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Breast Augmentation
Question: "I had silicone breast implants at age19 and I am now 36. I have not had any problems with my implants (or any other physical ailments relevant to them). I am wondering if I should get them replaced anyway as they are now over 15 years old."
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Question: "I've had breast implants for the past 11 years. I've lost feeling in the nipple area on one of my breasts. Will this numbness ever go away? If I had another surgery on the breast, would the feeling come back?"
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Question: "I just recently had a breast lift; I already had implants. Now, after getting the lift, my breasts are smaller. I would like to get larger implants, however, my doctor advised me that it may or may not be possible, depending on how much room is available. I am now concerned that I will not be able to get the size I desire. Any insight from you will be greatly appreciated."
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Question: "I've had breast implants for 16 years. Do implants have a "life span" so to speak, or is it possible that they will last the lifetime of the patient?"
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Question: "I want to have breast augmentation but I have fibrocystic breast disease. Will this affect the end results of breast implants?"
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Question: "I am very interested in getting breast implants, but I can't find any doctors in my area that perform the surgery via transumbilical or auxiliary incision. Every doctor's office that I have called says that it is too difficult to do and that the warranty on the implant is void when doing these incisions. After reading another question on this site, I see that the warranty is NOT void. Why are so many doctors hesitant to do the TUBA and auxiliary incisions? I would think it would become more popular due to the scar locations. I don’t want to have scarring underneath the mammary fold and around the nipple."
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Question: "I would like to have breast augmentation. However, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer almost two years ago. Considering my mother’s history, how risky or difficult would it be for me to detect breast cancer in its early stages if I go ahead with the augmentation?"
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Question: "I have stretch marks on my breasts due to pregnancy and breastfeeding. I am interested in having breast augmentation because I am very small chested, about a 34A/AA. Is there any way to get rid of the stretch marks on my breasts – will the implants help to make the stretch marks fade or will they make them look worse?"
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Question: "I had breast augmentation 24 years ago with silicone implants with no problems until recently. A few weeks ago I noticed a small lump in one of my breasts. A mammogram and ultra-sound were ordered and the findings showed I have a rupture in the implant and the leakage created the small lump. The radiologist advised I should have the implants replaced or removed to avoid any further complications. Which should I have done? I have had implants for 24 years and after that long, I am not sure if the removal alone will appear aesthetically satisfactory after the procedure. Additionally, in the results of the mammogram and ultra-sound, they found I have breast calcifications in both breasts. Are the calcifications related to the implants?"
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Question: "I'm planning to have breast augmentation in the near future and also planning to get pregnant very soon. Is it better to wait to get the breast implants until after I give birth and breast feed the baby? If I have the augmentation now, are my breasts likely to get too large during and after pregnancy? Are they likely to change considerably from the pregnancy (stretch marks on the skin, sagging, etc.)? I also have some excess skin on my breasts after a substantial weight loss. Do you think I will ultimately achieve better results if I put off having the procedure done until after I have the baby?"
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Question: "I’m having my breasts redone. I had a breast lift last year. I lost a lot of weight after wards causing my right breast to droop terribly and scar up. The other breast seems OK. I want more lift and volume but I’m very leery of implants. I’ve been reading up on them and haven’t seen too many good things said about them. Can you recommend what type implants would be best for me with the least complications. This would greatly relieve my anxiety."
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Question: "I have full D cup breasts that I would like to have lifted using implants. Is there a procedure in which I could get liposuction of the breasts prior to getting implants so there would not be an increase in the size of my breasts? I would like to have the firmness and the lift that implants provide without a size increase. Is this possible?"
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Question: "I have a history of breast lumps that keep reoccurring in the past five years. These lumps are fibroadenomas and have all been benign. I want to have breast implants to correct the disparity in size of my breasts and to make them symmetrical. Can I consider breast augmentation even though I’ve had these lumps? I am very self-conscious regarding the difference in size of my breasts and would really like to correct this problem. Please advise."
