Breast Augmentation
In Mishawaka, IN

Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure – patients return home the same day. You will likely feel tired and sore for a few days following the surgery. Postoperative medication will be prescribed to help control the discomfort but is typically only needed for a few days.

There is no set life expectancy or expiration date for either saline or silicone implants. Some women do have their breast implants replaced because, as we age, the body changes and some implant adjustment might be necessary.

Silicone gel implants have slightly thicker shells than the ones used before 1992. They also contain an improved gel that does not disintegrate or leak if the implant does ever rupture. If you have any problems with your implants, you should certainly let your plastic surgeon know immediately, so the issue can be addressed right away. That being said, if you have a ruptured implant, whether saline or silicone, you are not in danger; however, we do recommend having the implant removed and replaced.

Implants usually have no effect on the ability to breastfeed. If a woman had the ability before surgery, then she will likely retain that ability following surgery. Likewise, if a woman was not able to breastfeed prior to breast augmentation, then surgery will not improve her ability to breastfeed.

There is no scientific evidence that either saline or silicone gel implants increase the risk of breast cancer. While silicone gel implants were restricted by the FDA between 1992 and 2006, multiple safety studies were conducted to determine whether silicone implants cause any diseases or medical conditions. No study established any connection whatsoever between silicone implants and any disease process.

There is evidence to show that women with textured implants have a higher risk of developing a rare type of cancer known as anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL.) The cancer is cured by removing the implant and surrounding tissue. However, for this reason, our surgeons do not use textured implants.

Women with implants generally have additional images taken during a mammogram. Also, implants may obscure underlying breast tissue and/or compress overlying tissue, thus making the interpretation of the image more complicated. It is important to have your mammogram done at an accredited mammography center. An imaging center that specializes in mammograms will likely have more experience screening women with implants. To find one near you, call the National Cancer Institute at (800) 422.6237.

If you have implants, you should always advise your mammography technician ahead of time. Prior to any breast surgery, if you are over the age of 40, you will be required to have a mammogram done, as you cannot have another mammogram for at least six months after surgery.

The chance of an implant rupturing during a mammogram is small. Experts say the cause is most likely a faulty implant, not the mammogram itself.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women aged 40 and older should have a screening mammogram done every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health. Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam by a health professional, preferably every three years.

Women who have breast implants should still perform self-breast exams. To do this correctly, ask your plastic surgeon to help you distinguish the implant from your own breast tissue.

The following is a list of breast-exam steps, as recommended by the American Cancer Society.

1. 1. Lie down with a pillow under your right shoulder and place your right arm behind your head.
   2. Use the finger pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to feel for lumps in the right breast.
   3. Press firmly enough to know how your breast feels. A firm ridge in the lower curve of each breast is normal. If you’re not sure how much pressure to apply, talk with your doctor or nurse.
   4. Move the breast in a circular, up and down in line, or wedge pattern. Be sure to do it the same way every time. Check the entire breast area and try to remember how your breast feels from month to month.
   5. Move the pillow under your left shoulder and repeat the exam on your left breast using the finger pads of the right hand.
   6. Repeat the examination of both breasts while standing, with your one arm behind your head. The upright position makes it easier to check the upper and outer part of the breasts (toward your armpit). This is where about half of cancerous lumps are found. You may want to do the standing part of the exam while you are in the shower. Some breast changes can be felt more easily this way.

Though breast augmentation does restore volume, it does not totally correct breast position unless combined with a breast lift. If you have concerns with your degree of breast droopiness or “ptosis,” a combined procedure may be the best option.

One factor to consider when getting breast implants is the risk of deformity if you decide to remove them later. Typically, breasts where implants have been removed appear deflated due to the skin and tissues stretching to accommodate the size of the breast implants. If you choose to remove your implants, your surgeon will have an extensive consultation with you to discuss the risks and complications.

Some changes in sensation are not unusual. Some patients have increased sensitivity, others decreased, and others have no change at all. For those who do experience a change, normal sensation may return after several months. Rarely, partial or permanent loss of nipple sensation does occur.

Ideal candidates for breast enlargement surgery are women who are looking for improvement in the size and shape of their breasts. Before you decide on breast augmentation, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your plastic surgeon.

The cost of breast augmentation at The Centre, P.C. typically ranges from $6,400 to $8,000, depending on several factors. This price generally includes the surgeon’s fees, anesthesia, facility costs, and the type of implants chosen.

The expertise of your board-certified plastic surgeon, along with the use of our AAAHC-certified and Indiana state-licensed surgical center – The Centre, LLC, ensures a high standard of care and safety. While health insurance usually does not cover elective breast augmentation unless it is reconstructive, we offer flexible financing options to make the procedure more accessible.

Schedule a consultation today to receive a personalized quote and take the first step toward achieving your aesthetic goals.