Breast Implants

FAQs

• What are common misconceptions regarding breast implants?

  “Breast implants cause cancer.”

  Long-term studies reveal lower rates of breast cancer in women who have implants. No one knows the reason for a lower occurrence. The bottom line is breast implants (saline or silicone) do not cause cancer.

  “Breast implants need to be replaced every 10 years.”

  Saline implants only need to be replaced when they deflate. Saline implants last up to 20 years but do eventually wear out. They develop a small hole in the shell and the saline (saltwater) simply is reabsorbed by your body. The newer generation silicone implants (cohesive) will most likely last a lifetime. Even something happens to the outer shell, the silicone inside the implant does not leak.

  “Incision location affects the overall result of the breast enlargement.

  Breast enlargement uses different incisions. A surgeon’s skill and experience matter more than incision placement. If you desire a certain location for your incision then choose a surgeon who performs that type of incision.

  “I have to limit my activities after my breast enlargement so I don’t rupture the implants.”

  Modern implants last a long time. Additionally, they don’t rupture easily. You may resume all activities that you enjoyed previous to your augmentation. Don’t worry about rupturing your implants.

  “I have to massage my implants to keep them soft.”

  Previously, surgeons placed the implants over the muscle because massage kept the pocket a certain size. The massage allowed the implants to remain soft. Currently, most surgeons place the implants under the muscle where the constant action of the chest muscle “massages” the implant. Some think the constant massage lessens the chance of implant hardening. However, others don’t believe it. There is no harm in massaging your breasts following augmentation and some surgeons continue to recommend it.

  “I can’t breastfeed after an enlargement.”

  Implants placed under the muscle have little to no effect on the milk ducts and therefore should not impair breastfeeding. Implants placed above the muscle (directly under the breast) also have minimal effect on breastfeeding.

• What is the breast implant process?

  Once you’ve decided on breast implants, you will schedule a consultation with Dr. Martin. At the consultation Dr. Martin will listen to your expectations and desires. Be honest and upfront during the consultation to get your desired results.

  At the consultation, you’ll have a physical and a complete history. Questions will include current cup size and desired size of breasts, history of child birth and breast feeding, history of breast cancer in the family, history of any biopsies or fibrocystic disease, and yearly exams and mammograms. If you have a strong family history of breast cancer or any history of biopsies, you may require clearance from a breast surgeon. Additionally, you will require a mammogram prior to surgery if you are over 35-40 years old.

  During your physical examination, different measurements happen. These measurements include the shape of your breast, size of the areola, skin thickness, asymmetry, lumps or masses, amount of loose skin, and amount of cleavage. Additional measurements include the nipple to sternal notch distance, the width of breast, cleavage, and distance from the nipple to the crease under your breast. Furthermore, the doctor takes pictures as a comparison after surgery. From there, Dr. Martin chooses an appropriate size implant for you to try on. We recommend placing the implant inside a sports bra.

  Also, during your consultation, you’ll see before and after photos. Additionally, the surgeon will discuss any possible risks and complications.

  Before proceeding with a breast augment, you’ll need to make some decisions. We’ve listed the choices below.

• What are different types and shapes of implants?

  There is no “perfect” implant for all patients. Your surgeon will recommend a specific implant based on his experience and judgment. Advantages of saline implants include lower price, adjustability, smaller incisions, and the possibility of a lower capsular contracture rate. Disadvantages include a slightly firmer feel and a higher incidence of rippling or wrinkling. Advantages of silicone implants include a softer, more natural feel and a minimal chance of rippling or wrinkling. Disadvantages include higher cost, non-adjustability, and a larger incision. For more information regarding silicone breast implants go to www.breastimplantsafety.org.

  Breast implants come in many different sizes and shapes. The most commonly used implants are round and designated as low, moderate, or high profile. The higher profile implants have a narrower base and more projection while the lower profile implants have a wider base and less projection. Anatomic (contour) implants have more projection in the inferior pole which some surgeons believe results in a more natural look. These are used frequently in breast reconstruction.

  Smooth implants feel much like saran wrap and are very slippery. Many surgeons believe that smooth implants move more and therefore stay softer. Textured implants have a fuzzy coating which feels kind of rough. These implants stay in place and do not move in the pocket. These were developed in the belief that a textured surface would reduce the incidence of capsular contracture (this has not been proven). Dr. Martin prefers smooth wall implants as they are less palpable and have a longer lifespan.

• What to know about location of incision?

  Many incisions can be used to place breast implants. The most common is the inframammary fold, periareolar, nipple, and axilla (armpit). Others include the TUBA (transumbilical breast augment) and access from other procedures (tummy tuck).

  Dr. Martin prefers the periareolar incision because it leaves a minimal scar that can be easily hidden in the border of the areola. This incision also allows for future access for fills or implant replacement under local anesthesia. The inframammary incision works well but there is nowhere for the scar to “hide” when the patient is lying down. The transaxillary incision is somewhat of a more difficult access but in experienced hands works well. One downside is the possibility of seeing the incision in the armpit even when the patient is dressed. The TUBA is rarely performed and is technically more difficult. Any further breast surgery will usually require a new incision.

• How to pick my implant size?

