Breast Augmentation Blog: Questions About Breast Augmentation

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Questions About Breast Augmentation

Author: Evan Langsted

Who is an ideal candidate for breast augmentation surgery?

The best candidates for breast augmentation surgery are women who are in good emotional health and have a good understanding of the procedure. Candidates should also have a history of physical activity, and maintain a healthy diet. Breast augmentation surgery is an ideal option to enhance your figure, but not to change it entirely.

What causes a saline breast implant to deflate or rupture?

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

Overfilling or underfilling
Capsular contracture (when the scar or capsule around your implant tightens)
Trauma
Intense physical force
Excessive compression during a mammogram

Who is not eligible for breast implants?

Women who should not have breast 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 an underwire bra?

Your plastic surgeon will give personalized recommendations, but waiting three months after breast augmentation surgery before wearing an underwire bra is typical. This is because your body will be forming scar tissue around your new implant during this time period. The pressure from the wire could cause your scar tissue to develop in an indentation pattern around the wires; and this could be permanent.

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

While recovery periods will vary by person, at least a week off is generally recommended, as the first few days following surgery are the most uncomfortable. Dr. Pratt will let you know when you can resume exercising, but the average time is three to four weeks. It is very important that you do not allow sweat into the incision while you are healing. Therefore, besides exercise you should not sun tan or stay out in the sun for a long period of time.

Will my breasts still move like natural breasts?

This will depend on several factors, including the type of implant you receive and how your body responds to and holds the implant. Many women have breast implants that are soft and move nicely, while other women have results that are more firm. In some cases, women experience very hard breasts due to capsular contracture that need to be surgically corrected.

What effect does smoking have on the healing process?

If you smoke following your procedure, your blood vessels will become constricted, which reduces the blood supply and oxygen to your surgical area. Your affected tissues need this blood and oxygen in order to heal. Therefore, smoking will cause you to heal more slowly. Breast augmentation patients are advised to quit smoking at least six weeks prior to surgery and not smoke until they have healed completely.

Will I lose sensation in my nipples?

You may experience changes in nipple sensation following implant surgery. This is not to say that your sensation will always decrease; in some cases it will increase. The sensation can range from mild to intense and can be temporary or long lasting; even permanent.

Must I be at my ideal weight before undergoing breast augmentation surgery?

You need not be at your ideal weight, but you should be close. A substantial weight loss after receiving breast implants could alter the results and lead to a drooping or reduction in side. A significant weight gain could also cause an unsatisfactory increase in the size of your breasts.

About the Author:

If you are interested in breast augmentation surgery, please visit the Web site for Pratt Plastic Surgery, serving patients in Tacoma, Seattle, Everett, and Bellevue, Washington.

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