FAQ's on Breast Augmentation

What are breast implants made of, and where are they placed?
Are breast implants permanent?
Can I choose to have the implant removed?
Can I breast-feed after receiving an implant?
Will insurance cover the implant procedure?
Am I eligible for implants?
What are the major risks?

	What are breast implants made of, and where are they placed?
	Implants are silicone shells filled with either saline (salt water) or silicone gel (recently approved by the FDA). They are placed behind each breast, underneath either breast tissue or the chest wall muscle. Placement behind the chest wall muscle offers a few advantages over placement beneath the breast tissue only. These include reduced risk of capsular contracture (post-operative tightening around the implant) and less interference with mammogram examinations. Possible disadvantages include need for drainage tubes and elevated pain in the first few days following surgery.

	Are breast implants permanent?
	Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices. Removal, replacement and visits to the physician are commonly required.

	Can I choose to have the implant removed?
	Implants are removable, but keep in mind that you may experience dimpling, puckering, wrinkling or other cosmetic changes after the implant is taken out.

	Can I breast-feed after receiving an implant?
	Implants may affect your ability to produce milk for breast feeding.

	Will insurance cover the implant procedure?
	Insurance companies do not usually cover implant surgery performed for cosmetic reasons. Most companies cover the first breast reconstruction operation.

	Am I eligible for implants?
	You are not eligible if you have untreated breast cancer or infection, are under 18 years of age, or are pregnant or nursing.

The major risks of implant surgery are deflation or rupture of the implant, capsular contracture (tightening of the scar, causing the breast to feel hard), pain, dissatisfaction with results, additional surgery, infection, hematoma/seroma, changes in nipple and/or breast sensation, inability to breast feed, calcium deposit formation, delayed healing, extrusion (implant breaks the surface of the skin) and necrosis (formation of dead tissue around the implant).

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