Get Answers to Your Biggest Questions About Breast Augmentation from Dr. Schaffer

Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly sought-after cosmetic procedures. However, prospective patients tend to have many questions about the procedure. 

Dr. Christopher Schaffer at Schaffer Plastic Surgery has helped many patients rediscover their self-confidence with breast augmentation surgery. As a leader in his field, Dr. Schaffer relies on the most innovative and trusted procedures for breast augmentation. Take a look at the below breast augmentation Q&A with Dr. Schaffer to learn more about some of the most common patient questions. 

Breast Augmentation Q&A With Dr. Schaffer

Question: Can breast implants improve my posture?

Breast augmentation surgery may improve a patient’s posture, but not only due to changes in breast size or positioning. Several factors influence a patient’s posture, including body mass and even self-confidence levels. Therefore, the psychological aspects associated with feeling more confident with one’s breasts can play just as much a part in improved posture after surgery. Likewise, other factors can influence the outcome. 

Question: How will breast augmentation affect my ability to breastfeed in the future?

If you plan to breastfeed, discuss your plans with your surgeon before choosing procedures and methods used during breast augmentation. Certain types of breast augmentation can affect breastfeeding capability in the future, but many procedures do not. For example, typical breast implants are placed in a way that reduces interference with the mammary glands where milk moves through. However, certain incision methods and placements may affect breastfeeding, such as incisions around the areola. 

Question: What is the best type of implant for a natural look and feel?

Silicone breast implants tend to have the most realistic look and feel of natural breasts. These implants are filled with a gel, which mimics the structure of natural breast tissue. Form-stable, or “gummy bear” implants are also a good option when it comes to providing a more natural look and feel, even though the silicone gel inside is thick and stable. 

Question: Can I still participate in physical activities after breast augmentation surgery?

Absolutely. As long as you wait the required six to eight weeks post-surgery and your surgeon gives you a green light, you are free to return to prior activity levels. However, it will be important to ensure the breasts are adequately supported with a well-designed sports bra. Additionally, some exercises that put a substantial amount of pressure on the upper body, like lifting heavy weights or push-ups, may require a little more attention to using the proper form while working out. 

Question: Can breast implants cause autoimmune diseases or other long-term health issues?

While illness caused by breast implants is relatively uncommon, this is one of the risks to consider as a patient before opting for surgery. Most patients who undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation before breast augmentation surgery and work with the best surgeon will not develop undesirable symptoms. However, there is a slight risk that some patients will experience an inflammatory reaction that leads to illness or autoimmune reactions. In these cases, the implants will typically need to be removed, and symptoms usually start to subside immediately, but symptom improvement may take three months or longer after implant removal.

Question: How long will my breast implants last, and what happens when they need to be replaced?

Breast implants don’t come with a set-in-stone expiration date, but they also do not last a lifetime. On average, implants last at least a decade, but some can last for 20 years or longer. When implants begin to change shape or position, patients should discuss their options with a qualified surgeon. Some patients opt to simply have a breast implant explant to remove the implants, while others opt for replacement surgery.

Question: Can breast augmentation surgery improve uneven breasts or asymmetry?

Breast augmentation surgery is an excellent option for asymmetrical breasts. Breasts are typically not perfectly symmetrical, but some patients struggle with more extreme unevenness. Breast implants can correct issues when one breast is smaller or in a different position than the other.

Question: Can I get a breast augmentation if I have a history of breast cancer in my family?

A family history of breast cancer is definitely something to bring up during your initial consultation for breast augmentation. However, breast implants do not heighten the risks of breast cancer. Many patients don’t know that some types of breast implants may even make self-detecting cancerous tumors easier because the implant pushes breast tissue outward.

Question: Will a breast augmentation affect my ability to get mammograms or other breast cancer screenings?

Breast cancer screenings like mammograms can still be performed even if you have implants. Patients assume their implants will be damaged during a mammogram, but this is actually quite rare. During a mammogram, the technician will use a technique known as “implant displacement” to get a good view of breast tissue without causing implant damage.

Question: What happens if I gain or lose weight after getting breast implants?

Breast implants are not affected in terms of size or shape with weight changes. What can change, however, is the size and shape of the outlying breast tissue and skin. For example, substantial weight loss may reduce natural breast volume and cause a change in the overall breast shape. Due to these changes, some patients may need revisional surgery to remove excess skin or make volume adjustments to their existing implants.

A Look at Dr. Schaffer’s Patient-Centric Approach

Dr. Schaffer takes a patient-centric approach to every breast augmentation procedure. By carefully evaluating the patient’s personalized needs, medical history and preferences, he consistently helps patients achieve the most desirable outcomes after surgery. Additionally, Dr. Schaffer remains committed to patient safety during and after the procedure, which means a thorough aftercare plan with careful monitoring throughout the healing process. This patient-centric approach negates many risks associated with breast augmentation and ensures patients are wholly satisfied with the results. 

Learn More About Breast Augmentation With a Personalized Consultation

Breast augmentation can be a major decision, but entrusting your procedure to the best surgeon and team makes all the difference. If you are considering breast augmentation, call Schaffer Plastic Surgery at 205-619-9905 to schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Schaffer.