1. What prevents bacteria from getting into implants?

Silicone gel implants have a shell that is impervious to bacteria which cannot live in gel anyways. Saline implants can be contaminated with bacteria or fungus at the time of surgery if strict sterile technique is not followed. The tissue around an implant can become infected again at surgery with poor sterile technique or afterwards by seeding from infections elsewhere such as the teeth or urinary tract.


2. What about mammograms after breast augmentation?

Augmented patients are not at a greater risk than the non augmented population for developing breast cancer. The current recommendations for getting screening/preoperative mammograms are the same for augmented and non-augmented patients. Displacement techniques should be used when obtaining mammograms in augmented patients and should be interpreted by radiologists experienced in the evaluation of augmented patients. Early detection of breast cancer is possible in augmented patients. Implant placement under the muscle allows for better visualization at mammography.


3. What is a "Spectrum" implant and why would someone want one?

Spectrum saline implants (adjustable saline implants) are smooth surfaced implants with a triple-valve system rather than a diaphragm valve. The smooth surface and triple valve lower the rupture or leakage rate i.e. they last longer than other saline implants. Also the smooth surface allows for a thinner implant shell which translates as a softer feel to the breast after surgery.


4. What are the specifications for the different implants?

Breast implants come as round or tear drop shapes with a variety of base diameters and front to back projection distances. The best one to be used varies for each patient and the surgeon doing the procedure.


5. Can implants cause breast cancer?

They do not and cannot cause breast cancer.


6. How do I keep my breast augmentation private?

Do not tell anyone and don' t get an implant that is so large for your body type that it is obvious you had the surgery.


7. How can a woman decide what size implants she wants?

That is the hardest thing to decide before surgery and re-operations just to change size are common if preoperative preparation is inadequate. I have patients that place implant samples under their bra and stand in front of the mirror. They then choose the size and all I do is try to discourage them from going to implants which are too big for their body.