The available implants, both saline and silicone are manufactured. You will only need to replace them if there is a problem, or if you decide you want to change to a different size.  A frequently asked question is if breast implants will interfere with breastfeeding. The answer is no, as the implants are placed under the muscle. They should not interfere with the “plumbing” needed for breastfeeding.

Women may be concerned about implant leaks or breaks. Dr. Bond advises her patients that there is a possibility of a leakage but implants come with a lifetime warranty for replacement of the pair if they rupture or deflate. If the saline leaks into the body, it is completely safe. If you suspect that your gel implant is leaking, your doctor can request an MRI to find out. The percentage of deflation in both types of implants is very small.

MENTOR® Breast Implants are guaranteed for a patient’s lifetime. All recipients of MENTOR® Breast Implants are automatically enrolled in the MENTORPromise® Protection Plan. If a confirmed rupture or deflation occurs, the patient will receive up to two replacement breast implants of the same style or like style at no additional charge for the lifetime of the patient. If a rupture occurs within 10 years of surgery, the patient may also be eligible for financial assistance for surgical costs not covered by insurance. Additional complications are also covered for 10 years with free product replacement. Implantation of the MENTOR® Breast Implants, as well as any subsequent procedures, must be in accordance with current Mentor Product literature and accepted plastic surgical procedures by appropriately qualified licensed physicians for product to qualify for replacement under the Mentor Product Replacement Policy.”

Dr. Bond reassures her patients that breast implants are safe and FDA-approved. Breast augmentation procedures have been very popular for years and hundreds of thousands of women have had successful breast augmentations.

The 2019 concerns about safety issues surrounding breasts implants are primarily trying to reignite issues that pretty much had been resolved in the late 1990s after the 1992, so called, “Breast Implant Scare”.According to patient safety guidelines from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, “the current lifetime risk of BIA-ALCL (BIA, Breast Implant Associated) is estimated to be 1:3817 – 1:30,000 women with textured implants based upon current confirmed cases and textured implant sales data over the past two decades.” Only 16 people worldwide have died from breast implant associated ALCL! As you can compare this number of cases to the total number of augmentations and reconstructions ALCL is extremely rare. Also, when diagnosed early, BIA-ALCL is usually curable.

Another consideration, highly textured implants are rarely used in augmentation in the US and one manufacturer (Allergan^®) voluntarily removed them altogether from the European Market.

If you have any questions or concerns, please speak with Dr. Bond.”

Breast augmentation typically takes about two hours to complete and is performed under general anesthesia in a fully accredited outpatient surgical center. Breast augmentation involves many different options and techniques. The implants can be inserted through an incision under the breast fold, or through the areolar, or through the armpit. Breast implants are now available in both saline and the FDA-approved silicone. Implants are placed under the muscle to produce a natural look with less potential to sag and interfere with breastfeeding or future mammograms. Since the implant is under the muscle, the augmented breasts will look just like an enhanced version of your own.

Dr. Bonds advises patients that the scar is about 2 inches long and will be hidden under the breast fold.”

After surgery, patients often feel somewhat sore, tired and stiff, which can last for several days*. Some degree of discomfort is usually experienced because the procedure stretches the tissues. Prescribed pain medication can help alleviate any discomfort you experience. Dr. Sheila Bond may also request that you keep your arm extensions to a minimum, raising your elbows no higher than your armpit and no heavy lifting for three weeks after surgery.

A week after surgery, any bandages that were applied are usually removed. Patients are required to wear a support bra or compression bandage to help support and position the breasts. Sutures are dissolvable and do not need to be removed.

Initially, the breasts may feel tight as the skin adjusts to the new breast size, and the breasts themselves may seem hard at first, though they do soften in time. Swelling is common and usually begins to decrease within a few weeks*. Increased sensitivity to physical contact of the breasts may occur for a month or longer. The scars will be red right after surgery, but will eventually fade.

Immediately after your breast augmentation procedure you should avoid underwire bras as they may irritate the incision from the surgery. After you’re healed you can wear any type of bra you choose.

The amount of time it takes to recover will be different for each patient. However, most patients find that they can return to work a week after surgery.”