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Frequently Asked Questions
- Am I a good candidate for breast augmentation?
- How will Dr. Goldstein evaluate me for breast augmentation surgery?
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What pre-operative steps are necessary for my breast enhancement surgery?
- What causes a breast implant to deflate or rupture?
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What happens after the surgery? Do I have to visit the doctor?
- What risks are related to breast augmentation?
- What is scar capsular contraction?
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What pre-operative steps are necessary for my breast enhancement surgery?
- Is silicone safe?
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Can breast augmentation surgery be performed at the same time with other surgical procedures?
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Will breast augmentation cause me to loose breast or nipple sensation?
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Will I be able to breast feed after breast augmentation surgery?
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Will having breast augmentation cause stretch marks on my breasts?
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I'm over 50 years old. Am I too old to have a breast augmentation?
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Do breast implants influence the occurrence of breast cancer?
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Can I have a mammogram if I have breast augmentation surgery?
Am I a good candidate for breast augmentation?One or more of the following feelings or conditions may indicate that you are a good candidate for Denver breast implants:
Contraindications (inadvisable treatment) for breast implant surgery include women who are currently pregnant or nursing, have an existing malignant or pre-malignant cancer of their breast without adequate treatment, or have an active infection anywhere in their body. An active infection anywhere in their body or other serious systemic medical disorders or diseases should be discussed with your primary physician and the surgery cleared. Your personal safety always comes first. How will Dr. Goldstein evaluate me for breast augmentation surgery?Dr. Goldstein will examine your breasts and torso and take confidential photographs for your medical record. He will consider such factors as the size and shape of your breasts and the proportions between your breasts, waistline and hips. Other considerations are the quality of your skin and the placement of your nipples and areolas (the pigmented skin surrounding the nipples). If your breasts are sagging from childbirth, weight loss, or natural aging, a breast lift may be recommended in conjunction with your augmentation breast surgery.
What pre-operative steps are necessary for my breast enhancement surgery?Depending upon your age, and medical and family history, Stephen Goldstein, MD may recommend a baseline mammogram before surgery and another mammographic examination afterwards. These tests will establish a firm baseline to detect future changes in your breast tissue. Following breast augmentation, you are advised to perform monthly breast self-examination. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking at least three weeks before your surgery. All aspirin products and over-the -counter anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Ibuprofen, Motrin, Alleve, etc) causes increased bleeding, and you will be advised to stop taking these medications two weeks before surgery. It is permissible to take Tylenol prior to surgery. We require that you do not eat or drink any fluids 8 hours before your surgery. We will provide you any special instructions specific to your situation. Breast augmentation is usually performed on an outpatient basis and you need to make arrangements for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you for the first 24 hours following surgery. What type of implants will be used?Approximately 300,000 women in the United States underwent breast augmentation in 2005. Each woman has her own personal reasons for considering breast augmentation surgery. For some, they desire fuller breasts with a more pronounced profile. For others, it may be to improve the shape of the breast due to the gradual changes to the body that come with childbirth or the effects of age and gravity.
Dr Goldstein has been successfully using Mentor breast implants successfully for over twenty years. For more information visit MentorCorp and www.breastimplantsafety.org What size implant do I choose?Always be frank and open in discussing your desired breast size so that there is clear understanding from the beginning. It is very important to be realistic in your goals and approach to choosing implants that are best suited for your body type. It may help to bring several photographs from magazines illustrating what you perceive your ideal beauty is and the harmony between breast size and body proportions.
Are implants safe?In 1999, the Institute of Medicine concluded that silicone implants do not cause any major health problems.
What causes a breast implant to deflate or rupture?All implants carry a risk of rupture. The implants we use have a very low rate of deflation. Saline deflations are less than 3.7% at 7 years and Mentor MemoryGelTM silicone deflations are less than 0.3% at 3 years. Breast implants deflate or rupture when the integrity of implant shell is violated. If a saline implant leaks or breaks inside a woman’s body, the salt water is simply absorbed into her tissue. Deflation can occur immediately or progressively over a period of days and is noticed by loss of size or shape of the implant. If the implant is a cohesive silicone gel implant, the rupture may be silent and not recognized. MemoryGel™ implants feature a cohesive, gelatin-like substance that acts as a solid rather than a liquid. The cohesive silicone gel will maintain its shape if pulled or stretched. If there is a leak or rupture of the implant, the MemoryGel™ binds to itself reducing the chance that the silicone may spread beyond the implant. This is why the FDA recommends that a MRI Scan be obtained three years after your initial surgery, and ever two years thereafter.
