General Breast Augmentation Frequently Asked Questions

[myparts]

What about augmentation with my own fat? Isn't this a better idea?

Although this seems ideal, until better results without complications are possible, it is actually risky. Fat grafting, especially in the amount needed for a standard augmentation may not last. You see, in order for fat to survive it must be transferred successfully and hopefully be re-vascularized once they are grafted. If not, the fat cell will die. It isn't as simple as liposuctioning fat out and then injecting it into the breasts. Not all fat which is grafted may survive the procedure, which may result in asymmetry, lumpiness, fat and tissue necrosis and of course irregular mammograms for years to come. Fat grafting into the breasts can develop into calcifications and scar tissue masses, which show up on mammograms as irregularities. Of course when these are found they must be biopsied to be sure it is not a malignant mass. This may occur repeatedly.

However, fat can be transplanted to the cleavage areas to help with overly-bony sternums and soften the transition from implant/breast mound to breastbone without problem, but larger amounts of fat can cause problems in the breasts.

[myparts]

I have fibromyalgia (or multiple sclerosis, etc.), is it safe for me to get implants?

This is up to you and your primary care physician, although I have friends who have both disorders and breast implants, nothing has gotten worse (or better) since the implantation of their prostheses many years ago. The FDA released information stating that the IOM concluded that implants do not cause nor contribute to disorders such as these.

It must be said that those predisposed to have disorders may experience develop them after having been exposed to high levels of stress, trauma, surgery, foreign bodies, infections, high blood pressure, accidents, etc. These disorders are well-documented in developing after a trigger such as the aforementioned.

Those with fibromyalgia, MS, lupus, etc. have advised me that they experienced worsened symptoms with the presence of foreign bodies, whether that be breast implants, or bovine collagen injections. I assume due to the stress of a foreign body on the immune system. Others however, have told me they experienced no change at all.

[myparts]

I have Poland's Syndrome (pectus excavatum, pectus carinatum, etc.) and have been told breast implants will help me look "normal" - is this true?

Many patients with Pectus Excavatum and Carinatum have gotten breast implants to give the illusion of a normal chest conformation. Patients with Poland's syndrome have also gotten one implant or two different sizes when there is considerable asymmetry involved with their disorder. In any case, please seek out a surgeon who is well-experienced in cases such as these.

[myparts]

Should I try BRAVA or Breast Enlargement Pills before choosing to undergo BA with breast implants?

On the subject of BRAVA, if you choose to try this option, I recommend speaking to real, uncompensated users of the BRAVA system.

As far as breast enlargement supplements, all supplements are not regulated by the FDA - only their preservatives and food dyes are regulated, these herbal supplements are not the exception. Please be careful when purchasing these items. Some of them contain herbs that are contraindicated with other medications or herbal supplements and can even cause heart palpitations or nervousness. Just use your best judgment when taking something like this and go over the ingredients list. Remember that 'if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is'. I personally do not recommend, nor do I endorse, any breast enhancement supplements but have provided the hyperlinks for your convenience in research. Buyer Beware!

[myparts]

How much is breast augmentation going to cost me? What about if I need a revision?

This definitely depends upon your region, surgeon can range from $2,500. to $10,000. and up. Prices may vary due to region, surgery bids, the newness of practice, marketing ploys, the occasional "special", demand of surgeon, etc. These prices may or may not include, operating room coasts, anesthesia, lab work medications, and more so be sure to ask beforehand and get it in writing.

If you are in need of a revision there is little else you can do if nothing was determined beforehand, but pay the fees and move on. So please determine revision stipulations beforehand and get this in writing as well. Such things as CC, infection and others are usually not covered (although some surgeons do cover this). Surgeon error should be covered at the surgeon's expense so please review the practice's revision protocol before booking your surgery. It is better to prepare for the worst and hope for the best than be hit by an avalanche of additional postoperative fees in your time of misfortune.

[myparts]

What are the risks of Breast Augmentation?

Although extremely rare, it is possible to bleed post-operatively resulting in another surgery to control and drain the collected blood. You could develop a post-operative infection and need to have the implant removed, the infection dealt with and still have to wait for several months before an additional surgery can be performed to re-implant. Loss of sensitivity is common, although temporary. Permanent sensation loss in the areola (nipple) area or breasts, in general, can and may happen. There is also the possibility of developing a Seroma which is a mass caused by the accumulation of serum fluid within a tissue or organ. Or a Hematoma which is a localized mass of blood that is typically confined within an organ, tissue, space, or potential space and may be a result from a broken blood vessel.

Of course, there is the risk of Capsular Contracture (the evil scar tissue encapsulating the implant, hardening around and squeezing the implant). This rarely ever goes away on its own. Nor does it tend to lay dormant after a revision surgery is performed. It may happen due to bacteria on the implant, surgical implements or airborne and the body attempting to place the foreign body as far away from itself as possible. Or it may develop after an injury. If this happens, you can develop pains, hardening, deformity and deflation of the implant. It sometimes even happens again after the surgery to remove the scar tissue has be performed.

There is a chance of rippling (wrinkling or indentations from the implant) being apparent, especially when one has no breast tissue and chooses to go over the muscle. It is possible that the implant can shift and push through layers of tissue, showing through the skin. The implant can deflate or rupture from an injury or from wear and tear from an improperly under filled implant (even your breathing motions can cause creasing in the implant causing it to weaken at these creases). Even an overzealous doctor performing a mammogram can rupture your implant. You can have a complete deflation within several hours if it is an un-encapsulated saline-filled implant. If it is a silicone gel-filled implant, you may not know for months or years. Of course either way, they will have to be replaced. Then there is always a risk of hematoma and scarring. Also, difficulty in early breast tumor detection is possible when you have either silicone gel (more pronounced) or saline-filled silicone shelled implants.

Also, there are the risks of disappointment in size. A lot of women wish they would have gone bigger. Realize that when you are doing the the rice test that they will have to add a little more to make up for the tissues and/or muscle flattening the implant a little if you choose the submuscular placements. When you pre-operatively try on the larger bras and fill them out a bit, they are on top of your body, probably lifted, as well, by an under wire. Take this into account and communicate with your doctor, the results you really want.

There is also the disappointment in the implants not lifting the breasts as you would like. I thought it would, but I was mistaken. This is not a breast lift this is an augmentation. If it is lift you want as well as augmentation, get them both. After your augmentation surgery, the breasts will be heavier than what you are accustomed to. The heavier weight will speed up the sagging process especially if you go around braless all of the time.

There is the possibility of extrusion of the implant, breast tissue atrophy from the force exerted by the implant.

[beachy]

Can they even do implants of fat?

I have heard that some scientists are working on stem cell implants. They would be able to grow implants out of stem cells.