Q: How long do breast implants last?

Because every patient’s body is unique, and breast augmentation surgery methods are varied, a universally applicable answer to this question is impossible. However, unless your breast implants rupture or you experience capsular contracture, there is no need to replace your breast implants at any set time interval.

Question 1

How long do breast implants last?

Accepted Answer

Because every patient&rsquo;s body is unique, and breast augmentation surgery methods are varied, a universally applicable answer to this question is impossible. However, unless your breast implants rupture or you experience capsular contracture, there is no need to replace your breast implants at any set time interval.

Question 2

How does breast augmentation work?

Accepted Answer

Breast augmentation works by using customized implants to create a new shape and size of the breasts. The implants are placed either under the pectoral muscle or directly under the breast tissue.

Question 3

What does breast augmentation mean?

Accepted Answer

Breast augmentation or augmentation mammoplasty is the procedure that improves breast shape and size. Breast augmentation helps to improve the overall look of the breasts by using implants that are fitted into the breast.

Question 4

What is capsular contracture, and will it happen after my breast augmentation?

Accepted Answer

Capsular contracture refers to a possible complication of breast augmentation surgery that takes place when the patient&rsquo;s body reacts to the introduction of a foreign object (the breast implant) by forming a &ldquo;capsule&rdquo; below the implant, causing the implant to harden, and distorting its appearance. When performing breast augmentation surgery, Dr. Jabs and Dr. Richards utilize surgical techniques geared specifically toward avoiding the complication of capsular contraction and will take every precaution to ensure the complete and lasting success of your breast augmentation surgery.

Question 5

Can breast implants obstruct the results of a mammogram?

Accepted Answer

Although breast implants can interfere with mammogram results, if you inform your mammography technician about your implants, they will perform additional, specialized scans of your breasts to ensure comprehensive and accurate results of your mammogram.

Question 6

Will I lose sensation in my nipples or breasts after my breast augmentation surgery?

Accepted Answer

After breast augmentation surgery, patients may have temporary hyper-sensitivity or sensation loss of the nipple/areola. However, less than 5% of patients will experience a permanent loss of sensation in the nipple/areola region after breast augmentation surgery.

Question 7

Do I need to postpone my breast augmentation surgery until after I am finished having children?

Accepted Answer

Patients are generally advised to wait until childbirth is completed before having breast augmentation surgery. However, at Cosmetic Surgery Associates, Dr. Jabs, Dr. Richards Dr. Magge will employ the optimal surgical techniques to minimize the impact on the nipples and mammary glands, and many of their patients have been able to breastfeed children without any difficulty.

Question 8

What are the different incision options for my breast augmentation surgery?

Accepted Answer

There are different incision choices for a breast augmentation procedure, and Dr. Richards, Dr. Jabs, and Dr. Magge will consider your body shape, medical history, the type and size of your implants, and your personal preferences, in order to determine the appropriate incision for your specific surgery. Incision types include:nInframammary incision&ndash;within the curve beneath the breast)nPeriareolar incision&ndash;around the lower half of the areola

Question 9

Should or could I have a breast lift at the same time as breast augmentation?

Accepted Answer

A breast lift alone cannot add size or volume to the breasts&mdash;in order to achieve an increase in breast size, a breast augmentation procedure is necessary. If your goal is not only to enlarge your breasts but also to correct the problem of sagging breasts, breast augmentation performed in conjunction with a breast lift may be the best option for you. These two procedures can be performed in a single surgery, or in two separate surgeries, depending on your preference. For specific information about breast augmentations with a lift, please see (link to breast augmentation with a lift document).

Question 10

How long does it take to recover from breast augmentation surgery?

Accepted Answer

Recovery time varies because of the unique details of each patient&rsquo;s surgery, and the diverse healing capacities of our patients. It is generally a good idea to have someone assist you for the first few days after your surgery. Discomfort after breast augmentation surgery is usually mild to moderate, and your sutures will be removed approximately seven days after your surgery. Two to four weeks is the typical duration of the recovery period for breast augmentation surgery; however, your results will be visible immediately after surgery and will continue to improve as swelling and bruising subside.

Question 11

Can breast implants cause pain years later?

Accepted Answer

Breast Implant pain is generally associated with a very late stage capsular contracture, which is a rare process.

Question 12

Do breast implants cause autoimmune disease?

Accepted Answer

There is no evidence that breast implants cause any type of auto immune disease or process

Question 13

Can you breast feed after breast augmentation

Accepted Answer

The short answer is yes.  Some patients cannot breast feed before a breast augmentation and thus wont be able to afterwords.  There may be a small chance of interrupting the ability to breast feed, but this is more likely with a sub glandular implant placement through a peri-areolar approach.  Generally, the infra-mammary approach and sub muscular placement which is our standard, is very safe.

Question 14

Can I move my arms after breast augmentation?

Accepted Answer

Yes- we dont want you to be too limited after surgery, but care must be taken not to engage in sports or heavy lifting for the first few weeks.

Question 15

Can breast implants last 30 years?

Accepted Answer

Breast implants can last 30 years and I have several patients where that is the case. There is a misconception that breast implants should be changed out after 10 years. This does not need to happen. If you are not having a problem with the implants...let them be.

Question 16

Do you have to replace breast implants every 10 years?

Accepted Answer

There is a misconception that breast implants should be changed out after 10 years. This does not need to happen. If you are not having a problem with the implants...let them be.

Question 17

Does insurance cover breast implants?

Accepted Answer

Insurance does not cover breast implants for cosmetic reasons.

Question 18

How painful is breast augmentation recovery?

Accepted Answer

Great question. Pain management techniques have dramatically improved in breast augmentation surgery. Breast augmentation used to be a very painful procedure, but now most patients only feel a tightness in the recovery room and may take pain medicine for just a few days after surgery. Some dont take pain medicine at all.

Question 19

Is breast enlargement possible without surgery?

Accepted Answer

Breast augmentation is not possible without surgery. It can be done in office O.R.s (same day surgery).

Question 20

What is the difference between a breast augmentation and breast implants?

Accepted Answer

Breast augmentation uses breast implants to enlarge the breasts.

Question 21

Does getting breast implants make you gain weight?

Accepted Answer

No.

Question 22

How do I know if my breast implant is leaking?

Accepted Answer

You can tell is saline breast implants are leaking as the breast will become smaller. It is more difficult to tell with silicone implants. Often an MRI is needed to detect silicone breast implant leakage.

Question 23

How do you know if you have capsular contracture?

Accepted Answer

You will know if you have a breast capsular contracture as the breast will start to feel hard and the breast implant can rise to a higher level than the implant on the other side.

Question 24

Is getting a breast augmentation worth it?

Accepted Answer

Breast implant surgery has a 95% favorability rating.

Question 25

What is the most common breast implant size?

Accepted Answer

The most common breast implant size is 350cc except for the Los Angeles and Miami areas where it is 450cc.

Question 26

Will Cigna cover breast augmentation?

Accepted Answer

No, unless it is to correct a genetic defect. Bilateral small breasts are not considered genetic defects.

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Location: Bethesda, MD

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May 28, 2000

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DLM FAQ

Phone: (301) 493-4334

Bethesda, MD :Location

Location: Bethesda, MD

DLM FAQ

DLM Internal

May 28, 2000

Meet the Doctors

Special Offers

Consult

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