Breast augmentation and small breast augmentation are widely performed cosmetic procedures, with many women seeking to enhance the appearance of their breasts every day. However, the decision to begin your breast augmentation journey can come with many questions. The best way to get answers to these questions is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During a consultation, patients have the opportunity to discuss the procedure with the surgeon, address any concerns, and ask questions.
Long Island, NY, breast procedure specialist Dr. Meredith Vandegrift provides answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about breast augmentation.
1. What’s the Difference Between Saline and Silicone Implants?
Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water, while silicone implants contain silicone gel. If a saline implant leaks, it collapses, and the body absorbs the saline naturally. A leaking silicone implant may retain its shape if the gel stays within the shell or escapes into the implant pocket.
Saline implants offer uniform firmness and shape, whereas silicone implants resemble natural breast tissue. Gummy implants, a newer type of silicone implant, feature thicker gel that helps maintain shape even if the shell breaks. During your consultation, Dr. Vandegrift will help you choose the best implant for your anatomy, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals.
2. Where Will My Incisions Be?
There are three incision options: peri-areolar (along the areolar edge), inframammary (under the breast fold), and axillary (in the underarm). During your consultation with Dr. Vandegrift, you will discuss your options and choose your incision based on implant type, desired size, and anatomy. The implant can be placed under or over the pectoral muscle, with each position presenting its own pros and cons.
If you have other breast rejuvenation procedures, such as a breast lift, to enhance the appearance of sagging breasts, Dr. Vandegrift may incorporate other incisions. Each breast rejuvenation procedure comes with its own benefits, and Dr. Vandegrift will guide you in making the best decisions for your lifestyle, anatomy, and goals.
3. Will My Implants Have to Be Replaced?
Whether you choose silicone or saline implants, neither option is intended to be a lifelong device. However, there is no specific time frame requirement that says when breast implants should be replaced. Implants should be replaced if there are complications or integrity concerns, such as a rupture or capsular contracture. Some patients with implants may choose to have implants replaced or removed due to changes in their breast appearance that result from weight fluctuations, hormones, aging, or lifestyle preferences.
When the time comes to have your breast implants replaced, Dr. Vandegrift will help you navigate the breast revision or breast implant removal process.
4. Will I Be Able to Breastfeed After I Get Implants?
Many women can successfully breastfeed following breast augmentation. However, breastfeeding challenges are always possible, with or without breast implants. If you hope to breastfeed in the future, let Dr. Vandegrift know during your consultation so that you can make decisions together that will be best for your future needs and goals.
5. What Are the Risks Associated with Breast Augmentation?
Like any surgical procedure, breast augmentation carries inherent risks. Rare surgical risks include reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, and poor healing. Complications, though rare, may occur and can include:
- Capsular Contracture: This occurs when scar tissue forms around a breast implant, which is typically harmless. However, excessive scar tissue can harden and cause pain. Surgeons can remove the excess tissue through breast revision procedures if needed.
- Mammography Obstruction: Breast implants, especially with subglandular placement, can obstruct mammogram results. Submuscular implants cause less obstruction. Always inform the technician about any implants to adjust the procedure accordingly.
- Rupture: Breast implants are designed and regulated to remain intact, but there is a possibility of leakage. Implant rupture is uncommon during regular activities. If a saline implant leaks, it deflates, and the body absorbs the saline; however, if a silicone implant ruptures, it’s important to see your surgeon to have it replaced or removed as soon as possible to avoid silicone leaking and migrating to other areas of the body.
- Rippling: Rippling happens when a breast implant settles and pulls on scar tissue, creating a rippled look. It’s more common with saline implants and occurs more frequently in implants placed above the pectoralis muscle, though it can happen in both positions. During your consultation, Dr. Vandegrift will discuss how implant choice and placement can prevent rippling.
- Nipple Sensation Loss: Breast augmentation may cause sensory changes in the breast, usually resolving within 3 to 6 months. Sensation loss is least likely with the inframammary fold incision.
Bonus Question: How Do I Know If I Am a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
Ideal candidates for breast augmentation are in good health, have realistic expectations, and may be unhappy with the size, shape, or projection of their breasts. Good candidates are non-smokers, as smoking can interfere with the healing process.
Women of any age can undergo breast augmentation; however, per FDA regulations, women must be age 22+ for silicone breast implants. Many opt for implants in their late teens (18+) and early 20s to enhance size or correct deformities and asymmetry. Breast implants are also a popular post-pregnancy procedure for restoring volume, often part of a mommy makeover. Women in their 40s and 50s may choose implants to rejuvenate aging breasts.
To determine whether you’re a good candidate, schedule your consultation with Dr. Vandegrift today.
Schedule Your Breast Augmentation Consultation Today!
Breast augmentation comes with many questions and decisions. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Meredith Vandegrift is your dedicated guide through every step of your journey to revitalize your curves with Long Island’s best breast augmentation. Are you ready to begin your breast augmentation journey? Partner with Dr. Vandegrift, one of Long Island’s premier breast augmentation surgeons. Contact us today or call (631) 935-0303 to schedule your consultation today!