Some implants deflate (or rupture) in the first few months after being implanted and some deflate after several years. Potential causes of deflation are many and may include damage by surgical instruments during surgery, over filling or under filling of saline implants. Mechanical pressure to the implant shell can occur with capsular contracture or closed capsulotomy. Mechanical stresses due to intense physical manipulation, excessive compression during mammographic imaging, or severe blunt trauma have been reported to cause implant deflation. You should also be aware that the breast implant may simply wear out over time and deflate/rupture. Sometimes implant deflations or ruptures can occur for unknown or unexplained reasons. Deflated or ruptured implants require additional surgery to remove and to replace the implant. Are the implants guaranteed?Dr. Goldstein provides for his patients the Mentor Enhanced Advantage Warranty:
Where is the surgery performed?Your breast augmentation surgery will be performed in a JCAHO accredited ambulatory care surgical facility where thousands of surgical procedures are performed yearly on an outpatient basis. Hundreds, if not thousands, of these procedures are aesthetic and cosmetic surgical procedures. This means that the staff is not only professional but very experienced and familiar with the type of breast enhancement surgery that is being performed. This is a state-of the-art facility with the finest medical equipment and protocols in place to ensure your safety What type of anesthesia will be provided?Your comfort and safety always comes first. Dr Goldstein uses only Board Certified Anesthesiologists to administer the anesthesia in a controlled and safe setting. The vast majority of Dr Goldstein’s patients choose to be put totally asleep under general anesthesia. Some desire to have their breast augmentation surgery performed under light sedation with a local anesthetic. Whichever you choose, in all cases, careful monitoring and the proper choices of anesthetic agents by our anesthesiologist assure that you are comfortable while the surgery is performed in a safe manner. Where are the incisions placed?Only one incision is required for each breast. An incision can be made either underneath the breast, just above the crease, around the lower edge of the areola or within the armpit. These incisions are small and inconspicuous. How is the surgery performed?Prior to surgery, Dr Goldstein will perform a physical examination, evaluate your condition, and prepare you for your surgery. Any questions or concerns are answered and addressed and then the informed consent process is completed.
How long does it take to recover from colorado breast augmentation surgery? When can I resume my normal activities?Depending on your job, it is often possible to return to work within a few days or a week. Typically, one may return to light exercises following the end of the first week. Vigorous activities such as aggressive swimming, weightlifting using the pectoral muscles, or high impact activities such as running are recommended at full recovery at four to six weeks. Sexual activity should be avoided for at least the first week following surgery. After that, care must be taken to be extremely gentle with your breasts for at least the three to four weeks. How long will the results last?Except in the event of implant deflation requiring surgical replacement with a new implant, the results of your breast augmentation surgery will be long-lasting. Please be advised that breast implantation may not be a one-time surgery. Gravity and the effects of aging will eventually alter the size and shape of almost every woman's breasts. Eventually you may become dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts and choose to undergo a breast "lifting" procedure to restore their more youthful appearance. Like most medical devices, breast implants are not considered lifetime devices. You may need to undergo implant removal with or without replacement over the course of your lifetime due to deflation or rupture. What happens after the surgery? Do I have to visit the doctor?Please remember that the relationship with your plastic surgeon does not end when you leave the operating room. During the first three months following the surgery, Dr. Goldstein will see you in his office for follow-up care at prescribed intervals. Ultimately, you are encouraged to schedule routine yearly visits. There are no professional fees for these follow up visits. Mammographic evaluations and other imaging are recommended at the frequency for your age group. What risks are related to breast augmentation?As with any type of surgery, there are potential risks and complications such as bleeding, capsular contracture, implant ruptures, infection, visible skin wrinkling and rippling. All risks will be discussed extensively in during your consultation.www.breastimplantsafety.org
What is scar capsular contraction?Everyone heals with scar tissue. Scar capsular contracture is the most common problem associated with breast implants. It occurs because the body is simply trying to heal around the implant. Naturally forming scar tissue develops around the implant as the body heals. The scar capsule may shrink and tighten, making the breast feel firmer than normal and sometimes causing pain and an unnatural appearance. There is no special testing that we can do ahead of time to predict who is at more likely to experience this condition. Capsular contracture may occur on one or both sides or not at all. The degree of scar capsular contraction may vary from hardly noticeable to extreme, and may vary from one side compared to the other.
