Currently available implants are very safe. No connection has been found to any chronic conditions.
Mammograms can be performed after surgery using specialized techniques which allow for excellent visualization of the breasts.
Before surgery, patients are screened for breast cancer. Having implants does not increase a patient's risk of developing breast cancer.
The majority of patients experience no change in breast sensation following surgery.
The surgery is performed by placing an implant beneath the breast tissue on the chest. There are several incisions which can be used. Incisions can be made in the lower part of the skin of the breast, around the areola, or in the armpit. Your surgeon can discuss with you the advantages of each incision.
The implants can be placed either above or below the pectoralis muscle on the chest wall. There may be specific anatomic reasons or conditions where one approach is superior to another. Again, speak to your surgeon about each approach. The procedure usually takes one to two hours to complete. Patients go home the same day.
Breast augmentation is most commonly performed using general anesthesia, so patients can sleep through the operation. Some patients may also be candidates for sedation and local anesthesia.
Although patients go home following surgery, most feel tired for the next 24 to 48 hours. Any pain is usually controlled by the medications prescribed. Stitches are removed at 7-10 days. Patients can normally return to work in a few days, although exercise and strenuous activity may not be allowed for several weeks.