Breast Surgery - FAQs about Breast Implants and more at our Arizona Practice
Breast Enlargement (Augmentation Mammoplasty)
Q: Do I have a choice of the type of implants for my breast enlargement?
A: The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) recently announced that silicone implants can once again be used also for breast enlargement in women at least 22 years old. Therefore, you have a choice of either silicone or saline implants for breast enlargement. Both of these implants are available in a variety of sizes related to volume and may be textured or smooth. They can be also selected based on their width to height ratio (such as moderate and high profile). The high profile ones offer more projection with a narrower width at any given volume and may be more appropriate for someone who is fairly narrow but wants significantly increased projection.
Q: Do you offer silicone breast implants? I understand that they feel very natural.
A: Silicone breast implants are the most natural feeling implants and on average do last longer than the saline ones. We have using them for over 20 years with excellent results and can now offer them again for breast enlargements.
Q: Will I need to have my breast implants replaced some time in the future?
A: Breast implants will not last forever. They may last 5-20 years, possibly less or more but expect that at some point in time they will need to be replaced or removed. It is usually easy to determine when saline implants deflate as there will be a noticeable and rapid decrease in the size of one breast. Loss of integrity in silicone implants can be more difficult to detect since there is no real change in volume. You may see a change in breast shape, experience discomfort or develop firmness of the breast. An MRI may be needed to make the diagnosis.
Q: Where do you place the incisions when inserting breast implants?
A: Three methods of inserting breast implants are offered at the Arizona Center for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Incisions can be made:
1. near the crease at the lower part of the breast
2. around the lower half of the nipple
3. through the armpit
The incision is approximately 1¼ inches in length.
Q: Do you usually place the breast implants in front of or behind the muscle (pectoralis major muscle)?
A: With the rare exceptions, I recommend placing the breast implants behind the muscle for several reasons. They look and feel more natural and there is a lower associated rate of the occurrence of firm scar tissue forming around the breast implants which can result in the breasts feeling hard (known as capsular contracture). Most importantly, the breasts can be seen much better on mammography in this location.
We can discuss breast implants in greater detail during your consultation at our Scottsdale or Glendale office.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Q: Where will my scars be located?
A: The location and extent of the scars depends on several factors including the degree of drooping. It can range from the top half of the nipple in a mini-lift to an inverted-T shape (extending from around the nipple to the fold at the bottom of the breast, then along the fold).
Q: Do the scars heal well?
A: They generally heal in an acceptable way and will fade somewhat over time. The final outcome would depend on multiple factors including genetics and skin color. The trade-off for these scars are more perky, youthful appearing breasts.
Q: Will I lose sensation in my nipples?
A: There can be some loss of sensation in the nipples following a mastopexy. Many women retain most if not all of their sensation. It is rare to have total loss of sensation.
Q: My breasts not only became droopy after pregnancy and breastfeeding, but they are also smaller than they used to be. Can I get them lifted and enlarged at the same time?
A: Yes. It is very common to have the breasts both lifted and enlarged in one surgical procedure.
Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammoplasty)
Q: My breasts are very large and cause neck, back, and shoulder pain. Will a breast reduction take care of this?
A: By markedly decreasing the breast size and weight and repositioning the remaining tissue, a breast reduction can be very effective in successfully addressing these symptoms. In fact, most women experience a marked decrease or even a complete disappearance of their symptoms.
Q: Where are the incisions placed?
A: The incisions extend from around nipples (which are decreased in size and lifted up), down to the crease at the lower part of the breast, then along this crease. This is an inverted-T shaped configuration.
Q: Is the procedure painful?
A: Most women find the postoperative discomfort to be fairly mild in nature. Even with their initial postoperative dressing on, many will comment on the immediate improvement of their symptoms.
Q: Is this surgery an outpatient procedure?
A: Yes, it is usually done as an outpatient procedure.
Q: Will the procedure be covered by my insurance plan or is it considered cosmetic?
A: The answer depends upon several factors including your insurance plan, weight, symptoms, and breast size. Common issues insurance companies look for are neck, back, and shoulder pain, skin irritation, and failure to respond to non-operative treatments such as physical therapy.
If you have additional questions about breast enlargement, breast lift, breast reduction or breast implants, please contact the Arizona Center for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery today. We have offices in Scottsdale and Glendale.