What pre-operative steps are necessary for my breast enhancement surgery?Preparing for surgery is very important and it begins with your knowledge and education of breast augmentation procedure. We want to make sure that you fully understand the nature of operation, the inherent risks and complications of both the implants and breast augmentation surgery, and post-operative care and recovery. Reading material describing all of the above, including the operation, implants, post-operative instructions, and consents forms will be given to you. This material should be read and re-read until you have a full understanding and comprehension of breast enhancement surgery.
Depending upon your age, and medical and family history, Dr. Goldstein may recommend a baseline mammogram before surgery and another mammographic examination afterwards. These tests will establish a firm baseline to detect future changes in your breast tissue. Following breast augmentation, you are advised to perform weekly breast self-examination. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking at least three weeks before your surgery. All aspirin products and over-the -counter anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Ibuprofen, Motrin, Alleve, etc) causes increased bleeding, and you will be advised to stop taking these medications two weeks before surgery. It is permissible to take Tylenol prior to surgery. We require that you do not eat or drink any fluids 8 hours before your surgery. We will provide you any special instructions specific to your situation. Breast augmentation is usually performed on an outpatient basis and you need to make arrangements for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you for the first 24 hours following surgery.
If there are any questions or concerns, you should always discuss these with Dr. Goldstein and /or his staff before your breast surgery. Never proceed with an operation until you are fully satisfied and comfortable with your decision to have breast augmentation and have a comprehensive understanding of the surgery. Is silicone safe?All mammary implants are comprised of silicone. The outer shell of the implant is made of silicone in the solid state. If you think of a mammary or breast implant as a balloon, the balloon wall or implant shell is made of solid-based silicone. What the balloon is filled with determines what type of implant it is. If the silicone implant shell is filled with sterile salt water, then it’s termed a “saline-filled” breast implant. And, conversely, if the silicone outer ‘balloon’ shell is filled with a silicone gel, then its called a “silicone gel-filled” implant. Dr Goldstein uses both types of implants in his cosmetic practice, affording his patients a choice of what is best for their individual needs.
We all have contact with silicone on a daily basis. Silicone can be found in many household items, such as polishes, sun-tan and hand lotion, antiperspirants, soaps, processed foods, waterproof coatings, and even chewing gum. Silicone is ubiquitous and found everywhere in medicine. It is used to coat syringes and IV tubing, used in various medications such as anti-acids, and numerous medical devices. The overall safety of silicone has been defined the best by the Institute of Medicine when the concluded that:
”There is no evidence that silicone implants are responsible for any major diseases of the whole body. Women are exposed to silicone constantly in their daily lives.” Can breast augmentation surgery be performed at the same time with other surgical procedures?Yes. Breast enhancement may be a stand alone procedure or done in combination or conjunction with other cosmetic surgical procedures. It’s not uncommon to perform breast lifts, liposuction, tummy-tucks, or other body contouring procedures at the same time with breast augmentation surgery. Will breast augmentation cause me to loose breast or nipple sensation?Feeling in the nipple and breast can increase or decrease after breast implant surgery. Usually this change is temporary. The range of changes may vary from no feeling to intense sensitivity, or both, in the nipple or breast following surgery. Changes in feeling are usually temporary but may be permanent and may affect sexual response or the ability to nurse a baby. Will I be able to breast feed after breast augmentation surgery?There are many variables related to a Mother’s ability to breast feed. Having a Breast Augmentation may interfere with your ability to successfully breast-feed. To optimize your chances to breast feed following breast enhancement surgery, Dr. Goldstein recommends not to utilize the periareolar incision site as it may significantly reduce the ability to successfully breast-feed. Also, he prefers to place the breast implant beneath the pectoralis chest wall muscle, limiting possible injury to the breast gland-ductal system. Do silicone implants harm the developing fetus?There have been concerns raised regarding potential damaging effects on children born of mothers with breast implants. To date this is unproven. A review of the published literature suggests that the information is insufficient to show definitive conclusions. |
Will having breast augmentation cause stretch marks on my breasts?
