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Questions & Answers Here are questions most frequently asked
about breast implants. The answers are from surgeons who have performed
thousands of breast implant operations, and are based on their experience. If you are thinking about having breast
implants, you may want to know all about them before making a decision. Hundreds
of thousands of women already have them. The information provided in this
Q&A section is based upon the experiences they have had. If you write to the society by email, your questions and the answers given will be added to this section. For the email questions received click on Email questions and answers. Q: What kind of implants are
available? A: The most common types are
gel filled and saline filled. Each has a silicone rubber envelope. Since 1991
the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has restricted use of gel filled implants.
The saline implants continue to be available in a silicone rubber envelope with
a smooth or textured surface. Q: Is this breast operation
dangerous? A: There is some risk with any
operation. The information in this booklet describes some risks and
complications inherent with breast implant surgery. This operation is about as
dangerous as a tonsillectomy but not as dangerous as an appendectomy. This operation is performed under local or
general anesthesia and usually on an outpatient basis. The patient arrives for
surgery in the morning, has the operation and goes home that same day without
staying in a hospital. Q: Can breast implants cause
cancer? A: In the millions of cases
where breast implants have been used, there have been no reported cases where
cancer was caused by the implant. Q: Does breast implant
surgery leave unsightly scars? A: Whenever the skin is cut, a
scar line remains after healing. The surgeon tries to make the scar as invisible
as possible. Usually the small scar that remains is not easily seen. It may be
under the fold of the breast, under the nipple, under the arm or in the upper
part of the Naval, or umbilicus. Q: What are the long-term
risks of breast implants? A: According to the FDA,
"The two greatest concerns to most women with implants are cancer and
autoimmune diseases. But at this time there is no proven association between
breast implants and the development of these diseases." FDA Backgrounder August
1991. Q: How is the size of the
implant determined? A: By discussion with your
surgeon. Your surgeon wants your new breasts to have a pleasing, balanced
appearance in proportion to your shoulders, chest and hips. Filling a plastic
sandwich bag with water and placing it in the bra can help determine the size
desired. Q: How long will the implant
last? A: "The exact life span
of an implant is unknown and varies from woman to woman. Implants last many
years in some women and have to be replaced more frequently in others." FDA
BG Aug 1991. Saline
implants are expected to deflate eventually and may have a life span of only
five to ten years, though they may last longer. The person choosing saline
implants should expect to require further surgery to repair them in the future. Q: How is the operation
performed?
A: There are four ways to place an
implant. (See Figure 1) 1. An inframmary incision, which is an
opening made in or just above the hidden fold beneath the breast. 2. An areolar incision is an opening made
under the nipple. 3. A transaxillary incision is an opening
made in the underarm. 4. An umbilical incision is an opening made
in the Naval. Implants may be placed above or below the
muscle. Based on your surgeon's experience and
awareness of your specific needs and with dedication to your welfare and
personal satisfaction, he will discuss which incision might be best for you. Q: Does the implant prevent
breast-feeding? A: The implant is placed
between the breast gland and the pectoral muscle (Figure 2) or under the
pectoral muscle and does not usually interfere with the normal functioning of
the milk ducts. Many women have been able to breast feed successfully after
breast implant surgery. Q: Will I still have feeling
in my breast and nipples? A: There may be reduced
feeling right after surgery. With a few exceptions, sensation improves in a few
months. There may be some permanent numbness. Q: What is the implant made
of? A: It is made of a silicone
bag filled with sterile saline solution. The bag or envelope of silicone may be
smooth or textured. The implant may be partly visible or palpable through the
skin of the breast and show wrinkling, rippling or cornering. Saline is water
with a little salt in it. Q: Can I expect any problems
with my breasts after implant surgery? A: Yes. Although thousands of
women have implant surgery each year, each person's reaction to surgery is
different. Breasts with saline implants may not look or feel normal. The most
common problems are hardness, loss of sensation, hematoma, infection, rejection,
deflation, asymmetry, wrinkling or rippling, distortion, rupture, and
interference with mammography or breast-feeding. Cancer and autoimmune disease
may occur, "But at this time there is no proven association between breast
implants and development of these diseases." FDA BG Aug 1991 . Q: What happens after
surgery? A: A simple dressing is placed
over the incision. Then, your surgeon may recommend a good brassiere for
support. A regimen of after care may also be suggested by your surgeon. Q: How will I feel? A: You will feel drowsy as the
anesthetic wears off. You may feel some soreness, swelling or discomfort, but
this is quite natural. You may feel tired and exhausted after surgery, but this
and the soreness are normal and usually last only a short while. Q: How long will it be
before I can start normal activities? A: Following surgery, your
surgeon will give you specific instructions regarding your participation in
everyday activities and athletics. Sutures are removed when the surgeon
recommends. Your surgeon will advise you on resuming daily activities and
discuss the need for a brassiere. Q: How much will the entire
procedure cost?
A: Fees will vary. You should ask
your surgeon. Q: Is breast implant surgery
covered by medical insurance? A: Usually not, but this too
can vary. It is a good idea to check with your insurance company ahead of time
if you have questions. Q: What are some of the
complications associated with breast implant surgery? A: The normal surgical risks
apply: bleeding, infection, scarring, anesthesia reactions, and others. (see Problems
of Surgery). In addition to these, firmness of the breasts can occur due to
a phenomenon known as capsular contracture around the implant. This firmness can
sometimes be severe enough to warrant surgical correction. Saline implants may
deflate. Q: Does an
implant cause or prevent detection of cancer? A: Breast implants are not
known to cause, but may delay detection of breast cancer. Self-examination
should be performed once a month about a week after your period, when the
breasts are usually not tender or swollen. This is recommended by the American
Cancer Society (ACS) whether or not a woman has breast implants. Also,
according to ACS recommendations, mammography should be performed once between
the ages of 35 and 40, and every one to two years between the ages of 40 and 49,
and every year after age 50. These recommendations are the same whether or not
there are breast implants. Breast
implants may interfere with mammography and thereby delay diagnosis of cancer.
Since the breast is compressed with mammography, it is possible for an implant
to rupture. Q: What about more information? A: For more information, the
FDA Hot line is 1-800-532-4440. As of April 1994 the FDA settlement number if
you already have implants is 1-800-887-6828. The FDA web site about breast implants is http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/breastimplants/ or http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/breastimplants/indexbip.html The FDA address is: Food and Drug Administration Breast Implant Information Service Office of Consumer Affairs (HFE-88) 5600 Fishers Lane Rockville, Maryland A woman can report problems to the FDA by
calling the FDA toll free number 1-800-FDA-1088. When calling the FDA, ask that
the Consumer Information Update on breast implants be sent to you. You may have other questions we didn't cover
here. Be sure to write them down in the space below so you don't forget to ask
them when talking with your surgeon.
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The American Society of Cosmetic Breast Surgery 2018 Last modified: September 18, 2021 |