Seven Questions From Patients About Breast Augmentation

Are you tired of the size and shape of your breasts? Has pregnancy or age taken its toll on your body? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it might be time to consider a cosmetic procedure like breast augmentation. Board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. James Romanelli and Dr. John Layliev of Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery are leading specialists in the Long Island, NY area with breast enhancement procedures. Breast augmentation can transform a woman whose natural breasts have changed with fluctuating weight, pregnancy, or age, or who are naturally small-chested. It can be a life-changing procedure for women but, to some, it can also seem like a daunting process.

One of the ways to make this decision easier is through awareness and education on what to expect before, during, and after breast augmentation. This includes selecting a knowledgeable and experienced plastic surgeon. Below, Dr. Romanelli and Dr. Layliev answer some of the most frequently asked questions about breast enhancement surgery to help women begin their journey to making their aesthetic goal a reality.

Are breast implants safe?

This is one of the most common questions plastic surgeons hear from their patients. With today's technology, breast implants have dramatically improved in style, construction, and safety when compared to medical devices in the past. Breast implants are one of the most heavily studied medical devices in this country. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the safety of a variety of silicone gel and saline implants after years of clinical studies and trials.

What are some common reasons to consider breast implants?

Advancements in breast implant devices give women several different options in implant size, shape, type, and material. Every patient, in the Long Island, NY area has their own unique reason and desired outcome. Some of the frequent reasons women consider breast augmentation surgery include:

• Loss of volume or shape due to pregnancy, weight loss, or age
• Reconstruction due to a lumpectomy or mastectomy
• Disproportionate body type due to small breasts, causing patients to feel self-conscious
• Desire to feel and look better about their profile

What is the difference between saline and silicone implants?

Deciding on which implant type is right for you can be a challenging decision. An experienced board-certified plastic surgeon can help you make an informed decision during a one-on-one consultation to reach your goals. Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution that is proportionate to a patient's desired size and shape. It is a less invasive surgical incision and generally a less expensive option. Silicone gel implants feel more natural, are a more popular choice, and are ideal for thin women. Some patients are opting to use fat transfer instead of an implant. In this innovative technique, excess fat is extracted from a donor area on the patient's body, via liposuction, and injected into the breasts to add volume and shape. The board-certified plastic surgeons at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery can help guide patients toward the right implant type for their aesthetic needs.

How do I choose the right implant size?

Another common question asked by patients when it pertains to breast implants is, "What size is right for me?" The trend with implant size has shifted to a more natural look, trending toward smaller implants than in the past. For women who are more fitness-focused and leading a more active lifestyle, bigger implants might interfere or hinder their workout routine. Dr. Romanelli and Dr. Layliev will work to customize each patient's augmentation procedure by taking into account their physical and aesthetic needs. A patient's body type, along with their weight, height, and current chest size, are all factors to consider during the consultation. Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery also utilizes VECTRA3D Breast Imaging Simulator that enables patients to view various implant sizes and how they will enhance their profile before surgery.

What is the best implant placement option?

Breast implants are either placed over or under the pectoral muscle. There are many factors that a plastic surgeon must consider, giving each patient the best aesthetic results with breast augmentation. A patient's body type, breast tissue thickness, chest wall diameter, and existing breast volume all play a part. Dr. Romanelli and Dr. Layliev will explain in detail their professional recommendation during the consultation.

How long do saline implants last?

There is no exact expiration date on breast implants. However, these medical devices are not guaranteed to last a lifetime. On average, silicone and saline implants may last 10 – 20 years. More than 20% of women have their implants replaced within 8 – 10 years. Other factors that may constitute implant replacement are:

• Rupture or leakage
• Capsular contracture or hardening of scar tissue in one or both implants
• Rippling
• Breast sag or ptosis due to gravity or age over time
• Change implant size (smaller or bigger)

How to know if your silicone implant has ruptured

Although it is rare, it is estimated between 2 – 12% of silicone implants rupture. If a silicone implant should break, it might happen immediately after surgery, while other instances may occur after ten years or more. Silicone gel is thicker than saline. Therefore, it might stay inside the implant or surrounding scar tissue. Some patients experience no symptoms, while others may notice a decrease in breast size, tenderness, pain, swelling, or changes in sensation. To reduce the risk of any complications and ensure the longevity of the implant devices, patients should do the following:

• Choose an experienced, qualified plastic surgeon
• Follow all post-op instructions and guidelines
• Get regular MRIs to check for any ruptures or tears in the implant device

Deciding whether or not breast augmentation is right for you can be an overwhelming process. Becoming familiar with the different options and finding a talented and skilled surgeon will make this process easier. Call Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery in Huntington, NY today to schedule an appointment or online consultation. Board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. James Romanelli and Dr. John Layliev will provide their expertise and answer any questions you may have about breast augmentation. If you are considering breast augmentation. We invite you to contact us today.