BREAST AUGMENTATION FAQs

What are the risks and complications involved with having breast augmentation?
As with any surgery, there are risks involved. Dr. Weniger will discuss with you the risks and complications during your consultation. Having a qualified plastic surgeon perform your surgery minimizes the likelihood of complications.

One of the most common complications is capsular contracture, where the scar or capsule around the implant begins to tighten. The breast can begin to feel hard with this squeezing of the soft implant. Treatment for capsular contracture varies from removal or "scoring" of the scar tissue to removal or replacement of the implant. Other possible risks associated with breast augmentation are deflation, shifting, asymmetry, and infection.

Is breast augmentation painful?
Pain of varying intensity and duration can occur, but depends mostly on the individual. In addition, placing larger implants in smaller, tighter breasts causes more discomfort. During this period, Dr. Weniger will prescribe a pain medication and a muscle relaxant to assist with any discomfort. After surgery, most patients feel tired and sore for a few days. However, most are able to return to work within 3-5 days. Their breasts can remain swollen and sore for a month or longer, but this is usually minimal. As the skin adjusts to the new breast size, the new tightness in the breasts will improve. By three to six weeks, most women are back to their full exercise routine.

Will I lose sensation in my nipples?
It is possible for the feeling in the nipple to increase, decrease or stay the same after implant surgery. Changes in sensation of the nipples are usually temporary. Most patients have a temporary decrease in sensation which returns to normal after a few weeks.

What size and shape is recommended?
Dr. Weniger will recommend the ideal shape, size and texture and position of the implant during your consultation. Dr. Weniger believes that each patient's operation must be tailored to that patient's body characteristics and desires.

Will I still be able to breast feed?
There is no evidence that breast implants will affect your ability to nurse.

How will my breasts look if I choose, later on, to have the implants removed?
Some women who choose to have their implants removed should find that their breasts are the same size as before implantation. Sometimes the breast appear smaller and flatter than before their surgery. Other body changes such as pregnancy, weight gain or loss can alter the appearance.

What is the difference between saline and silicone implants?
The implant, itself, is a silicone shell filled with either silicone gel or saline solution. Due to concerns about the safety of silicone gel-filled implants, the FDA has determined that only women in approved studies can opt for silicone implants. In general, silicone implants are reserved for breast reconstruction (after mastectomy), breast lifts, and for people who already have breast implants but who are changing to new implants. The specific criteria to be enrolled in these studies can be explained to you by Dr. Weniger. Saline-filled implants are available to breast augmentation patients on an unrestricted basis, and are therefore used in the vast majority of cosmetic breast augmentation. Capsular contracture (scar tissue around the implant) is less common and less severe with saline implants than with silicone.

Are mammograms still possible with implants?
Mammography is possible with implants, but will require additional special views. In patients with implants placed below the muscle, mammography has been proven to work just as well in detecting breast cancer as it does in patients without breast implants.

Is there a higher risk for cancer in women with implants?
While multiple studies have been performed, there has been no evidence shown that breast implants are associated with a higher cancer rate.

What happens if the implant does rupture?
If a saline implant ruptures, it will deflate and the salt water will be absorbed into the body. If this happens, the implant will need replacement.

How long will the scars last?
The scars can be noticeable for a few months, but usually fade very nicely. The area under the breast tends to heal exceptionally well. Therefore, although all scars are always permanent, breast augmentation scars are some of the best hidden scars in all of plastic surgery.

Will breast augmentation improve nipple asymmetry?
No, it will simply enlarge the breasts. Dr. Weniger can talk to you about your specific asymmetries and how this will be affected by your breast augmentation.