INTRODUCTION TO TRAVERSE CITY BREAST ENLARGEMENT
Breast augmentation surgery is an elective cosmetic procedure for women who desire larger breasts. Some women desire breast enhancement because their breasts have lost volume due to pregnancy, weight loss or natural aging. Some women desire breast implants to create more symmetrical breasts when one breast is larger or smaller than another. It’s Dr. F. Matthew Smith’s experience that women want their implants to look full and natural, while providing cleavage and contour to their figure. As with all cosmetic procedures, it is important for Dr. Smith to carefully evaluate your breasts, body frame, and general condition of your skin and muscle tone.  In addition, his understanding of your goals and concerns help in his recommendation of breast augmentation surgery.

Breast implants are available in two basic types: saline-filled or gel-filled. Saline-filled implants are inserted “flat” and then filled with sterile salt water after they are placed. Because they are very small when inserted, saline implants may placed through an axillary (underarm) incision.  Saline implants may alternatively be placed through an incision around the areola or under the breast where it meets the body, called the inframammary fold. Gel-filled implants are placed through in incision either in the inframammary fold or around the areola.

Implants can be placed either above or beneath the chest muscle, called the pectoralis major muscle. Decisions about placement and the type of implant will be fully discussed at your private consultation with Dr. Smith at his Traverse City office or his office in Gaylord prior to your procedure. Herbal supplements to aid with post-procedural swelling and discomfort may be recommended.  Vita-Medica vitamins and supplements are available at our office.  This regimen is usually started about a week prior to surgery. 

Rest assured, Dr. Smith has performed hundreds of breast augmentation procedures and is masterful at both sizing and inserting the implants.

APPROPRIATE CANDIDATES FOR MICHIGAN BREAST AUGMENTATION
Breast augmentation is most appropriate for women aged 18 or older, to ensure that the breasts have fully developed. Implants may be inserted in women who are under 18 if there is a complete lack of breast development, the presence of one or more tuberous breasts, or when the breasts are extremely asymmetrical (mismatched in size). For gel-filled implants, a woman must be at least 22 years old. Healthy adult women who are emotionally mature, understand their motivations for the procedure, and have realistic expectations are usually good candidates for breast implants.

HOW BREAST AUGMENTATION IS PERFORMED
Dr. Smith performs his cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries, including breast augmentation, in the accredited surgery suite at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, the Ambulatory Surgery Center in Traverse City, or Otsego Memorial Hospital in Gaylord. A breast augmentation procedure is typically scheduled for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Because Dr. Smith wants to ensure a well-controlled and safe surgical experience that is comfortable for his patient, general anesthesia is always used.

Breast augmentation may be performed alone or at the same time as another cosmetic procedure, such as a tummy tuck, in which case it’s often called a Mommy Makeover. In cases where breast sagging is also present, Dr. Smith may have recommended a breast lift be included in your breast augmentation procedure. The exact details of your procedure, including placement of the implants over or under the muscle, through the areola, under the arm or through the breast crease will have been discussed and confirmed at your cosmetic surgery consultation with Dr. Smith in his Traverse City plastic surgery office or Gaylord plastic surgery office.

Once general anesthesia has been induced, Dr. Smith will make an incision in the breast area and create a pocket into which the implant is inserted. This pocket is made either directly behind the breast tissue (sub-glandular) or beneath the pectoralis muscle (sub-muscular). Again, this will have been determined at your consultation in advance of the procedure itself. Once the implant has been inserted, tiny stitches are used to close the incisions. A long-acting local anesthesia is then used to alleviate discomfort during the immediate recovery period.  The patient is then placed in a supportive, post-surgery bra, which will be worn for comfort.

RECOVERY
A cooling device is offered to each patient for post-operative pain relief.  The use of cooled water or compresses can help with any discomfort and swelling.  Within a day or two after surgery, you should be up and around. Most women experience minimal bruising and swelling from breast augmentation. For those whose implant was placed behind the muscle, there is a transition period until the muscles have stretched to accommodate the implants. Dr. Smith will prescribe pain medication prior to your procedure to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible during the recovery period.

It’s wise to listen to your body and respect the fact that you are healing, as everyone heals at a different rate. Within the first week you can expect that your recovery will follow this general progression: you will be permitted to shower within 48 hours, you will have a follow-up visit, you may return to non-strenuous work and sexual relations may be resumed.