Should I have my breast augmentation only after I am done having children?

A large percentage of women have breast augmentation before having children (greater than 50% in my practice). In most cases breast implants do not interfere with breast-feeding. This is especially true when the implants are placed sub-pectorally (under the muscle). Some drooping can occur after pregnancy, but not any more than if the implants were not done. If women are actively trying to get pregnant, it is best to wait until after pregnancy.

Can I Breast-Feed with Breast Implants?

Most women with breast implants successfully breast-feed their babies. The peri-areola incision site is more likely to affect the ability of some women to breast-feed.

Should I be at my ideal weight before I have a breast implant procedure?

You should be close to your ideal weight. Any significant weight fluctuation after a breast augmentation will alter the appearance of the breasts - occasionally negatively.

Am I too old or too young for a breast augmentation?

The average age of patients requesting breast augmentation in my practice is between 25 and 45 years of age. If health allows, there is no age cut off, and many breast augmentations have been performed in patients in their 60's. As women age, it is more likely that a breast lift may be needed. A breast lift procedure (mastopexy) can be performed either with or without a breast augmentation.

In younger patients, breast augmentations should not be performed until breast development is complete.

Will getting implants cause stretch marks on my breasts?

Insertion of implants may cause stretch marks but rarely does. A smaller size implant will minimize the stretching of the skin.

Do breast implants need to be replaced?

The only reason to replace implants is if there is a problem with them, i.e. capsular contracture (change in breast shape / hardening of the breasts) leakage (generally with saline implants), or dissatisfaction with breast size, symmetry or position.

Can I go to a tanning salon or sunbathe if I have implants?

Tanning at salons or sun bathing will not hurt the implant but may make the scars worse. You should avoid getting sun or tanning rays on the incisions for at least one year after surgery as ultra-violet radiation will create abnormal pigmentation in the scar.

Do implants influence the occurrence of breast cancer?

No studies have ever shown this to be a concern for humans. There is no evidence that implants cause cancer.

Can I Have a Mammogram if I Have a Breast Implant?

Women with breast implants undergo mammography and other imaging techniques just as do women without implants. With breast implants, routine screening mammography may be more difficult. You will need to inform the mammography technologists about the presence of your implants, additional techniques will be required.

Mammography centers use displacement techniques to adequately visualize breast tissue in the implanted breasts. Ultrasound is a commonly used as an alternative means of screening for breast cancer in the presence of breast implants.

It is important to note that the presence of implants not only has no influence on the possible development of breast cancer but also has no impact on the prognosis in patients who develop breast cancer with implants.