Breast Augmentation FAQs

When deciding on breast implants, weigh the risks and benefits. Many women report increased self-esteem and satisfaction with their appearance. However, consider potential issues like the need for future revisions, complications, additional costs, and changes in mammograms. Despite these factors, most women remain pleased with their implants.

Saline implants are rarely requested now. They are less expensive, can be inserted through smaller incisions, and some patients remain skeptical despite silicone's proven safety. Regular silicone implants are soft and FDA-approved, while 'gummy bear' implants offer firmer gel and better shape. Dr. Teitelbaum recommends gummy bear implants for those seeking proportionate augmentation with tighter tissues.

It's a misconception that round implants always create a round shape and teardrop implants a natural look. The key is choosing the right implant size and type based on your preferences for firmness, FDA approval, and implant trials. Dr. Teitelbaum often recommends gummy bear implants for patients with tighter tissue and round silicone implants for those with looser tissue.

All gummy bear implants are teardrop-shaped and textured to maintain orientation, while round implants are usually smooth. There's a misconception that texturing reduces scar tissue (capsular contracture), which is only minimally true for implants placed in front of the muscle. Textured implants are more prone to visible folds due to their thicker shell. Dr. Teitelbaum finds that textured implants often lead to this issue more than smooth implants cause hardening. He discusses these factors with all patients considering implants in front of the muscle.

Just like finding the right shoe size, choosing the ideal breast implant size is crucial. Too large can look round and fake, while too small can appear loose and empty. Dr. Teitelbaum uses a precise formula based on measurements to determine the best size, supported by published research and his own patented sizing device. For natural-looking results, there's an optimal size range. Going smaller may leave you less filled, while larger sizes can look rounder and risk skin stretching, rippling, and future adjustments. Dr. Teitelbaum discusses these factors with each patient to ensure their goals align with realistic outcomes.

If a breast is simply deflated or empty, falling back against the body, then an implant can fill it up. If the breast has drooped or sagged, with either the nipple low or tissue hanging down beneath the fold under the breast, oftentimes a lift is needed.

The optimal incision for breast augmentation is under the breast (inframammary) due to its scientific and practical advantages. While patients often choose based on scar placement, the under-breast incision minimizes risks and complications. Armpit incisions can be more painful and less precise, while nipple incisions may cause pigmentation issues, muscle coverage reduction, and higher infection risk due to bacteria in breast ducts. The inframammary incision is less prone to these issues, causes less pain, and provides the best long-term results. This approach is backed by extensive evidence and is ideal for both initial and revision surgeries.

Whenever the skin is cut there will be a scar. If you cannot tolerate a scar, you should not have the surgery. While some patient like the idea of the armpit incision since there is no scar on the breast, they end up with the only scar that is visible with a sleeveless blouse or dress. Some patients like the idea of a scar around the areola, and unless that heals very well, there is a very conspicuous "smiley face" in the area of the breast that is the focus of the most attention. The underneath scar usually is very faint. But even if it is not it is at least hidden in the crease underneath the breast.

Today, most implants are placed using the 'dual plane' technique, where the upper and inner parts are behind the muscle for coverage, while the lower parts are in front to allow for expansion. This method balances the benefits of both placements and reduces their drawbacks. Dr. Teitelbaum, who has taught this technique to many surgeons, receives enthusiastic feedback for its effectiveness.

The most critical measurement is the distance from the nipple to the bottom of the breast, and even if the nipples are at unequal height, these distances must be the same. If it is short on one side, that nipple will point down; if it is long on one side the nipple will point up. Once that distance from the nipple to the bottom is determined, Dr. Teitelbaum precisely make a pocket that will fit the implant. This is yet another reason to favor the under the breast incision, as it affords the surgeon the most direct, well-lighted visualization of the operation, so that everything is done on good vision and nothing must be done blindly with a finger through a dark tunnel.

There is a risk of losing sensation after breast augmentation, most commonly in the lower outer part of the breast. Loss of nipple sensation is less common but more significant, and can occur with any incision type. Larger implants and imprecise dissection increase this risk. Despite meticulous technique, permanent loss of sensation can still happen, and patients must be prepared for this possibility.