In over 20 years of performing Breast Enhancement Surgery, Dr. Goldstein has seen only two cases where stretch marks developed after surgery. If you have pre-existing stretch marks, often time a properly-sized implant will transmit pressure to through the overlying soft tissue to the skin, softening the appearance of the stretch marks. If you are concerned, go for a smaller size implant to minimize the stretching of the skin.
Should I be at my ideal weight before I have breast enhancement surgery?
What happens if I loose or gain weight after my breast augmentation?
You should be at a stable weight before your breast augmentation. We certainly understand that your weight will fluctuate following breast augmentation surgery. Minor weight changes will not cause any problems. A significant loss of weight after receiving breast implants could alter your results. There could be a reduction in breast size and a change in breast shape as seen by drooping (ptosis) altering your desired appearance. A significant gain in weight could cause an increase in breast size and totally change your body proportions.
I’ve had children and my breasts are smaller and sagging. Do I need a breast lift in addition to a breast augmentation?
A Breast Augmentation procedure improves the size of the breasts. If there is a small degree of breast sagging or drooping, a breast lift operation is usually not necessary.
If a women’s breast are significantly sagging or drooping because of having children, breast feeding, or just the natural effects of aging, a breast lift can help. A breast lift can improve the appearance of the breasts in several ways. It elevates the breast tissue, repositions the nipple and areola (pigmentation around the nipple), and enhances breast shape. If the areola has been stretched over time, they can be reduced in size. Women who undergo a breast lift may also seek to increase their breast volume. If this is the case, an implant can be placed behind the breast tissue or chest muscle to enlarge the breasts. It is important to remember that a breast lift can improve the position, shape and distribution of existing breast tissue, but it cannot make the breasts larger. It is very common for breast augmentation to be performed at the same time with breast lift.
What is a breast lift operation?
Loss of skin elasticity, gravity and other factors such as weight loss, pregnancy and breast feeding may affect the shape and firmness of a woman’s breasts. Breast lift surgery, also called mastopexy, removes excess breast skin to raise, reshape and firm-up the breasts. The nipples and areolas (the pigmented skin surrounding the nipples) are repositioned, and the areolas are reduced in size. It is very common for implants to be inserted at the same time with a breast lift to increase breast volume…enhancing breast size and shape.
Dr. Goldstein employs a method of lifting the breasts by the “limited scar” technique. The goal of aesthetic plastic surgery always is to achieve the best result with the least amount of visible scarring. Please make an appointment to discuss with Dr. Goldstein what your specific wants and needs are.
View 3D animation of the breast lift procedure here
I'm over 50 years old. Am I too old to have a breast augmentation?
If one desires breast augmentation it’s not an issue or a question about your age, but how healthy you are. If there are any questions about your health, Dr. Goldstein may ask that you see your primary care provider to see be sure that you are a reasonable candidate for your breast enhancement.
Do breast implants influence the occurrence of breast cancer?
There are no studies that show that breast enhancement surgery or breast implants can cause or increase your chances of breast cancer. There is no evidence that implants cause cancer.
All women are at risk for breast cancer whether a women has implants or not. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), early detection of breast cancer saves many thousands of lives each year, and it is important to take advantage of these screening tests. Screening for breast cancer refers to tests and examinations used to detect the disease in women who do not have any symptoms. Some screening tests used for early detection of breast cancer include:
- Mammography
- Clinical breast exam
- Monthly breast self-exam
Can I have a mammogram if I have breast augmentation surgery?
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that ”Women age 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every year, and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health.” Women that have an increased risk of breast cancer (due to family history, past breast cancer, etc.) should talk with their primary care doctor about the benefits and limitations of starting mammograms when they are younger, having additional tests (such as ultrasound or MRI), or having more frequent exams.
Women with breast implants may undergo mammography and other imaging techniques just as women without implants. Dr. Goldstein recommends that you speak with your primary care provider to determine your specific needs.
You may wish to undergo a preoperative mammogram and another one 6 months to 1 year after implantation to establish a baseline. With breast implants, routine screening mammography will be more difficult, and you will need to have additional views. Breast implants may complicate and make more difficult the interpretation of mammographic images by obscuring underlying breast tissue and/or by compressing overlying tissue. You should get your mammogram at an accredited mammography center that is experienced with women having breast implants. To adequately study the breast tissue, special views and displacement techniques are needed. Women with breast implants must inform mammography technologists about the presence of their implants so special techniques are used to reduce the possibility of implant damage or rupture.