  There is truly no limit to the size of a breast implant but expect an increased number of complications. A too-large implant can look very unnatural due to the stretching and thinning of breast tissue. Other complications include increased chance of sagging, capsular contracture, loss of nipple sensation, chronic pain, and infection. Dr. Martin’s advice with the size is not to go overboard! There are many factors that determine the correct size of an implant including height, weight, the width of chest and breast, the current size of the breast, amount of loose skin, the elasticity of the skin, etc. Dr. Martin will take into consideration many factors in determining the correct size implant for you.

• Should I go above or below the muscle?

  The current trend is to place most implants below the muscle (subpectoral) as opposed to the sub-glandular position (above the muscle). Many feel the subpectoral placement of the implant causes a diminished capsular contracture rate. Also, since the implant is covered mostly by the muscle the incidence of wrinkling and rippling is diminished. Radiographic studies show less disturbance of breast tissue when implants are under the muscle leading to easier reading of mammograms.

  Dr. Martin feels that under the muscle implants cause less droopiness in the breast. One disadvantage of this location is the possibility of pectoralis pull on the breast. This can lead to abnormal movement of the breast when flexing your pectoralis muscle. Advantages of putting the implant over the muscle are less recovery and more correction of the saggy breast. Deciding which location to place the implant can be confusing and therefore should be made after careful consideration of the facts.

• Can I combine a mastopexy (breast lift) with an augmentation?

  Many women require a breast lift in addition to augmentation. These procedures can be performed at the same time but with some modifications.

  In a mastopexy/augmentation, an adjustable implant is used with very little fill initially. After 2 weeks (to allow for adequate healing) the implants are filled in the office to the desired size. This minimizes the chance for skin breakdown secondary to excessive tension. Another advantage of this technique is the ability to adjust the size of the implant following surgery. When a minimal mastopexy is planned, standard saline or silicone implants can be placed. Despite being one of the safest and most commonly performed plastic surgery procedures, complications can and do occur. Below is a discussion of the most common complications.

• What are complications associated with a breast augmentation?

  Capsular contracture

  Capsular contracture is a hardening of the tissue surrounding the breast. Mild cases cause some firmness of the breast while severe cases lead to pain and visible distortion of the breast. Treatment can include removal of the implant and capsule with the replacement of an implant in a different location. With most implants now placed under the pectoralis muscle, the rate of capsular contracture has been markedly reduced with some studies showing 1% or fewer incidences. Causes of capsular contracture are thought to be varied and can include genetic predisposition, bacterial contamination, or a history of bleeding or seroma.

  Asymmetry

  One of the most common complaints from patients is “my breasts are not exactly the same”. This is entirely normal as no two breasts share perfect symmetry. Asymmetries of the breast should be noted and discussed prior to surgery. Most asymmetries remain even after the placement of breast implants. Some abnormalities can be made better by moving the nipple-areola complex, adjusting the pocket, or placing a larger or smaller implant.

  Migration of implant

  Following placement of a breast implant, scar tissue is deposited around the implant forming a “pocket”. This pocket normally keeps the implant in place. If the pocket becomes too large or is improperly dissected, the implants can migrate to an incorrect position. Frequent areas of malposition include migration to the inferior or lateral part of the breast. Migration to the medial part of the breast can lead to a deformity known as “bread loafing” where the breasts actually touch each other in the midline. The majority of these cases are caused by over dissection during placement of the implant. Correction involves repositioning the implant by tacking up the capsule and closing off space. A supportive bra must be worn for 4-6 weeks.

  Hematoma

  Bleeding into the breast following an augmentation is very rare. Management is usually nonoperative but may require surgical removal of the hematoma.

  Seroma

  A seroma is a collection of serous fluid inside the breast pocket. Most resolve spontaneously but some require drainage via a needle.

  Loss of nipple sensation

  Loss of nipple sensation – During dissection of the pocket, the main nerve to the nipple (4th intercostal) may be stretched or damaged, resulting in loss of sensation to the nipple. Most nerve injuries are temporary and recover fully. Return of sensation may take up to 2 years.

  Rupture of implant

  Immediate rupture of the implant is almost always a result of damage to the shell by the surgeon. Long-term rupture is inevitable and will occur in 10-20 years as the implant wears out. Mentor and McGhan implants are warranted for life and will be provided free of charge by the companies. Implant exchange in the event of a rupture is a minor procedure and can be performed under local anesthesia in the office.

  Infection

  Infection of breast implants is very unusual and occurs in less than 1% of cases. Many infections can be treated with antibiotics only. More serious infections involving drainage or exposure of the implant require removal of the implant and drainage of the breast. After 6-12 months of healing, a new implant can be placed into the breast. Prophylactic antibiotics for procedures such as teeth cleaning are usually not needed.

  Pain

  Long-term pain in the breast is very rare and usually occurs in patients with very large implants. Treatment involves placing a smaller implant or surgical removal of scar tissue.

  Milk production

  Some procedures may cause temporary production of milk from the breast. This is usually self-limited but can cause concern because of its similarity to signs of infection.

  The decision to have breast implants requires careful research and planning to ensure excellent results. Dr. Kurtis Martin specializes in cosmetic breast surgery in the Cincinnati area and has the artistry and skills necessary to achieve beautiful results in breast augmentation surgery. Check out a patient review on RealSelf! For more information on breast implants go to www.BreastImplantSafety.org.