During a breast augmentation procedure, an implant can be used to enhance the shape and size of the breasts. In addition to the many sizes and styles of implants available there are also several different surgical techniques that can be used during this procedure. Every patient is unique, so during your consultation, your surgeon will review the many options available to you and offer their recommendation for the type of implant and method of placement based on your overall health and goals.
The decision to have plastic surgery is extremely personal, and you’ll have to decide if the benefits of the surgery outweigh the risks and potential complications of surgery.
You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your surgeon.
A breast augmentation is performed under a general anesthetic. During the procedure, an incision will be made in an inconspicuous area to minimize visible scarring, like in the fold under the breast (inframammary fold). After the incision is made, a breast implant is placed into a pocket that has been made under the pectoral muscle. The surgery does not remove any breast tissue, unless a breast lift surgery is required for a better cosmetic result, then there will be removal of skin to reposition the nipple and lift the tissue on the chest wall. Dissolvable stitches will be used along the surgical incision. Surgical dressings will be applied and a special compression bra will be used on top to help keep the implants in the intended pocket.
A breast augmentation is unable to correct severely drooping breasts. A breast lift may be required to make the breasts look fuller and lifted. A breast lift can be safely done at the same time as your augmentation.
It is important to know that while technically the results of a breast augmentation are permanent, any significant fluctuations in weight can greatly diminish the results. It is recommended that individuals who are planning to lose weight or women considering pregnancy postpone the procedure. A good candidate for surgery is a patient who is relatively healthy, has reached their weight loss goals and has realistic expectations for post-operative outcomes.
It is also strongly advised that you be a non-smoker at the time of surgery. If you are a smoker we recommend you quit smoking at least 3 months prior to surgery as nicotine can interfere with blood supply and potentially cause complications with healing after surgery.
It is important to know that breast implants change the way mammography is done to detect breast cancer. When you request a mammogram it is recommended you ask if the technicians are experienced in the special techniques used to get a reliable image of a breast with an implant.
It is unknown whether or not breast implants truly alter a woman’s ability to breastfeed. There are cases of women who are able to successfully breastfeed after breast augmentation with implants. Some women are already unable to breastfeed or will have difficulties breastfeeding even without breast surgery. However, if breastfeeding is important to you then it is recommended you pursue breast augmentation surgery after you finish child bearing.
On July 24, 2019, Allergan announced a voluntary worldwide withdrawal of unused stock of BIOCELL® textured breast implants and tissue expanders from doctors’ offices and hospitals, and a suspension of any future sales which is part of the voluntary recall of BIOCELL® textured breast implants and tissue expanders. This was done in response to concern around a condition known as BIA-ALCL.
BIA-ALCL is not breast cancer - but rather, it is a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (cancer of the immune system). In most cases, BIA-ALCL is found in the scar tissue and fluid near the breast implant, but in some cases, it can spread throughout the body.
At this time, the overall incidence of developing BIA-ALCL is considered to be low (occurring in less than 0.03% of patients with BIOCELL® textured breast implants); however, a BIA-ALCL diagnosis is serious and can lead to death, especially if not diagnosed early or promptly treated. In most patients, BIA-ALCL is treated successfully with surgery to remove the implant and the scar tissue surrounding the implant; however, some patients may require treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy
BIA-ALCL symptoms include breast enlargement or hardening, persistent pain, lump in the breast or armpit, or a large fluid collection surrounding an implant. These symptoms have been reported between 6 months and 26 years after implant placement, and are typically diagnosed an average of 7 to 9 years after implant placement. BIA-ALCL is highly curable if detected early. Prompt diagnosis is key. BIA-ALCL occurs most frequently in patients who have breast implants with textured surfaces. This is a cancer of the immune system, not a type of breast cancer. The current lifetime risk of BIA-ALCL is estimated to be 1:2,207-1:86,029 for women with textured implants based upon current confirmed cases and textured implant sales data over the past two decades.
Breast implant illness (BII) is a term that some women and doctors use to refer to a wide range of symptoms that can develop after undergoing reconstruction or cosmetic augmentation with breast implants. BII can occur with any type of breast implant.
BII is poorly understood and experienced differently by patients. If you are concerned, it is best to speak with a healthcare professional for more information.
