Questions About Breast Augmentation

Who is an idealcandidate for breast augmentation surgery?

Thebest candidates for breast augmentation surgery are women who are in goodemotional health and have a good understanding of the procedure. Candidatesshould also have a history of physical activity, and maintain a healthy diet.Breast augmentation surgery is an ideal option to enhance your figure, but notto change it entirely.

What causes a salinebreast implant to deflate or rupture?

A breast implant may deflateif the saline solution leaks through a damaged valve, or through a puncture inthe shell of the implant. Deflation may happen instantaneously, or over thecourse of several days. An implant may deflate for several reasons including:

·        Overfilling or underfilling

·        Capsular contracture (when the scar or capsule around yourimplant tightens)

·        Trauma

·        Intense physical force

·        Excessive compression during a mammogram

Who is not eligiblefor breast implants?

Women who should not havebreast augmentation surgery include those who are:

·        Currently pregnant or nursing

·        Have an existing malignant or pre-malignant cancer

·        Have an active infection anywhere in your body

When will I be able to wear anunderwire bra?

Yourplasticsurgeon will give personalized recommendations, but waiting three monthsafter breast augmentation surgery before wearing an underwire bra is typical.This is because your body will be forming scar tissue around your new implantduring this time period. The pressure from the wire could cause your scar tissueto develop in an indentation pattern around the wires; and this could bepermanent.

How long must I waitbefore I can exercise and resume strenuous activities following surgery?

Whilerecovery periods will vary by person, at least a week off is generallyrecommended, as the first few days following surgery are the mostuncomfortable. Dr. Pratt will let you know when you can resume exercising, butthe average time is three to four weeks. It is very important that you do notallow sweat into the incision while you are healing. Therefore, besidesexercise you should not sun tan or stay out in the sun for a long period oftime.

Will my breasts stillmove like natural breasts?

Thiswill depend on several factors, including the type of implant you receive andhow your body responds to and holds the implant. Many women have breastimplants that are soft and move nicely, while other women have results that aremore firm. In some cases, women experience very hard breasts due to capsularcontracture that need to be surgically corrected.

Whateffect does smoking have on the healing process?

Ifyou smoke following your procedure, your blood vessels will become constricted,which reduces the blood supply and oxygen to your surgical area. Your affectedtissues need this blood and oxygen in order to heal. Therefore, smoking willcause you to heal more slowly. Breast augmentation patients are advised to quitsmoking at least six weeks prior to surgery and not smoke until they havehealed completely.

Will I lose sensationin my nipples?

Youmay experience changes in nipple sensation following implant surgery. This isnot to say that your sensation will always decrease; in some cases it willincrease. The sensation can range from mild to intense and can be temporary orlong lasting; even permanent.

Must I be at my idealweight before undergoing breast augmentation surgery?
 

You need not be at yourideal weight, but you should be close. A substantial weight loss afterreceiving breast implants could alter the results and lead to a drooping orreduction in side. A significant weight gain could also cause an unsatisfactoryincrease in the size of your breasts.