Yes, but you usually need to get extra views, called displacement views. So you will get a complete set the usual way, and then another set with the breast tissue pulled forward, away from the implants. Sometimes the implants shadow a part of the breast tissue. Depending upon how significant this area is and your risk factors, the radiologist may order you to get an ultrasound or an MRI in addition to the mammogram. While insurance companies pay for a standard mammogram, some do not pay for the extra views or extra studies needed because of the breast implants.

No. The risk of breast cancer does not change if you have an implant. And the cancers are not detected later, larger, or with a worse prognosis. In fact, by having the uniform implant behind the breast tissue rather than the irregular rib cage, it is easier to feel the breast tissue and more breast cancers are picked up by the patient with implants than those without.

Implants only look fake if they’re not well-sized for you. Properly sized implants, with adequate breast tissue, will look natural. Thicker tissue and smaller implants generally appear more natural, while thinner tissue and larger implants may look less natural. If you have minimal breast tissue, even a small implant can look more attractive. For the best results, ensure your implant is well-matched to your body’s measurements.

How long implants last and how long it will be until you have your next surgery are two different issues that are often confused. A broken implant is not even in the top five reasons for having a revision. The most common reasons patients have another surgery is the build up of scar tissue, drooping, implant getting out of position, wanting a change in size, etc. Implants only break at a rate more or less of 1% per year. Sometimes those breaks can be noticed as a change in the breast. At other times the patient cannot detect a difference and the break can only be detected by an MRI.

When a saline implant breaks, it usually deflates over a period of days or weeks. There is nothing dangerous about it, but you will look very imbalanced.

Sometimes when a silicone gel implant ruptures the breast feels different. Sometimes harder, but more often there is less of a sensation on careful examination of the discrete borders of an implant, but rather a more amorphous feel to the breast. While we recommend that a woman with a ruptured silicone implant have the implant removed and replaced, there is no evidence that a ruptured silicone implant will make you sick.

It is uncommon for these implants to break, but they can. Sometimes a break is detected on MRI and the patient and surgeon noticed no difference. Sometimes there is a change in shape or feel. We do recommend that they be removed and replaced, but there is no evidence that a ruptured gummy bear implant poses a threat to your health.

We warn all patients that they may lose the ability to breastfeed, but in the scores of patients of my own who have had implants I cannot recall one who was unable to nurse.

Occasionally after nursing the skins stretches and the breast looks empty. Sometimes capsular contracture develops. Sometimes the breasts droop. For these problems, a revision may be necessary. But most of the time augmented breasts still look beautiful after pregnancy and do not require a revision.

After you have scheduled surgery, you will be given a detailed list of what you need to bring. But you do not need to bring a special bra or anything in particular with you.

You’re well enough to go home after surgery and don't need an aftercare facility. You can shower, engage in normal activities, and be up and around. Aftercare centers often limit activity and medication, slowing recovery. Dr. Teitelbaum’s patients typically return to normal activities within a day and recover faster at home.

Most patients go out to dinner and shower the night of surgery, needing only Ibuprofen for pain. They describe it as pressure or weight, similar to post-workout soreness. Check out video testimonials on plasticsurgeryvideoguide.com for more insights from real patients.

Dr. Teitelbaum will call you the night of surgery and will give you his personal cell phone number so that it is easy for you to reach him.

When you will feel ready to do your job is highly individualized. So long as your work doesn’t involve straining and heavy lifting, you can expect to be back to work after three or four days. Some people go back even sooner, and many work from home the next day.

You can drive when you are off of all narcotic pain medication and feel totally unrestricted by your discomfort such that you could make any movement you might need to safely drive your car. That is ultimately a decision that I cannot make for you.

Dr. Teitelbaum suggests you wait 3 weeks. He wants to be sure that everything is healed. There is always a chance of causing bleeding if you start much before that time. When you start, listen to your body. You will be a little out of condition and a bit sore. But you will get back to where you were before surgery very quickly.

Elevating your heart rate or blood pressure, bending hard, straining or sweating. But light walking is beneficial starting the day of surgery.

Sex can be resumed as you feel comfortable. Most often patients hit their level of comfort in 3-7 days. Again, respect the fact that you have undergone surgery and try to avoid the manipulation of the incisions.

You can lift a cooperative child that is up to 35 pounds right away. But don’t try to pick up your child if he or she is fighting you or if you have to bend way over a playpen.