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Question: "I had breast augmentation 6 days ago with the implants being placed under the muscle. I was told to not lift anything over 5 pounds or raise my arms, etc. I have tried to follow the doctor’s orders, but I have two small children and have had to lift the youngest a couple of times and reach or raise my arms probably more than my surgeon would prefer. What could the complications be and do I risk “undoing” the surgery?"
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Question: "I’m only 17 years old but my breasts differ significantly in size (one is an A while the other is a C). If my pediatrician approves, could I undergo breast augmentation at this age? Would this be considered a deformity that insurance might cover?"
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Question: "My doctor told me I need a breast lift and augmentation. He does the lift first and 3 months later the augmentation. What are the pros & cons of doing the surgeries at the same time vs. 3 months apart?"
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Question: "My areolas are way too large. Can the size of the areolas be changed; if so, can it be done during the breast augmentation procedure?"
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Question: "I had subpectoral silicone implants placed in 1990. I was able to nurse twins for five months in 1999. I've recently heard that implants should be changed after 15 years. Is this true? I'm still happy with mine and do not notice any obvious problems. My mammograms and ultrasounds have been negative except for benign cysts. I had one MRI of them years ago which was fine at the time. What do you recommend?"
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Question: "My areolas are very small, barely 3/8 inch in diameter (not quite 1 cm), of which most is nipple. I am 5 feet tall, weigh 98 pounds and have never had a child. If I were to get submuscular implants filled with 290cc of saline, can I hope for an increase in areola diameter?"
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Question: "I am considering breast augmentation. I am 34 years old, medium framed, 5’4” and 125 pounds. I am extremely small chested (34 A/AA). I am unsure whether to get round or contoured implants; also, would the smooth or textured be best for me?"
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Question: "I had breast augmentation in 2005. The left breast hangs lower so I plan to have it repaired. Since the left implant has to be removed, is it better to have a new implant put in or is it safe to use the original implant?"
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Question: "I had saline implants in 1998. I just went for a yearly physical and my doctor discovered a lump in my breast. He sent me for an ultrasound and I was given a diagnosis of “some irregularity possibly due to implant.” This diagnosis seems very vague. Should I be concerned and can breast cancer be missed because they assume that it is an implant related issue?"
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Question: "I had breast augmentation six years ago with silicone implants. The problem is I feel that I have a leakage. What side effects are caused by a leaking implant and must the implant be removed as soon as possible?"
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Question: "I've had saline implants for 10 yrs (on top of muscle). I have bad rippling and am considering new implants. I consulted with a surgeon and he recommends silicone implants (on top of muscle). He says because silicone is firmer than saline implants, this should take care of the problem. I'm a bit nervous about silicone hearing that it does not look as natural as saline. What is your recommendation?"
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Question: "We are the parents of an 18 year old Korean daughter who is built very small by nature. Although she is 18, she looks extremely young (12). She is self-conscious of her small breasts and wants larger breasts “because it will make her happy.” As her parents, we feel that she is very well adjusted and very intelligent. She is in college, still lives at home, (commutes back and forth to college), and presently holds two jobs. We are not in favor of her having breast augmentation surgery at this point in time and would like for her to wait until she is a little older to make this decision. Please offer your advice as to how we go about approaching her with this, and also what facts can we give her about having this surgery at such a young age."
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Question: "I will be having breast augmentation within the next few months. Which implants are more natural looking and natural feeling – silicone or saline?"
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Question: "My breasts are lightly sagging. Is there any procedure to firm them up without the breast lift technique – maybe by having augmentation with small implants that will not alter my natural size too much?"
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Question: "I have a few stretch marks underneath my breasts from having a child. I am thinking of getting implants but want to know if they would make the stretch marks more noticeable? I also have a “beauty mark” under my left breast. Would the surgeon be able to remove it during the breast augmentation surgery?"
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Question: "I have new breast implants, and they don't look exactly how I expected. What happened?"
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Question: "I had a breast reduction two years ago. I’ve recently lost 100 pounds and I am now considering getting implants because I am down to a breast size of 34. Is it possible to have this done after having a reduction?"
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Question: "I have one breast that is three times the size of the other. What procedure would be best to have in order to correct this?"
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Question: "I am 16 years old and want to have breast augmentation. What is the optimal age to get breast augmentation and why?"
