What are the risks of breast augmentation?

Because of our unique technique of Awake Breast Augmentation, using tumescent anesthesia, problems are very rare, but can always occur.  In addition to complications, there will always be the risk that you will not like the results of your augmentation.  There are no two women alike, and you must be open-minded and keep in mind, that if a friend or relative has a certain outcome, ( i.e. shape, size or lift), you may not have the same result.

One of the risks of augmentation is, that you could develop a capsular contracture, which is hardened scar tissue that encapsulates and squeezes the implant or a Hematoma, which is bleeding due to a broken blood vessel.  Seroma, which is caused by the accumulation of serum fluid.  There is also always the chance of the breast being unsymmetrical, rippling, indentions (cracks), uneven, or permanent sensation loss in the nipples or breasts can happen.

Can a woman breastfeed after breast augmentation?

There should be no problem when it comes to breastfeeding after augmentation.  Some women actually find it easier to breast feed as the implant sits behind the mammary gland.  The milk is not blocked by the implants since the implants are sitting underneath the breast tissue.

Will breast implants lift your breasts?

Breast implants usually will lift the breasts only 1cm, up to 2cm, so basically it will not.  During your consultation, Dr Greenberg will make several measurements to help you decide what is best for you, at that point he will let you know, if you will need a lift.

What is symmastia (kissing implants)?

Symmastia, most commonly called “Kissing Implants” is a complication that can occur when the surgeon makes the cavity for the implants too close together, which will cause the implants to join together.  Unfortunately, many surgeons do this in an attempt to create cleavage.  At your consultation, we will explain to you and stress that we cannot create cleavage….only a bra can create cleavage.  Every woman is different just like all breasts are different.  Some may have natural cleavage and some may have none at all.  The correction of “Kissing Implants” is an extensive and difficult surgery, which involves some reconstruction and removal of implants, therefore we recommend not to have surgery with someone who will attempt to create cleavage.

What is capsular contracture and how often does it occur? Is it painful? What can be done about it?

Capsular contracture is caused by scar tissue that forms around the breast implant and contracts and squeezes it.  Depending on how severe the capsular contracture is, will depend on the remedy.  We may have you lay belly down on a hard flat surface, everyday for 10 minutes, ( in many cases this will reduce the chances of capsular contracture, so we recommend it to all of our patients regardless).  Massaging you breasts can also help in reducing the possibility of a capsular contracture. In some cases, the implant will need to be removed and replaced.

What are keloids?

Keloids are lumps of fibrous tissue (Scar Tissue) that form at the site of an incision. Keloids can look darker than the surrounding skin. There is no way of knowing if your incision site will keloid or not.  When your incision site closes and is healed, we recommend using scar ointment remedies.

Where are the breast implants incisions made?

We offer two locations for incisions in breast augmentation:

• Inframammary: which is right at the breast fold (crease) below the breast.
• Periareolar: This incision is made around the nipple on the areola. The incision can be above or at the lower edge of the areola.

Who is a candidate for breast enlargement?

Women from 18- 60 years old who are in good health, are not pregnant and are mentally healthy, (not depressed, etc).

How do I choose what size implant to get?

Implants do not come in A, B, C, D etc sizes. They come in volume called cc’s.   At your consultation Dr. Greenberg will discuss with you what size you currently are and what size you desire.  He will then take measurements and assess if there is a difference in your right and left breast size,  and depending on those measurements he will recommend and explain what size implants are appropriate for you.

How to never determine the implant size:

• not by comparison to your friends – their body shape, chest size, skin thickness, and breast size are not likely to match yours exactly
• not by using famous models/actresses/singers implant sizes as your guide
• not by looking at pictures of someone else

From Plano, Frisco or Dallas and have additional questions? Call Dr. Greenberg and schedule a free initial consultation today.