A small amount of alcohol will not interfere with your recovery.

We would like to say never, since they are bad for you. Smoking does slow down healing, and it would be best to avoid them for three weeks.

We advise avoiding sun exposure as it ages the skin, especially in the decolletage area. It's okay to be in the sun after surgery if the incision is fully protected. Keep the incision shielded from the sun for about a year.

You should shower the evening of your surgery. Your incision can get wet, but don’t rub it. Soap your breasts and let warm water hit them.

There are no drains or stitches to remove after breast augmentation, so follow-up visits are flexible. Dr. Teitelbaum sees patients the day after surgery and offers additional visits at one week, one month, six months, one year, and annually thereafter, free of charge. Those with ‘gummy bear’ implants will follow a specific follow-up schedule discussed before surgery.

It is not supposed to look perfect right after surgery! The upper breast almost always looks too full. Some of that is swelling; some of that is that the implant will drop down to the bottom of the breast. Pronounced upper fullness usually goes down between 4-8 weeks, but it continues to improve for a full year.

Think of breast augmentation recovery like a mildly sprained ankle. If you stay immobile, it stiffens up. Moving your arms helps keep the muscle from stiffening and prevents the implant from becoming hard.

Swelling increases after surgery, usually peaking about 5-6 days after surgery. After that, the swelling will subside, rapidly at first, and then gradually. After one month, you’ll think the swelling is gone, but it will still go down more at three months, and even more at six months and even a year, though at that point changes are subtle.

We do not specifically require it, but it is okay to do it. Sometimes it can make your muscles feel a bit stiff, and moving your arms is important. But it can also be very soothing, and reduce pain and swelling. The choice is yours. But if you do it, you still need to do your arm exercises so that you stay loose.

Swelling varies by person, but breasts generally start swollen and then soften. As swelling decreases, the breasts become more distinct from the chest wall and lose upper fullness. They also project more as the skin relaxes.

You will either have steri-strips or a glue closure over the incisions. You should shower the evening of your surgery. Your incision can get wet, but don’t rub it. Soap your breasts and let warm water hit them. This will help them to feel better. After about a week, the glue will start flaking and the steri-strip will start lifting. At that point you can start cleaning it with a washcloth and teasing it off.

Your stitches are dissolvable and therefore do not need to be removed.

Scar appearance is largely influenced by genetics and surgery. While no product guarantees results, popular options include Scar Guard (a liquid with steroid, Vitamin E, and silicone), silicone gel strips, and silicone ointment. You can start using these after removing the initial dressings, following the package instructions.

Wearing a bra after surgery is optional unless instructed otherwise. Some find bras comforting, while others feel they’re restrictive. Sports bras are often recommended for the first week or two due to their comfort and affordability. Underwire bras are fine as long as they don’t irritate your incision.

Breast massage has never been shown to be of benefit. But if you have a smooth implant, you will not hurt anything by doing it. If, however, you have a textured surface implant or a teardrop shaped implant, you should not massage them, as it could cause implant malposition.

It is a build up of an excessive amount of scar tissue by your body around the implant. It makes the implant feel hard, move upwards, and look round. It remains the leading cause for revision surgery after breast augmentation.

To reduce the risk of capsular contracture, avoid nipple incisions which can contaminate implants with bacteria. Choose a skilled surgeon, follow post-surgery instructions, and do your arm exercises. No specific vitamin or medicine is known to prevent capsular contracture.

Implant lifespan varies, with shell failure rates around 1% per year. About 30% of women have another surgery by seven years, often for enhancement rather than necessity. The notion that implants must be replaced after 10 years is a myth; many choose to undergo another procedure around this time, but it’s not required.

Yes, and these warranties vary between the manufacturers and the type of implant. They usually cover implant breakage and for some period of time will offer a replacement of that implant and the one on the other side, with varying degrees of additional monies offered to cover part of the Los Angeles breast augmentation cost. These warranties change all the time, so check with the office to learn the latest.

Most issues are noticeable without specific warnings. Watch for significant differences between sides, such as pain, swelling, or firmness. A hematoma, indicated by sudden swelling and hardness, requires immediate attention. Report any incision problems like pain, redness, or discharge. For serious symptoms, like shortness of breath, call 911 immediately.