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Question: "How long is the recovery period after breast augmentation surgery?"
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Question: "When I was 16 I had a benign tumor removed from my left breast. I now have two large benign tumors, one in each breast. Presently I am a size 36B. If I have them removed, I feel I will be left almost completely flat-chested. With my history of breast tumors, would a plastic surgeon consider me a candidate for breast implants?"
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Question: "I have had saline implants for about 9 years. I am now having pain with exertion in my left breast, and it appears slightly larger than my right. It has also gotten to the point that I cannot sleep on my left side without experiencing discomfort. Is this an indication that my implant will require removal, or can something else be done?"
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Question: "I am considering breast augmentation and am concerned about losing nipple sensation permanently. How common is this? I have read about women having temporary loss of sensation, but do many lose it forever?"
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Question: "I am 18 years old and would like to know what the risks are with having breast augmentation. I've read a lot about it on the internet, but need a doctor's answer. I've heard that breast implants have to be replaced after a couple of years – is this true and if so, how often? Are there any additional risks because of my young age?"
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Question: "How long after I stop breastfeeding my baby can I get breast augmentation?"
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Question: "I received breast implants in 1988. The breast implants used on me were subsequently taken off the market, were said to increase the risk of cancer due to their polyurethane outer coating used to prevent capsulation. Currently I am having pain on one side near the nipple area and do not know if it is nerve related pain or a problem with leakage. The implants are uneven and the texture feels funny on that side. I am having a problem finding anyone that wants to get involved with removing these and replacing them. In the past I have had annual mammograms which are painful and I question their accuracy. I am presently afraid to have a mammogram for I fear that the implants are ruptured and will further rupture during the procedure. Do you recommend ultrasound to detect rupture? I would greatly appreciate it if you could offer some suggestions and possibly referral information for a surgeon in the Baltimore area."
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Question: "I recently saw breast augmentation done through the belly button. Is this procedure common, safer, with less pain, and recovery time shorter? Can the implants be done under the muscle this way or over? If needed, what about removal - would this be done any differently? I would prefer having my augmentation done this way due to less scar tissue, etc."
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Question: "How long after having breast augmentation can you pick up children? I run a small at home daycare operation and would like to have an idea as to how long I will have to be out of work?"
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Question: "I had breast augmentation two years ago. The implants are saline and after a year they started to ripple and bottom out. I have had two consultations with two different opinions on how to correct this problem. One was to make incisions at the bottom of the implants to lift them up. Is this the way to go or should I consider replacing them with silicone implants?"
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Question: "I am concerned about whether or not I will be able to successfully breast feed with implants. Does having implants severely lower your chance of being able to breast feed?"
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Question: "I would like to have liposuction, a tummy tuck, breast augmentation and lift. Can the fat from my stomach be used to augment my breasts? Can all of these procedures be done at the same time?"
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Question: "I am 19 years old. I barely fill an A cup. I was reading somewhere that if there is little or no breast tissue, the breasts will have the appearance of "round balls" when you have breast enlargement surgery done. Is this true? If so, would it be possible for the Brava system to help me and exactly what does this do?"
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Question: "Before having my child, I felt OK about my breast size, but now I am dissatisfied. I gained weight during my pregnancy and even retained a few extra pounds afterwards, but my breasts have remained small. Is it possible to remove fat from one part of the body and use it to enlarge the breasts?"
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Question: "My areolas are very large compared to my breast size. When I have my breasts enlarged, I would like to reduce the areolas considerably. I am very self-conscious about them. Can this be done when implants are placed?"
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Question: "I am thinking about having a face lift and breast augmentation performed at the same time. Is this safe?"
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Question: Can you please explain the differences in procedure, recovery time and effect between implants behind the muscle versus behind the breast tissue? Which one is more widely used?"
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Question: "Does the breast augmentation procedure interfere with breastfeeding?"
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Question: "I had my breasts enlarged about ten years ago. Now I've reached the age when I should begin having routine mammograms. Do I need to do anything special because of my implants?"
