Breast Implants: Your Questions, Answered!
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation is the most common plastic surgery in the United States. However, there are still many questions and misconceptions regarding breast implants based on hearsay and misinformation on the internet.
Whether you have breast implants, are considering them, or know someone who does, Dr. Anu Bajaj at Bajaj Plastic Surgery wants to help educate patients about breast implants so they can make informed decisions about their aesthetic procedures.
FAQ: Do Breast Implants Require Maintenance?
Yes! Implants, like our bodies, may require maintenance. Breast implants are not designed to be lifetime devices, which means that at some point, you will need to remove and/or replace your breast implants. Implant maintenance requires regular check-ups with your doctor, imaging studies, and regular self-breast exams.
FAQ: How Long Will My Breast Implants Last?
While breast implants don’t last indefinitely, there’s no specific expiration date that marks when they will become problematic. The answer to the question is actually quite complicated. Implants commonly require replacement due to implant-related complications, such as rupture, capsular contracture, or your personal choice (frequently due to cosmetic concerns).
Capsular contracture is a condition that occurs when scar tissue around the breast implant tightens. It can squeeze the implant, causing discomfort and hardness in the breast. While we’re still not entirely sure what causes a capsular contracture, there are a few theories. Some believe it could be related to bacterial contamination around the implant, while others think it may happen if the implant ruptures.
Speaking of ruptures, implants can wear down over time, and the older they get, the more likely they are to rupture. Rupture risks increase by 1% each year.
Dr. Bajaj advises patients that breast implants are not lifetime devices. Regardless of the type of implant, they will likely need to be removed or replaced at some point, whether due to rupture, capsular contracture, or changes in aesthetic or personal goals.
FAQ: Will a Mammogram Rupture My Implants?
Early detection of breast cancer increases its treatability. Mammograms are an essential part of that detection. Following breast augmentation, it’s important to continue monitoring your breasts as recommended by your physician and surgeon.
That being said, mammograms will not cause an implant to rupture although they can force a thick capsule to rupture. It’s important to inform your mammogram technician that you have breast implants as they will use special techniques to move the implants and extra images to view breast tissue.
FAQ: How Will I Know If My Implants Are Ruptured?
Breast implants don’t last a lifetime, and the risk of rupture increases as the implants become older. As such, many people wonder how to tell if their implants have ruptured and what to do about it. To detect silent rupture, the FDA recommends high-resolution ultrasound. This ultrasound is a simple and painless way to check for ruptures; however, it doesn’t screen for breast cancer. Currently, the FDA recommends a high-resolution ultrasound after your silicone implants are 5 years old, and then every 3 years after that.
Dr. Bajaj always tells her patients to keep an eye on their implants to let her know if they notice anything unusual. Early monitoring allows Dr. Bajaj an opportunity to perform an ultrasound to assess whether it’s time to remove or replace the implants.
FAQ: How Can I Keep Track of My Breast Implants?
Another important detail about breast implants is that we’re required to track every implant that we place. Each implant has a unique serial number, and after your surgery, your implants are registered with the manufacturer to activate your warranty and register with the national implant registry for ongoing safety tracking.
After your surgery, you’ll receive a card with your unique implant details. However, since it’s easy to misplace paper documents, once your implants are registered, you’ll also get an email from ARISE, the American Registry for Breast Implant Surveillance. This email will provide you with all your implant information so that you can store it safely for future reference.
FAQ: What Is the Patient Decision Aid or Checklist?
In short, the Patient Decision Aid or checklist is a form of informed consent mandated by the FDA. Prior to your surgery, you will be asked to complete the Patient Decision Aid form. This form outlines the risks of breast implants and what to expect from them.
While the Patient Decision Aid is long, it is important to understand that completion of this form is mandated by the FDA and must be completed by any woman who is receiving breast implants.
Choosing Dr. Bajaj for Your Oklahoma Breast Augmentation
While the latest generation of breast implants are safe, they are not for everyone. That’s why it’s important to choose the correct plastic surgeon who will review all of your implant options to help improve the appearance of your breasts. During your consultation, Dr. Anu Bajaj will help you determine the correct breast procedure and breast implant options to suit your anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Schedule Your Breast Augmentation Consultation with Dr. Bajaj Today!
Dr. Bajaj wants to help you achieve your breast augmentation goals. At Bajaj Plastic Surgery, our experts strive to help patients feel informed and prepared for their breast augmentation procedures. Let us help you enhance your figure!
Contact Bajaj Plastic Surgery at (405) 810-8448 or complete our online form to schedule your breast augmentation consultation today!