3 Common Questions before Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic procedure in the United States. Even though many of us have family and friends who have chosen to have breast implants, it’s still common to have questions about breast augmentation. Some of the most common questions we hear at North Texas Cosmetic Surgery concern satisfaction with the results, the risks involved, and will they need to be replaced with time.

Will Breast Augmentation Meet Expectations?

Last year alone, 286,000 breast augmentation procedures were performed in the United States, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). In a recent study published in the ASPS medical journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 98 percent of women were satisfied with the results, reporting that their breast augmentation either met or exceeded their expectations. Of those, 85 percent were pleased with breast implants size, rating them as “just right,” and 75 percent rated the firmness as “just right.” Interestingly, 92 percent of the women surveyed reported that they felt improved self-esteem after the cosmetic procedure.

The study surveyed 225 women over a five-year period. Each of these women was interviewed at least one month after breast augmentation.

Are there Risks Associated with Breast Implants?

Breast augmentation risks are low, but they do exist in some cases. Trauma to the breasts, infections and subcapsular contractions (hardening the breast tissue around the implant) can cause complications, or shorten the length of time each implants lasts.

At North Texas Cosmetic Surgery, we use implants with a lifetime guarantee from the manufacturer. If the implant should ever rupture, the manufacturer will replace it for free. The guarantee doesn’t cover the cost of the surgery; however, implants do come with an insurance policy that will cover $1,200 toward the cost of the surgery if the implant ruptures within 10 years of its placement. For an additional $100, patients can also buy a better policy that will cover $2,400 toward the cost of replacement surgery, regardless of silicone or implants.

Will I Need to Replace the Implants in the Future?

Breast implants typically last 10 to 15 years; although it must be noted that every circumstance and every patient is different. Many women are perfectly satisfied with the size and feel of their implants, but for those who are not, they may choose to have larger implants or choose to switch from saline to silicone or vice versa. Dr. Alan Greenberg can discuss these options with you during your consultation.

To learn more about breast augmentation, contact North Texas Cosmetic Surgery to schedule a consultation with Dr. Greenberg.