Oakland County Plastic Surgeon Answers Breast Implant FAQs
The decision to undergo breast implant surgery can be truly life changing – giving you the beautiful body you have always desired. But, as with any life-altering decision, it is important to do your research and make an informed decision about what is best for you.
In this article top Detroit area plastic surgeon, Dr. Ali answers some of the most commonly asked questions about breast implant surgery.
Who can get breast implants?
Virtually any woman in reasonably good health is a candidate for breast implant surgery. Women who are thin, normal body weight or even slightly overweight typically qualify for breast implant surgery.
Since hormonal changes in a teenager’s growing body can affect breast size, a woman must be over the age of 18 to have breast implant surgery. Silicone breast implants are only FDA-approved for augmentation in women age 22 or older. Women who are substantially overweight are not ideal breast implant candidates. And women who are smokers must stop smoking completely for 6 weeks before and 6 weeks after breast implant surgery.
Breast implant surgery can be performed to increase the size of breasts that a woman feels are too small. It can also be done to balance the size of two unequal or asymmetrical breasts. Breast implant surgery can also fill in breast volume that was lost after pregnancy or nursing. And, of course, breast implants are frequently used during breast reconstruction after breast surgery.
If a women has breasts that are very “droopy” – a condition called ptosis – a breast lift is typically also performed, along with the breast implant procedure. This ensures that the implants are positioned at the correct height.
What are breast implants made of?
There are currently many different types of FDA approved breast implants. All breast implants consist of a silicone outer shell – which is filled with either silicone gel (gummy implants) or a salt-water solution (saline implants). They come in different sizes, shapes (round or teardrop), “profiles” (projection from chest) and dimensions.
Dr. Ali has decades of experience helping thousands of women choose the best breast implant for their, size, frame, shape, body-type and lifestyle. He will discuss the advantages of each type of breast implant with you at your initial consultation. You can also read more about choosing the right breast implant HERE.
How do I know what my breast implants will look like?
Dr. Ali is among the first and only plastic surgeons in Oakland County and all of Michigan to offer state-of-the-art Vectra 3D imaging for breast implant patients. This revolutionary imaging system provides a three-dimensional computerized image of the patient’s breasts from any and every angle – so that Dr. Ali can show you your options and the expected results before your breast implant surgery.
The Vectra 3D system enables Dr. Ali to digitally superimpose an image of different breast implants over your actual pre-op body – in addition to comparing the “before and after” views side-by-side. By visualizing your potential breast implant outcomes in live 3D you and Dr. Ali know in advance what to expect – so that together you can decide on the best possible size, shape and position of your new breast implants.
If you are considering breast implants, you no longer have to leave your results to chance or speculation. With Vectra 3D imaging you will see what your results will be in advance – with no surprises or misunderstandings! Choose skilled board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali, and see your breast implant results before your procedure(s) with Vectra’s innovative and advanced 3D computerized imaging.
Does insurance cover breast implants?
Insurance will typically cover breast implants if they are used for reconstruction after a mastectomy, or to match a reconstructed breast on the other side. But if your breast implants are purely for cosmetic reasons, most insurance companies will not cover the cost of this procedure.
However, Dr. Ali’s office participates with two very good providers of financing options. So you may be able to obtain financing, and pay for the breast implant procedure over time. Our office staff will be happy to provide you with the financing information at your first consultation.
Is breast implant surgery painful?
The pain associated with breast implant surgery varies from patient to patient – and procedure to procedure. The size and placement of the breast implant will affect the size and location of the incision, which in turn will affect pain during recovery. Additionally, every person has a different pain tolerance. And each patient’s surgery will be performed slightly differently, in order to customize the breast implants to match their body.
Dr. Ali is a skilled plastic surgeon who will do everything possible to minimize your pain, including making the smallest incisions possible, and prescribing the most effective pain medication. Typically, by or before the end of the first week you will only need Tylenol or Motrin to control any pain.
Pain after any surgery, including breast implants, is always worse in the first few days after surgery. But the pain after breast implant surgery tends to rapidly improve. If you have had other surgery before, this can be an indication of how you will feel after breast implant surgery.
Dr. Ali’s thousands of satisfied breast implant patients universally agree that any short-term pain or discomfort was well worth it, to have the breasts that they have always dreamed of having.
Top Oakland County Breast Implant Surgeon
Top surgeon Dr. Ali has provided breast implant surgery for thousands of satisfied women across Oakland County. If you are considering breast implant surgery, he will be happy to offer you a consultation to answer any additional questions you may have.
Feel beautiful inside and out, with breast implant surgery. And remember, financing options are also available.
