Breast Augmentation (Breast Implants) Questions and Answers

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Question:

I have 4 children, all of whom I have breastfed. My breasts were very small before I had children, and now they have no firmness or shape, and the skin is severely stretched. I intend to have breast augmentation within the next year, but am unsure weather to get implants in front of or behind the muscle. I know only a little about the difference between the two positions. Where can I find a comprehensive comparisson of the advantages/disadvantages of the two, so that I can make a well-educated decision?

Answer 1:

Dear Debbi, The best place to find information is through your plastic surgeon who can examine you and give you definitive information for your particular condition. You may need to consider a breast lift in addition to where the implants need to be placed.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Answer 2:

Dear Debbi In addition to talking to a plastic surgeon, you might also want to check out various websites. go searching under breast lift , also try McGhan medical and Mentor corporation's websites. It sounds as though under the muscle would be better for you. Dr. Korman

Josh Korman, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Mountain View, CA

Question:

HOW SAVE IS BREAST SURGERY? WHAT ARE THE METHODS AND WHAT IS BEING USED?

Answer:

Dear Queyen, I take it that you mean breast augmentation surgery and not lifts or reductions. The surgery is as safe as any cosmetic procedure with surgical risks of infection, blood loss and particular risks of hardening of the breasts (capsular contracture) or deflation with time. Most implants are now guaranteed for life for rupture and there is even an insurance plan that can be purchased to cover the cost of further surgery should that be necessary. I believe that the saline-filled implants (the only type avaiable in this country at this time) are safe. They simply do not look as natural as implants filled with a more viscous (thicker) type of fill such as silicone. There are many different methods of implant placement, shapes and sizes of implants and incision sites. I would suggest that you contact a plastic surgeon in your area for more information.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

Would it be safe for a 14 year old girl that is extremely unhappy with her small breasts to use Perfect Woman, an all natural Breast Enhancement & Breast Enlargement to increase her bust.

Answer:

I would not recommend it. If you are unhappy with your breast size and have other indication that puberty is not proceding normally, see your doctor. Otherwise, consider silicone bra inserts unitl you are full grown and at that time (21 years old or so) consider breast augmentation if you are still unhappy at that time.

Question:

Just wondering about breast augmentation cost and if it can be done to a flat chested male.

Answer 1:

It can be, however, there are a large number of psychological components to sex change surgery. I only perform the procedure after the male has lived as a female for over one year and has been on hormone replacement with a consulting psychologist/psychiatrist over that time. There are a number of other procedures often done to complete the change including rhinoplasty and hair removal among others.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Answer 2:

It just came to me that you may be asking for augmentation of the chest but just enough so as not to be flat chested ie. not a sex change procedure. There are implants (solid, silicone) available for male chest augmentation. They tend not to feel natural and do have a higher extrusion rate than the female variety. Also, if you are a body builder, it will disqualify you from future competitions (they x-ray competitors).

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

whats the price range for 36b to a 36c or 40c

Answer:

Price for Breast Augmentation is not dependent on size of enlargement but is a constant cost for a given location. A general price range would be $6500.00.

David Ross, MD
Chicago, IL

Question:

I had breast augmentation almost 2 1/2 years ago. I was pleased with my doctor and his staff. I conveyed my strong preference in size--I still feel that the size is too small. I am more than willing to have the surgery again--in order to achieve the goals I had originally wanted. Are there any discounts or fee waivers for another procedure?

Answer:

That would be up to the individual physcian concerned. However, changing breast implants to a larger size is less of an effort for the surgeon so his fees might be less than for the original surgery.

David Ross, MD
Chicago, IL

Question:

I recently had breast augmentation and I think I have muscular contracture I can feel my muscle squeeze the bag and if feels much different than the other but it looks the same. Please give me things to check for.How could I tell if this has happened what do I need to do? I also had alot of pain in it this week on the side of my breast .I will make an appt this week to go back to the Dr. Its been 5 weeks and I was feeling great till now.

Answer:

See your plastic surgeon.

Question:

How much does breast augmentation cost?

Answer:

That depends upon where you live and what is included in the price. Here in Hawaii, prices range from $4000 to $6000 for primary uncomplicated augmentaiton.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

I am 32 and considering breast augmentation. I am familiar with the concerns surrounding silicone, but not as familiar with concerns regarding breast cancer detection. My Mother had pre-menopausal breast cancer, so I have been deligent about self-exams and had my first mammogram at 29. Do breast implants hinder one's ability to detect lumps, or interfere with mammograms? Is there a benefit to trans-axillary implants?

Answer:

Dear Kathy, Some initial studies showed a retarded rate of detection of breast cancers when implants are present. These have been refuted with later studies. It is very important for the mammographer to know that you have implants. Special views are obtained. There is no advantage to trans-axillary placement in this regard. Saline-filled implants are radio-opaque - this means x-rays cannot see through them. Better implants with radio-lucent fillers should be available within a few years. Hope this helps.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

I have a sort odd problem that I cannot find any answers to. My nipples are quite out of proportion with my breast size (they're very large). It seems the only solution is breast augmentation which I do not want to have. I am flat-chested, which doesn't really bother me, but my breasts look really odd with large nipples. Is there a nipple-reducing operation available? Thanks!

Answer:

Yes, absolutely. We have many procedures which are avaialable in order to reduce the nipple and/or the areola (the dark ring around the nipple). I would strongly advise that you not have breast augmentation if you do not desire larger breasts. These procedures are usually done under local anesthetic in an outpatient setting. I hope this helps.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

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