Breast Implant

Breast implant surgery, or breast augmentation, is a great way to augment the breasts, resulting in a larger, fuller bust. Many women often feel that their bodies are in better proportion post-surgery. Additionally, this may lead to an increased level of self-confidence.

During the consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss the appearance you would like to achieve with breast implants.

In order to achieve satisfactory results, be sure that you discuss your goals with the plastic surgeon in detail. He/she will also address your surgical options, helping you determine the best way to produce your desired outcome.

All aspects of your procedure should be thoroughly explained, including anesthesia, implant type, incision location, recovery, and what to expect after surgery. Also, be sure to look through before and after photos of previous breast implant patients. It is very important to ask for patient references as well.

Obtaining all the information you can about your options, risks, and benefits is essential to making an informed decision. See Questions to Ask Your Doctor below.

Both silicone gel and saline breast implants can be used to augment the breasts. Both have advantages and disadvantages (as do all surgical procedures).

Silicone gel implants are said to look and feel more natural, and thus are preferred by some patients and doctors. However, there are many who look to saline implants because they can be adjusted during surgery (as opposed to silicone gel implants that come in specified sizes). The type of implant used depends on the personal preference of the doctor and patient.

It is important to note that all types of implants consist of a silicone shell. Although there has been concern with silicone gel filled implants in the past, they have been approved by the FDA and are deemed safe for breast enlargement surgery.

Patients now have the option of a smooth surface or rough, textured surface. Textured implants are meant to decrease the occurrence of scar tissue forming around the implant, which is more commonly known as a capsular contracture. In order to avoid this, the implants should be placed above the muscle of the chest wall.

However, it is important to note that there are some disadvantages with textured implants. Due to the process through which the implants goes through, the shell is slightly thicker and that means that it may be more visible through the skin, or possibly felt more easily when the breast is touched. Because of these disadvantages, most breast implants used today are of the smooth variety.

Depending on the patient's individual body type, the plastic surgeon may suggest the use of anatomical implants. Also referred to as "teardrop implants," these devices are used when wanting to achieve a more natural look. However, all anatomical implants are textured and carry the same disadvantages of textured implants.

The breast implants will be inserted through one of the incision sites that were discussed during the initial consultation. The insertion locations that you may select from include the crease beneath the breast, the nipple, the underarm, or the navel. The surgeon will then place the implants either above or below the chest muscle.

These factors depend on the patient's anatomy and personal preference, all of which is to be discussed at the time of the initial consultation as well.

Most likely, the anesthesia you receive will be general, although some doctors use a local anesthetic along with a sedative. Anesthesia type should be discussed with your doctor during the initial consultation.

Since breast implant surgery is usually performed in a surgical suite as an outpatient procedure, no overnight stay would be required. You will most likely be able to leave the surgical suite a few hours post-surgery.

If the patient has not had any children, breast implants can be very painful since they stretch the breast tissues. When placed under the muscle, patients may experience more severe pain. The majority of pain is felt within the first 48 hours and will likely lessen with each passing day. Pain medication can be prescribed by the plastic surgeon, should it be needed.

For support and protection, your breasts will be wrapped with gauze bandages as well as a tighter bandage following breast implant surgery. Drainage tubes coming out of the incision may be inserted and left in for several days after surgery.

Make sure there is someone with you after surgery to drive you home. It is highly recommended that you have someone stay with you for the first few days following surgery as well.

Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed. Be sure to have them filled and ready before surgery, in order to be prepared as soon as your surgery is completed.

In the weeks following surgery, you will notice pink scars that will fade over the next several months. Be sure to follow all of your surgeon's instructions for after care to ensure proper healing. Keep in mind that:

• You should rest as much as possible and drink plenty of fluids. This will allow the body to heal and adjust to the new shape of the implants.
• Keeping movement to a minimum for the next 3-5 days is advised. Avoid raising your elbows past your shoulders. The tissues surrounding the breast implants will heal better, and quicker, if movement is limited.
• Wearing a support bra once the gauze dressing is removed will help your breasts form and maintain a pleasing, balanced shape. Also, depending on where the stitches are located, you may or may not be able to shower.
• Approximately ten days after surgery, the stitches will be removed but swelling may still be present. After a few weeks, the swelling will subside and the breasts will become softer.
• Some light and calm activity may be resumed after a few days. It is recommended to avoid strenuous activity for a few weeks post-surgery. Normal exercise and physical activities may be resumed within a month or two, when the soreness has subsided.
• Depending on the patient, technique used, type of implant, and site placement, recovery will vary. For more specific information, consult your plastic surgeon.

