7 Facts About Breast Implants To Ask Your Louisville Plastic Surgeon

Once you’ve made the decision to have a breast augmentation performed, the weeks or months leading up to your procedure can be an exhilarating time. The anticipation of being able to wear new styles of clothing and show off your physique is exciting to be sure. However, this is also a good time to begin preparing for your surgery and making sure you are educated on what to expect from the procedure itself, what the recovery period entails, and what kind of results you can look forward to. During your initial consultation and preoperative appointments at Mizuguchi Plastic Surgery in Louisville, KY, double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Nana Mizuguchi will take all of the time necessary to answer your questions at length, discuss your options in detail, and ensure that you feel comfortable going into your breast augmentation.

If you are considering a breast augmentation in Louisville, here are seven important questions to ask your surgeon in anticipation of your surgery.

What is a breast augmentation?

A breast augmentation is a surgical procedure designed to increase breast volume through the use of artificial implants or fat transfer to the breast. A breast augmentation can be useful for women who have lost breast volume due to pregnancy or aging, women who have undergone mastectomy for breast cancer, or women who have naturally small breasts and desire a larger cup size.

What is the difference between silicone and saline implants?

One of the first and most common questions about breast augmentation that patients ask is whether they should choose saline or silicone gel implants. The answer can depend on a variety of factors including a patient’s existing anatomy, her age, her aesthetic goals, the surgeon’s preference, and more. For instance, silicone implants are only approved for use in patients over the age of 22, so younger women may need to consider saline implants.

Saline implants, which are filled with a saline solution, can be inserted either filled or unfilled. This can make a difference in the location and size of the incision and resulting scar. Silicone gel implants, on the other hand, are filled with a silicone substance and must be inserted intact.

One important factor in deciding between silicone and saline implants for your breast augmentation is your weight and build. Saline implants are more prone to showing ripples, so thinner patients with less natural breast tissue often prefer the look of silicone gel implants. Another consideration is the feel of the implants. It is widely accepted that silicone implants feel more natural than saline implants.

A final consideration when choosing silicone vs. saline gel breast implants is what may happen in the case of rupture. If a patient’s saline implant ruptures, the saline solution will be absorbed safely by the body, but the breast will immediately “deflate,” which can be problematic physically and socially. In the case of rupture of a silicone gel implant, it may be nearly impossible to detect the rupture without the use of MRI. The silicone gel substance is not a fluid liquid and will not leak out, but the damaged implant will need to be replaced.

Ultimately, the decision between saline and silicone gel implants is up to you and your surgeon. Dr. Mizuguchi and the knowledgeable team at Mizuguchi Plastic Surgery will help advise you on which type of implant may help you best achieve your goals.

Are breast implants safe?

Both silicone gel implants and saline implants are approved by the FDA for use in breast augmentation and considered safe. There are some cases of breast implant-related illness, though these are rare. As with any surgical procedure, there is always some risk, including complications with anesthesia. Your doctor will thoroughly evaluate you prior to your procedure to ensure that you are a good surgical candidate. Patient health and safety are at the top of Dr. Mizuguchi’s considerations when performing any surgery.

Can I get a breast lift at the same time as my breast augmentation?

In many cases, Dr. Mizuguchi may recommend a breast lift be combined with a patient’s breast augmentation. A breast lift helps raise the breast into a more youthful and perky position through the removal of excess skin. Dr. Mizuguchi can oftentimes achieve a better breast position through the use of implants alone, but a breast lift can certainly be beneficial for many patients.

How long will my breast implants last?

Breast implants, whether they are silicone or saline, are not designed to be lifelong devices. Patients should expect to have a revision or replacement at some point in the future, though many women are able to enjoy their implants for ten years or more before needing a second surgery. Damage to the implant, including rupture, is the most common reason for implant replacement surgery.

Is there an alternative to breast implants?

For patients interested in a more natural method for increasing their breast volume, breast augmentation with fat grafting – also called fat transfer to the breast – can be a fantastic option. During fat transfer, the surgeon will use liposuction to extract fat from one area of the body and then inject it into the breasts in order to create a fuller and more desirable breast shape. Candidates for this procedure need to have enough excess fat elsewhere on the body for use in the fat transfer. While the results of a fat transfer to the breast can be beautiful, it is important to remember that future weight fluctuations can significantly impact the outcome, as the transferred fat cells will swell and shrink just as other fat cells in the body do.

Am I a good candidate for breast augmentation with implants?

Fortunately, most women can be considered candidates for breast augmentation, though there are some important things to consider. In general, women interested in undergoing breast augmentation should be:

• Non-smokers
• In relatively good health
• At a stable, healthy weight
• Not pregnant or planning to become pregnant

The best way to determine if a breast augmentation with implants may be right for you is to be evaluated by a qualified, certified, and experienced plastic surgeon. Call our convenient Louisville, KY facility to schedule your consultation with Dr. Nana Mizuguchi today, and learn more about how a breast augmentation can enhance your contour, restore breast volume, and boost your confidence!