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Question: "I am a teenager and considering breast augmentation. Am I too young for a breast augmentation? Are there risks concerning a change in breast shape because of the possible growth of my breasts after surgery?"
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Question: "Is breast implant surgery done as an outpatient surgery or is there a hospital stay involved?"
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Question: "I am interested in having my breasts enlarged. Which is better—implants under the pectoral muscle or over it? It seems to me that if they are over the muscle, the implants could sag over time due to their weight and the elastic property of skin. Also, is it possible to have a facelift and breast lift done at the same time?"
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Question: "I am considering a breast enlargement and a tummy tuck. Can I have these procedures done at the same time?"
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Question: "I am seriously considering having a breast augmentation. Right now, I am only a 32A. I am concerned that it might be harmful if I have my breasts made too large. Is there a recommendation for how large you should go according to what size you currently are?"
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Question: "About 4 or 5 years ago I had a lumpectomy on one breast. I had radiation treatment and all is fine now but I wanted to know, is it at all possible to enlarge the treated breast to match the size of the other one?"
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Question: "I am considering getting my breasts enlarged, and I have some concerns. I know that they are using saline now, but I have seen pictures of saline implants that have molded and caused severe illness. I saw a surgeon on a talk show that was discussing soybean oil filled implants. I would like to know if those are available or if it is even an option."
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Question: "Five years ago I had saline breast implants inserted. Since then, I have decided that they are too large for my small frame. What are my options at this point to reduce them? What are the risks and recovery time second time around?"
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Question: "I am considering breast augmentation. I heard that during the healing process, one breast may drop faster than the other, and one may be larger than the other due to the swelling. Is this true?"
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Question: "I understand that there is a chance of loss of sensation to the nipples permanently after breast augmentation. How often does this occurs, and does placement of the implant above or below the breast muscle have anything to do with it?"
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Question: "What are the advantages/disadvantages of where a breast implant is placed (ie: behind or in front of the muscle wall)? I am looking to preserve as much muscular function as possible. As well, I am aiming for the most natural shape possible. If I can, how do I look for a surgeon that will give me the stylistic results I desire?"
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Question: "I am 38 years old and looking to enlarge my breasts. Above or below the muscle -- which is easiest to detect cancer with a mammography? Are any statistics regarding women with breast implants and detection of breast cancer available? Are there facilities that specialize in mammography for implants? Are there any exercises pre and post surgery to assist with recovery? I run 3 miles (3 times a week) and bike 10 miles (3 times a week)."
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Question: "I am a 37 year-old African-American female who has decided to have breast augmentation surgery. My question relates more to the optimal location for the incision (under the armpit, around the areola or in the crease of the breast). Although I personally have no problems with keloids, I would prefer minimal to no scarring on the breast. Also, I am still planning on having children, so I would prefer minimal interference with the nipples."
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Question: "I've had 2 children. My breasts are really small and they droop a little. I want to get breast implants, but would I have to get a lift also?"
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Question: "I am considering getting breast implants, but I am in the military and am concerned about not being able to do physical activity for a long period of time. How long would I really have to wait after surgery to begin running again and to be able to do pushups?"
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Question: "I had saline implant augmentation done 6 years ago. I recently read an article that said saline implants last 7-12 years. Is this true? If so, how does one know the right time for replacement?"
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Question: "I am a very active 50 year old with exceptionally small breasts, 36AA. I would like to consider augmentation, but do competitive martial arts that include high impact kicking and punching to the chest. We wear chest protectors, but the impact is still significant. Is augmentation an option? How likely is deflation with this kind of impact?"
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Question: "I am thinking about getting breast implants. I have gotten keloids from piercings and was wondering if this could be an issue in the scar tissue surrounding the implant or incision. Do you recommend such a procedure for someone who develops excessive scar tissue? What are my options?"
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Question: "I am 19 years old, about to turn 20. My breasts never developed, and I am considering breast augmentation. If I get breast implants now and eventually want to breastfeed, will there be any side effects?"
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Question: "Is it possible to correct inverted nipples? Would all feeling in the nipple then stop? How is it done and what is the recovery time?"