The size and shape of the breasts will notably increase once the breast implants are inserted. For the life of the breast implants, your breasts will remain larger. However, when larger implants are inserted, they have more potential to sag than smaller ones. At this point, it may be recommended that you undergo another surgery to correct sagging in later years.

The best candidates for breast implant surgery generally are:

• 18 years of age or older (only in rare cases will teen breast augmentation be performed)
• Realistic in their expectations
• Wanting to improve their appearance
• Psychologically stable
• In good physical health
• Not currently pregnant or nursing
• Having this surgery for the first time

The above is only a partial list of the criteria that your surgeon will consider in determining whether this procedure is appropriate for you. Be sure to ask your surgeon if he/she considers you an ideal candidate for breast implants.

As with any surgical procedure, there are some possible breast implant risks, including: postoperative infection, hematoma (a blood clot in the breast tissue requiring evacuation during a subsequent surgical procedure), and interference with mammogram readings.

Capsular contracture:

the scar or area around the implant begins to tighten, causing the breast to feel hard.

Rippling:

indentations on the breast, often caused when the implant moves.

Rupture:

a tear and/or leak in the implant. This may require a second operation to replace the implant.

Also possible risks associated with breast augmentation nipple sensitivity or loss of sensitivity (which may subside after a few weeks, but can potentially be permanent), and symptoms of immune system disorders (including joint pain swelling, fever, fatigue, or breast pain).

To ensure that you receive satisfactory results, seek a highly-qualified plastic surgeon who is trained to perform breast surgery. Also, educate yourself so that you may be prepared for all that is associated with this surgical procedure (including risks and complications).

The national average of 2007 surgeon fees for breast implant surgery was $3,690 for saline implants and $4,087 for silicone gel implants (source: American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons). These prices do not include the costs of surgical facilities, anesthesia, and other fees related to surgery.

In most cases, health insurance policies do not cover the cost of breast augmentation.

It is critical to select a physician who is adequately trained and experienced in breast implant procedures. See our Physician Locator feature to find a surgeon in your area, including detailed profile information for many of the listed doctors.

1. How long have you been performing breast implants surgery?
2. What is the total number of breast implant procedures that you have performed?
3. Have you ever had your malpractice insurance coverage denied, revoked, suspended?
4. What breast implant incision, location, and type do your recommend? And, is a breast lift necessary, in addition to breast implants?
5. Please explain the risks associated with the procedure, including: capsular contracture, infection, nipple sensitivity, rippling, rupture, and symptoms of immune system disorders.
6. What is the percent of patients who experienced any of the aforementioned risks?
7. In the event that a second procedure is needed, does the original cost cover the additional expense?
8. Is there a warranty on the implants?
9. Where will the procedure be performed?
10. Who will be assisting you during the surgery? What are their qualifications? Will the surgeon perform the entire surgery?
11. What type of anesthesia will be used, and who will administer it?
12. Will you provide references of patients who have had the same procedure? (The doctor should have a list of references available.)
13. Will you provide before and after breast implant pictures of your past patients?
14. What are the guidelines and recommendations for selecting breast implants?
15. Can I observe the exact procedure I am having before I decide to have the surgery? (Either on videotape, or ask to view one in real life.)
16. What should I expect post-operatively, in terms of soreness, what to watch for, medication, bathing, and level of activity?
17. How will the breast implants affect the way my routine mammograms are performed?
18. Do you offer patient financing?

• Tell your doctor about any allergies you have (to foods, drugs, environmental elements)
• Tell your doctor about all medications, herbal supplements, or natural supplements you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription)
• Carefully follow any instructions your surgeon gives you regarding eating and drinking, smoking, and vitamins.
• Avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing medicines for two weeks prior to surgery.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery.
• Try to schedule surgery at a time other than during your menstrual period.

With iEnhance.com's information on patient financing options, money no longer has to be the barrier between you and your new image. By filling out our online application you can quickly learn if you qualify for breast implant financing.

Please review the following articles and videos for more information on this procedure:

• Common Myths About Breast Implants
• Breast Implant Choices
• Everything You Need to Know About Gummy Bear Breast Implants

• Dr. Blome - Columbus, OH
• Dr. Taranow - New York, NY
• Dr. Hall - Leawood, KS

The information on this web site is only intended as an introduction to this procedure and should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor as a guarantee of the result. The best method of determining your options is to consult qualified surgeons who are able to answer specific questions related to your situation.

At iEnhance, find information on top plastic surgery procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction, facelift, tummy tuck, BOTOX ® Cosmetic, eyelid surgery, thermage, rhinoplasty; as well as teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and other cosmetic dentistry procedures. Locate a plastic surgeon, cosmetic surgeon, cosmetic dentist, or specialist today!