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FAQ with Breast Augmentation
Why do you do it?
Breast augmentation or enlargement is a commonly performed procedure with favourable outcomes. Enlargement is performed to increase the size of breasts, balance size differences, balance asymmetry in shape and reconstruct breasts.
Who gets it done?
Women with small breasts or women who have lost breast volume after breast feeding or weight loss are commonly enlarged. Breast reconstruction may also use breast implants.
What about breast droop?
Small amounts of ptosis or breast droop may be improved with filling the skin envelope. More severe droop may need a lift procedure either performed either before or at the same time as the enlargement.
What size do you choose?
Size of implant is important. The final size will be a combination of implant plus the existing breast tissue. Adding the same implant volume to different size breast will give different results. Bra cup size is never used as a predictor of final size. Different manufacturers of bras have different sizes for the same breast volume. It may be used as a guide only. Final decisions are based on the volume.
Size estimates are determined by trial of either implants or sizers placed in an unpadded bra. Rice in a bag is a substitute that may be tried at home. Various clothing types should also be tried from tight tops to loose blouses and even swimmers. This helps give a more accurate idea of outcome.
What is a capsule?
A capsule is scar type tissue the body deposits around the implant. All scars contract. The development of this contraction various from a few months to virtually never. Some women have had implants in for many years without any problems but unfortunately some women develop contracture or capsules sooner. At first the breast feels firmer, then they look a bit distorted and finally the may be some discomfort associated with the capsule. Surgery may be required to correct this. The entire scar is removed. At the same time the implants can be removed, replaced, reduced, enlarged and the breast lifted if there is droop. Breasts are often not equally involved.
Capsule development can be associated with site of implant placement, type of implant surface (smooth or rough), type of implant (silicone or saline) and infection or haematoma.
Can you breast feeding?
Not all women can breast feed. In those women with the ability to breast feed, this should not be altered by having implants. Whichever technique is used, the implants are placed below the breast tissue.
Is it possible to have mammograms?
It is still possible to have mammograms. Warn the radiographer you have implants. There is a technique to displace breast tissue from the implant. Additional views may be required. If there is any doubt then ultrasound or MRI investigations may be added. It is even possible to have needle biopsies performed but these are usually guided by ultrasound so as not to puncture the implants. Having implants in does obscure some of the breast tissue.
What about breast cancer?
Studies to date have not shown an increase incidence of breast cancer with implants. Some studies have shown a lower incidence but this may be because implants are generally used in women with less breast volume.
Is there silicone in saline implants?
Yes the outer layer or envelope of the implant that contains the saline is still made of silicone. Silicone or saline refers to the fill or contents of the implant. The saline is usually filled through a small valve.
What is cohesive gel?
Cohesive gel is silicone fill that has been cross-linked to make it more viscous without making it too firm. Early implants had a more liquid silicone fill that may leak through the implant wall or leak if the implant ruptured. Cohesive gel prevents this and is considered safer.
How much does it cost?
This is variable. The costs include type of implant, surgeon fee, anaesthetic fee, theatre fee and bed fee. Each of these vary so check before with your individual surgeon. There may be partial rebate for correction of breast asymmetry or constricted tuberous breasts.