Are you interested in breast augmentation surgery? We address your most common questions
about breast augmentation, silicone implants, and more.
If you have been thinking about getting breast surgery, you may have done some research at home. One of the best ways to learn about implants, however, is to meet with an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon. At Austin Plastic Surgery Institute, we can address your concerns during a simple consultation.
Do you have questions to ask a plastic surgeon before breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction? Our facility in Austin, TX, provides information and educational resources to patients about the benefits and risks of surgery. Learn more by contacting our team and scheduling your appointment today.
Read on for the answers to six commonly-asked questions about breast augmentation.
1. Why should I get breast implants?
Over 7.5 million women have breast implants! Women seek augmentation for a number of reasons. While some hope to improve their breast shape and size, others want to restore their silhouette to their pre pregnancy appearance. For many women, their ideal breast was prior to having children or when they were breast feeding. Others were born with naturally small breasts and would like to feel more confident in daily life. No matter what your reasons, cosmetic procedures can be personalized to meet your unique goals. For example, breast augmentation will correct the size of the breasts, but not necessarily any sagging. This is where other procedures such as a breast lift (mastopexy) or breast reduction may come into play. During your consultation, we will determine which procedures will help you get your desired results.
2. How should I prepare for breast surgery?
Once we determine you are a candidate for breast augmentation or another surgery, your physician will offer several ways to prepare for the procedure. Avoiding smoking and aspirin up to and after surgery. You should also inform our team about any medications you may be taking. Since you will need to rest after breast surgery, many of our patients arrange for help with household chores, meal preparation, and childcare during that time. Ask about our rapid recovery program to minimize your downtime.
3. Are silicone breast implants safe?
Some patients come to our clinic with concerns about the safety of silicone breast implants. No medical device has every received more attention to optimize their safety. They are cleared by the FDA for augmentation. We exclusively use the Sientra silicone gel implant which is the only 5 th generation implant on the market. Plastic surgeons have been using breast implants safely and effectively for decades, and countless improvements have been made during that time.
Other patients may be worried about their appearance after getting silicone implants. To avoid looking fake or "overdone," your skilled plastic surgeon at Austin Plastic Surgery Institute will take into account the shape and volume of your natural breasts as well as optimal placement to achieve the best results. Vectra® 3D Imaging allows us to create a simulation of the expected results using different types and sizes of implants. It can also show the breast with a lift. This can help women feel more comfortable with their decision.
4. How do I know if I am a candidate for breast augmentation?
Another question to ask a plastic surgeon before breast augmentation is whether you are a good candidate for this procedure. Most individuals in good general health with fully developed breasts are candidates for augmentation surgery. Learn more about your specific candidacy by contacting the professionals at Austin Plastic Surgery Institute for an examination.
5. What is my recovery like following breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure performed in the accredited surgical facility next to our office while the patient is under general anesthesia. It takes less than an hour to complete. Intraoperatively, we inject a medicine called Exparel to help reduce pain and discomfort. This is part of our Rapid Recovery Program to minimize pain and the need for narcotic medication. While we encourage patients to move around to promote good circulation, you should avoid strenuous exercise until you have been cleared by your surgeon (usually 2-3 weeks). Other than some swelling and bruising, side effects may include a slight tightness in the chest as the skin adjusts to your new breast size. It normally takes about 1-2 months for breasts to settle into their final position.
6. What is my risk of rupture?
Silicone implants are strong and durable and are made to last indefinitely. The rupture rate is 30% in older implants and less than 5% in the newest Sientra implants. Most ruptures however are contained by the capsule and there is no spread throughout the body. If the implants are soft and the breast shape has not changed, there might not be any reason to change the implants- regardless of implant age. These implants are filled with a gel-like substance that feels similar to natural breast tissue. Though defects are rare, silicone implants are designed so the gummy bear like material will stay intact if the shell becomes compromised or ruptured. If a rupture does occur, it is often easily treated. In addition to regular check-ups with your physician, it is recommended that patients get mammograms. If there is ever a question about the integrity of the implant, we can do an ultrasound in our office!
Schedule your breast augmentation consultation
Do you have more questions to ask a plastic surgeon before breast augmentation? Reach out to Austin Plastic Surgery Institute in Austin, TX, today to schedule a consultation. Our skilled staff is pleased to address any concerns or questions you may have. We have provided numerous breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast reduction surgeries to patients who love their end results.
