants are often used to deliver these results.

How much does a breast augmentation cost?

The cost of breast augmentation may vary depending on many factors. Please contact our practice today for more information on pricing.

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Dr. Colony’s professionalism, skill, and pure kindness are truly unmatched. I had a breast augmentation with Dr. Colony last year and he made me feel totally comfortable and supported through the entire process… I can’t recommend Michigan Plastic Surgery™ enough.

Dr. Colony is hands down the most gifted plastic surgeon around!

Recently had filler and botox done by Dr. Colony and I can’t say enough about how good it looks. I’ve gone a few other places in town and feel like he is by far the best!

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Scheduling A Consultation In The Lansing Area

If you are considering breast augmentation, Dr. Colony is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in East Lansing with over 20 years of experience. He is dedicated to helping his patients look and feel their best. Because no two women and no two bodies are the same, Dr. Colony dedicates his practice to individualized treatment and surgical plans for each of his patients to help them achieve the look they desire.

If you are looking into breast augmentation in East Lansing, call Michigan Plastic Surgery™ or click the button below to schedule your initial complimentary consultation today.

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