Ms. Namita Nayyar
According to you, what are the key factors a woman should keep in mind or ask before opting for a breast implant?
Dr. Cat Begovic
It is important to know that breast implants are not lifetime devices, they must be replaced approximately every 10 years. For silicone implants, the FDA recommends getting imaging every other year to check for a leak. Also, breast implants are also not for everyone. There is a rare lymphoma called BIA-ALCL associated with breast implants. They are predominantly associated with textured implants but this is still under research and investigation. Some women also report symptoms of Breast Implant Illness.
Before deciding on implants, educate yourself about breast implant illness. For more information on BII, please visit my Plastic Surgery Blog on my website and select “Breast Procedures” from the drop-down menu. For the FDA Black Box warning on breast implants please go to fda.gov.
Ms. Namita Nayyar
What’s the right age for women to undergo a breast implant? Any age limit when it can get risky?
Dr. Cat Begovic
When mature enough to understand that plastic surgery should be done for themselves and not for anyone else. Also, when a patient feels they are mature enough to be able to make an important informed decision.
Since implants are not lifetime devices and they require maintenance every ten years, patients should do extensive research when considering breast augmentation surgery to ensure that they are aware of exactly what breast implants entail.
Ms. Namita Nayyar
Your advice related to postoperative recovery and exercise routine for best results after Surgery?
Dr. Cat Begovic
Patients on a weight-loss plan should be close to their goal weight before having surgery to have the best possible result. For best long-term results it is advisable that weight is stable after surgery (without a lot of yo-yo-ing up and down).
Surgical technique is really the most important thing when it comes to results and post-op pain. I am extremely gentle during surgery so my patients have a quick recovery with little to no pain. Most of my patients only take Tylenol for any discomfort.
I advise patients to watch surgery videos to familiarize themselves with their surgeon’s techniques, bedside manner, and more before scheduling a consultation. For example, when liposuction is performed aggressively, you can tell by the way the surgeon performs each stroke, and you will typically see bruises on the patient while the surgery is still going on. I gently perform and count each stroke to ensure the result is precise and even and my patient doesn’t feel pain once they are awake. My patients typically only take Tylenol to help them with any discomfort but it is extremely minimal.
Ms. Namita Nayyar
In recent years, there has been an alarming trend of women reporting inexplicable, worrisome symptoms after undergoing breast augmentation surgery.
How can a woman know that she is suffering from Breast Implant Illness? What Symptoms to Look Out For?
Dr. Cat Begovic
I receive countless inquiries regarding breast augmentation surgery, including questions and concerns about the possibility of developing BII. While thankfully, none of my past patients have developed symptoms related to BII, nor have I ever used the recently recalled Allergan breast implants in any of my patients, I am very aware of the growing concern amongst women looking to undergo breast enhancement and those who’ve already gone through the surgical procedure.
I am extremely proactive in disseminating BII awareness on my website and social media platforms. BII is a real illness and it is debilitating for those who develop it and it is something that all women considering implants should be informed about.
Also even with intact implants, you are still exposed to the chemicals in the implants. All patients should be provided with a list of these chemicals. For the FDA Black Box warning on breast implants please go to fda.gov
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