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Breast Lift
Question: "I am 44 years old. One year ago I had breast uplift (mastopexy, lollipop incision) with saline breast implants inserted under the muscle. I find the implants too large and heavy for my small frame. What are my options at this point to reduce them and will my breasts sag again if I do so? With this being the second time around for this procedure, what are the risks and recovery time?"
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Question: "I had a breast lift and augmentation six months ago. The implants were placed submuscular, but I think they have moved far to the outsides of my breasts. Is it too late to keep my breasts wrapped so the muscle heals together under my arms?"
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Question: "I have had consultations with four board certified plastic surgeons concerning a breast lift. All have told me that with the lift I would probably lose a cup size which I do not desire. Only two would do an implant in conjunction with the lift. The other two said they do not do the implant at the same time. Since I am two for two what would be the best decision. At 48 years old I really don’t want to go through two surgeries, but do not want to jeopardize my well-being either."
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Question: "I had a breast lift just over a week ago, and was wondering if it is normal for one breast to be healing much faster than the other? One side is still swollen and "higher" than the other. My surgeon says it will come down, and that this is normal in the healing process. Is this true?"
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Question: "I had saline implants 12 years ago and have had no problems or complications with them. However, I am considering having them removed and a breast lift done. I am guessing I would be a size C without the implants. As I have gained weight over the years, I am presently a bra size DDD with a spillover. By having the implants removed, would I be left with indentations in my breasts – if so, could I have fat taken from another area of my body and injected into my breasts to get rid of the indentations? Would this be my only option if I no longer wanted to have implants?"
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Question: "My breasts are very saggy and I am considering getting a breast lift with augmentation. My doctor told me that he would need to perform two different procedures (due to my having too much skin) - first the breast lift and then go back four months later for the implants. Couldn’t an experienced plastic surgeon do everything at once?"
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Question: "I am considering having a breast lift. What is the recovery time and would there be a need to use implants?"
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Question: "I am in need of breast implant removal and a lift. The implants suggested by my doctor were too big and now I am suffering from scar tissue and a hardened implant for the past five years. I find that I cannot afford all that would need to be done – implant removal, smaller implant replaced, and a lift. Please advise as to where I can get financial help for this and would some of the cost be covered by insurance?"
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Question: "How much risk comes with getting a breast lift? How much scarring is expected? I know that every time an incision is made, scarring will form."
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Question: "I am considering having a breast lift, and have been for several years. I would like to know how long before such a surgery I would have to quit smoking?"
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Question: "I wonder what can be done about some stretch marks on my breasts? They aren't severe, but they're noticeable and they're on the sides and a bit on the front of my breasts (40 year old, 38DD). Would having stretch marks make results of a breast lift look odd?"
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Question: "I have been overweight for most of my life. I am now beginning to lose weight, but I am not happy with my sagging breasts. Should I wait until I reach my goal for weight loss or have the surgery sooner? I will reach my goal in about 10 months."
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Question: "I want to get a breast lift, but I don’t like all of the scarring. I am a 36B and want to stay that size, but my breasts need to be lifted. Is there a variation in the procedure? I believe it’s called endoscopy."
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Question: "I have extensive stretch marks on my breasts, thighs, hips, and stomach, which I have had for over 20 years. Is there anything that can be done to remove or reduce the appearance of stretch marks?"
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Question: "I am a 37-year-old female and have always had large breasts. My pre-pregnancy size was 38D. Since my pregnancy, my breasts are very saggy and are getting more so as I lose weight. Right now I am a size 38DD. I was wondering whether a breast lift or a breast reduction would be more appropriate in my situation. I have 11 month-old twins at home, so I would like to minimize recovery time if possible."
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Question: "I had a mastoplexy when my breasts were considerably large (34F). Two years later, I still have my fullness and the shape is fine, however, I would like more fullness at the top of the breast for cleavage. Most doctors see the large breast and discourage enhancement surgery, but this is a very bothersome part of me. Are there breast enhancers that are inserted on the top of the breast for a rounder look to a naturally large breast?"
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Question: "I am only 4 feet 11 inches tall and my breasts are a size 36C. They hang very low from having two children. What would be best for me, a breast lift or a breast reduction?"
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