Answer: There are many different types of implants currently available for breast augmentation. What is right for one patient may not be right for another. With that being said, many do believe that the newer anatomical cohesive gel implants are able to provide the most natural look and feel for breast augmentation. These implants are made of a firm, form-stable cohesive silicone gel that is similar in consistency to a gummy bear, which is why they are often referred to as “gummy bear” implants. These implants come in a variety of choices related to the implant width, height and projection, allowing them to be fully customized to the individual patient.

Answer: Breast augmentation surgery involves significant stretching of the breast tissue and is usually associated with some post-operative pain and discomfort, particularly when the implants are placed beneath the pectoralis muscle. Previous surgical techniques for breast augmentation were more traumatic than modern techniques which emphasize precise dissection of the implant pocket with minimal tissue injury and bleeding. By utilizing these techniques, many patients require no narcotic pain medication whatsoever. If required however, pain is easily managed with pain relievers. Furthermore, the vast majority of patients report that the benefits are well worth the discomfort and that they would do it again.

Answer: In some cases of minor ptosis, implants alone may provide some lifting of the breasts, particularly with the newer anatomical cohesive gel implants. However, in most cases, breast implants alone are not the best solution for sagging breasts. A much larger sized implant is often needed to remove the sagging and this if often not the look that the patient desires. For those who want their breasts to remain the same size but more lifted, a breast lift alone is often the best solution. If patients also want fuller or larger breasts, the breast lift can be combined with implants.

Answer: Determining the size you want to be for breast augmentation is, for many women, the most challenging part of the process. During consultation, your doctor should be able to help you find the size that is right for you. There are also many things that you can do on your own to get an idea of the size you would like to be, including looking at pictures and trying on different sized bras with padding. Many women swear by the rice test. For this, fill plastic sandwich bags or cut-off feet from pantyhose with measured amounts of rice and secure. Then try these out inside of a sports bra. The approximate measurements are as follows: .5 cup of rice = 118cc's; .75 cup of rice = 177cc's; 1 cup of rice = 237cc's; 1.25 cups of rice – 296cc's; 1.5 cups of rice = 355cc's; 1.75 cups of rice = 414 cc's; 2 cups of rice = 473cc's; and 2.25 cups of rice = 532cc's.

Answer: Pregnancy and breastfeeding do cause changes in the breasts which can impact the aesthetic appearance of implants. Just as with natural breasts, some sagging or drooping may occur. For some the appearance may be drastic while for others it may not. Many women with implants, as well as those without, may benefit from a breast lift after pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you plan to have children in the near future, you may want to postpone your breast augmentation until after you are done having children.

Answer: In the U.S., silicone gel-filled breast implants are FDA-approved for use in woman age 22 and older, unless they are being used for reconstructive purposes. Saline implants are FDA-approved for women 18 and older.

Answer: In my practice, I almost always use internal, absorbable sutures and skin glue for breast augmentation surgery and no suture removal is required. On the rare occasion that non-absorbable sutures are used, they will be removed within 7 to 10 days after surgery.

Answer: The term “gummy bear implant” is often used to refer to the latest generation of silicone gel implants because the interior of these breast implants has a similar consistency to the inside of a gummy bear. Made of a firm, form-stable silicone gel, these implants will maintain their shape if they break or rupture, unlike saline implants. Many believe that gummy bear implants offer the most natural choice for breast augmentation today.

Answer: Breast augmentation with implants is designed to add volume to the breasts whereas the breast lift is designed to lift sagging breasts. Breast ptosis is generally defined as having nipples which lie below the level of the inframammary crease and this typically requires a breast lift. Some patients choose to combine the breast lift with implants if they also want larger or fuller breasts. Implants alone are sometimes sufficient in cases of mild ptosis. A consultation is the best way to determine which procedure is right for you.

Answer: A surgical or elastic bra is often worn after breast augmentation to help hold the breasts in the correct position. The bra can also help to control swelling and provide support which can minimize discomfort and pain. Some surgeons routinely follow this practice while others do not and leave it up to the patient as to whether they want to wear the surgical bra.