Many women have breast implant questions. Here are some answers to help you get prepared for your consultation. Breast implants are used to enhance the appearance of the breasts or rebuild a breast after cancer surgery or injury. They can be filled with saline or silicone gel. They can be placed under the pectoralis muscle (submuscular) or between the breast tissue and chest muscle (subglandular). Both have advantages and disadvantages.
What are the risks?
Breast implant surgery is generally safe with a low risk of complications or side effects. However, you and your plastic surgeon will need to weigh the benefits of enhancing your appearance with the risks and potential side effects of the procedure before you decide to get implants. Women with implants are most often happy with their results, with many describing an increase in self-esteem and an improved body image as major benefits of the procedure. For many women, the decision to have implants is also an important one for personal reasons that go beyond boosting their self-image.
A small number of women report systemic symptoms, such as fatigue or joint pain, that they link to their breast implants. Although researchers are trying to understand the cause of these symptoms, there is no evidence that breast implants are responsible. Some of these symptoms may be due to a different health problem, such as rheumatoid arthritis or thyroid problems.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved implants to help people enlarge their breast size, called augmentation, and to rebuild a breast after cancer surgery or injury, a process known as reconstruction. There are two kinds of implants, saline and silicone gel, with a variety of sizes and shapes available. Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water and have an outer silicone shell, while silicone implants have a thicker, more natural-feeling silicone gel filling.
Some women who have silicone gel implants may develop a scar tissue around the implant that hardens and limits movement of the implant. This scar, which is also called capsular contracture, is treated by surgically draining the implant. Other complications that can occur with breast implants include a leak of silicone from the implant, a rupture of the implant, or a change in skin texture around the chest. These issues can be corrected with more surgery or other treatment. You should contact your plastic surgeon as soon as possible if you experience pain or other symptoms associated with your implants.
What are the benefits?
Breast implants can be a life changing procedure for many women. They help to boost self esteem and can open up new options in terms of clothing. For example, many women with small breasts are limited in the kinds of tops they can wear. With implants, they can have a full chest and look great in any shirt. In addition to cosmetic reasons, breast implants are also useful for reconstructive purposes following surgery due to cancer or other health conditions. They can be filled with either saline or silicone and come in several shapes and sizes. They are inserted through an incision, either periareolar (around the edge of your areola), inframammary (in the crease between the bottom of your areola and your chest), transaxillary, or transumbilical.
How do I know if I’m a good candidate?
During a consultation, the plastic surgeon will evaluate your physical health, discuss your goals and determine if breast implant surgery is a good fit. Women who are healthy, non-smokers and with realistic expectations for their results are often good candidates. During your appointment, you will also learn if silicone or saline implants are best for you and how many implant sizes you can choose from.
You can also choose to undergo a form of breast enhancement surgery that does not involve implants, such as fat grafting. However, the cosmetic result from these types of procedures is less predictable than with implants. They also may not last as long, since they are not considered a lifetime device by the FDA. A good breast augmentation can significantly improve your self-image and boost your confidence. However, it is important to understand the risks and benefits so you can make an informed decision about whether or not the procedure is right for you.
It is also important to know what questions to ask your doctor. To prepare for your appointment, write down a list of questions and take them with you. This will ensure that you don’t forget any vital information during your consultation. It’s also a great way to ensure that you get all the answers you need. You can even use our question builder tool to help you prepare your list of questions for the plastic surgeon.
What are my options?
You have a few options when it comes to the size of your breast implants. Silicone and saline breast implants are both available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Silicone implants tend to feel more like natural breast tissue and are less prone to rippling after surgery. Saline implants are pre-filled with sterile salt water, which makes them safer in the event of a rupture and require a smaller incision during surgery. Which type of implant is best for you will depend on your goals and lifestyle.
How will I know if I’m satisfied with my results?
One of the most important questions for any woman considering breast augmentation is what she should expect after the procedure. Having realistic expectations will help to ensure that you’re happy with your results for years to come. Whether you’re looking for a subtle increase in cup size or dramatic enhancement, your doctor will work with you to create a look that is both beautiful and natural-looking.
Your doctor should be able to tell you the number of cc’s that will give you the desired look, as well as what size implants are available. In addition, he or she should be able to show you photos of both small and large breasts to help you understand what the different options will look like. Ideally, you should ask for both saline and silicone implants so that you can try both to see what you prefer.
It’s also a good idea to ask your doctor about how long your implants will last. While they are not lifetime medical devices, it is fairly common for women to need replacements every 10 to 20 years. In some cases, this is necessary because of a ruptured implant. Lastly, be sure to discuss the cost of the procedure with your doctor. Typically, cosmetic surgery is not covered by Medicare or private health insurance, so you should make arrangements to pay for the procedure before it is performed. Before undergoing any surgical procedure, it’s essential that you do your research and find a surgeon who is both experienced and qualified. With these 17 key breast augmentation questions in mind, you can be prepared for your consultation and ensure that you get the best results possible.
