|
|
 |
How are the breasts enlarged? |
 |
 Breast enlargement or augmentation mammoplasty is achieved by inserting a prosthesis under the breast gland or muscle under the gland. The prostheses are salt-water filled, round silicone bags, or silicone-filled, silicone bags. |
|
|
|
Is there a scar and where? |
|
Yes. The scar is usually only two inches (5cm) long and it is most often placed under each breast above the normal crease. The usual scar is a faint white line after 6 months, but this will depend on how your body heals. |
|
|
|
What size can I expect? |
|
There is no accurate method of determining breast size, but most patients increase one to two cup sizes. The increase is determined by your preference and is limited by the amount of breast tissue and loose skin you possess. |
|
|
|
What type of anesthesia will I have? |
|
General anesthesia; it is best performed while you are asleep. |
|
|
|
What type of bra should I buy? |
|
 Athletic bras are best for exercising, and no underwire bras should be worn for 2 months after surgery. If you want to wear nicer bras with an underwire, you can make a small incision in the material of the bra and slip the wire out, then replace it when you are ready with just a couple of stitches. Immediately after surgery, for the first 2-3 weeks, you’ll need a front - closure sports bra that fits loosely around your chest wall. This is to be worn just for work or going out; Dr. Guerriere recommends that all of his patients go braless as much as possible for the first 3-4 months to get a more “natural” look. |
|
|
|
Will I still be able to breast feed? |
|
Yes |
|
|
|
How often do breast implants leak? |
|
There is approximately a 4-6% leak incidence with saline implants; approximately 2-3% with silicone implants. |
|
|
|
Do breast implants cause cancer? |
|
There are no studies to support this claim. |
|
|
|
How long do breast implants last? |
|
There is no definite answer to this question, but implants have been out for over 35 years (since 1963) and many patients still have their original implants. |
|
|
|
Can you make me look exactly like my best friend? |
|
 No. Every one’s breasts are different , and the appearance of breast implants involves many different aspects, such as pre-operative breast shape, shoulder width, height, and body structure. The shape you have now will only be magnified with implants; so if your breasts have a “tubular” shape, breast implants will not make them round. If you have a large space between your breasts, cleavage cannot be obtained with implants. |
|
|
|
What causes hardening of the implant? |
|
Hardening of the breast, known as capsular contracture, happens when the body keeps reidentifying the implant as a foreign body and continues to lay down scar tissue, eventually making the breast hard and sometimes painful. This occurs in about 4-6% of all implant patients. Although this is a small percentage, it is a reality and may require further surgery if the conservative methods are not successful. |
|
|
|
What causes rippling? |
|
Rippling, also known as waves in the breast or indentations in the implant, is a problem most often seen in (but not limited to) post-partum women or very thin women. This occurs when the skin around the implant follows the creases of the implant. The implant, once implanted, is not perfectly round (picture filling a plastic bag with water and holding it up by one corner: you will see the waves in the bag). Unfortunately, there is no cure for this, but Dr. Guerriere can discuss with you options which may lessen the effect. |
|
|
|
How can I get silicone gel-filled implants? |
|
Silicone breast implants are approved for cosmetic use; however, the FDA requires that silicone breast implant patients be at least 21 years of age. It is recommended that an MRI (magnetic resonance image) is performed at intervals through out the life of the implants. |
|
|
|
How soon after surgery can I have sexual intercourse? |
|
 Sexual intercourse is okay as soon as the patient feels up to it, but be aware that the wound is still weak for 4-6 weeks and the breasts should not be handled in a rough manner. |
|
|
|
How long do I have to sleep on my back? |
|
Dr. Guerriere recommends that you sleep on your back for at least 4 weeks. This may seem uncomfortable at first, but it is necessary to prevent a hematoma from forming, which is a blood formation under the skin. To make yourself more comfortable, place a pillow under each arm and one under your knees.
|
|
|
|
Do I have to massage the implants? |
|
No. Dr. Guerriere uses textured implants, which are used to cut down on the rate of capsular contracture. Massaging this type of implant early on can actually be detrimental and may cause an implant to rupture. |
|
|
|
When can I shower? |
|
Most patients are kept firmly wrapped with the operative dressing for the 24-48 hours. Dr. Guerriere’s patients can shower after the wrap is removed, but cautioned to avoid rapid arm movements. Baths, swimming pools, and hot tubs should be avoided for at least 4-6 weeks post-op. |
|
|
|
When can I exercise? |
|
 Leg exercises can be started in 2 weeks. Stressful exercise such as tennis, weight lifting, jogging, running, power walking, may not be done for at least 6 weeks. |
