Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Augmentation

There are a number of questions to be asked when considering whether or not to get implants. Even if you have already committed to the procedure, you probably still have questions about your implants or recovery time. Here, weve gathered a few of the most common questions about breast augmentation surgery. How Long Do Breast Implants Last? Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices, but there is no set timeline for when you need to have them replaced. They may last between 10 and 20 years before you need to replace them, depending on your age, what kind of implants you get, and whether or not you experience any complications like leakage or unevenness that develops over time. Can I Breastfeed If I Have Breast Implants? It depends- some women have no trouble breastfeeding with their implants, and some do. If your incisions runs along the fold of the bottom of the breast, or along the armpit, youre less likely to have trouble breastfeeding than if your incision is around the areola. Women with implants that are placed under the muscle are also less likely to have issues with breastfeeding. Should I Get Silicone or Saline Implants? That also depends on the patient. Both forms of implant have pros and cons. Saline implants require smaller incisions in some cases, and if they rupture, it is easy to detect. Silicone implants can be more natural-looking because the gel resembles human fat in how it feels. In the United States, silicone implants have surpassed saline implants as the material of choice. About 70 percent of breast augmentations are done with silicone implants in this country. Can I Still Get a Mammogram After Breast Augmentation? You can and should continue to get regular mammograms after breast augmentation, according to your doctors orders. The implants can obscure the views of some parts of the tissue, which may make it harder to detect abnormalities. Counteract this by using a facility that sees a lot of patients with implants, and let the tech know that you have the implants. Implant displacement views can be performed so the tech can see as much of the breast tissue as possible. How Do I Pick A Surgeon? Always use Board Certified Plastic Surgeon when undergoing any form of plastic surgery. Ask friends for recommendations and then check out that doctors credentials. Go in for a consultation and ask to see before-and-after photos to get an idea of the surgeons skills and style. Learn more about breast augmentation or view breast augmentation before and after photos. If you are interested in coming in for a consultation for breast augmentation in Northern Virginia, call us at (703) 574-2588 or click here. Follow NOVA Plastic Surgery on Twitter and Facebook.