Q: Are breast implants permanent?
A: Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices, but can sometimes last for up to 25 years with no problems. Removal, replacement and visits to the physician are commonly required.
Q: Can I choose to have the implant removed?
A: Implants are removable, but keep in mind that you may experience dimpling, puckering, wrinkling or other cosmetic changes after the implant is taken out.
Q: Can I breastfeed after receiving an implant?
A: Breast implants do not tend to affect your ability to breastfeed. None of Dr. Watkins’ patients have ever had trouble breastfeeding after surgery. Dr. Watkins performs his procedures with the utmost care and precision, ensuring that the nerves around the areola remain intact regardless of the type of incision used.
Q: Am I eligible for implants?
A: Most people are eligible for implants to help enhance the appearance of their breasts for medical or aesthetic purposes. You are not eligible if you have untreated breast cancer or infection, are under 18 years of age, or are pregnant or nursing.
Q: Will insurance cover the implant procedure?
A: Insurance companies do not usually cover implant surgery performed for cosmetic reasons. Most providers cover the first breast reconstruction operation.
Q: What happens if the implant ruptures?
A: Many potential patients worry about implant rupture as a major source of hesitation when considering implants. A ruptured implant is not very common. Within 10 years of surgery, only one in ten implants will rupture. Dr. Watkins examines his patients regularly to help identify ruptures, with many patients enjoying implant longevity of 15 to 25 years. However, if a saline implant ruptures, the implant will simply deflate in a few hours and your body will absorb the salt water. If a silicone implant leaks, you should see your doctor immediately.
Q: How will my breasts look and feel after the breast augmentation operation?
A: Some discoloration and swelling will occur initially after the procedure, but this will disappear quickly. Most residual swelling will resolve within a month.
After recovery, many women equate the feel of their breasts implants to that of a teenage girl with young, healthy, firm breasts. Saline breast implants feel a bit firmer (both inside and outside the body), while silicone gel breast implants are the softer, and more natural feeling implant.
Q: Will there be scarring?
A: Scars are a part of the breast augmentation process. You will have one, whether it is around the areola, under the arm, or under the breast. Fortunately, breast augmentation scars, regardless of where they are located, tend to heal extremely well. Scars are usually small and inconspicuous, and Dr. Watkins' goal will be to make sure the scar is as unnoticeable as possible. Over time, the scars will fade as well.
Q: Will I have swelling?
A: Swelling is very common post-operatively, so you will most likely have swelling to some degree. The swelling will dissipate within a few days to a few weeks. Sleeping in a reclining position until your swelling goes down may help. This helps the fluid move away from the breast. Less fluid means less tension on the breast, which means less pain.
Q: When can I expect to return to work and resume my normal activities after my breast augmentation?
A: While it will take several days to return to normal activities after your breast augmentation, it is important to your recovery that you get up and move around. Dr. Watkins encourages his patients to shower as soon as possible after the procedure. After breast augmentation, it is often possible to return to work within one week.
Physical activity should be avoided for at least the first couple of weeks following surgery. After that, care must be taken to be extremely gentle with your breasts for at least the next month.
Q: How long will the results last after a breast augmentation?
A: The results of your breast augmentation surgery will be long-lasting. Dr. Watkins' expert knowledge and vast experience contribute to helping patients enjoy young, supple breasts for many years to come.
Gravity and the effects of aging, however, will eventually alter the size and shape of virtually every woman’s breasts. If, after a period of years, you become dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts, you may choose to undergo a breast lift operation to restore their youthful contour.
