Breast Augmentation

Many physical, mental, and emotional considerations would determine whether breast augmentation is right for you.

Ideal candidates are over 18-22 (depending upon the type of implant), in good health, medically fit for surgery, are not pregnant or nursing, are at stable body weight, and desire to improve their appearance while maintaining healthy, realistic expectations. You must communicate your goals regarding the specific results you hope to achieve with your surgeon, who will work with you to determine the right surgical approach.

Certain factors or conditions can increase the likelihood of complications during or after the procedure. They may mean that breast augmentation is not appropriate for you generally or at this time. Some known risk factors include:

• Smoking
• Current pregnancy and/or breastfeeding
• Unstable, unhealthy and/or significantly fluctuating weight
• Poor general health, infection, or certain medical conditions that affect healing or fitness for surgery
• Untreated breast cancer.

Another consideration that can interfere with your ability to experience the best outcome from breast augmentation involves unrealistic expectations about the appearance or results that can be achieved. Additionally, while many clients experience increased self-confidence following breast augmentation, it is not likely to address deep-rooted inner unhappiness.

If you are unsure or considering whether breast augmentation is right for you, we encourage you to arrange a personal consultation with Dr. Rieger. Dr. Rieger will happily discuss your goals, review your current health and history, medications, and habits, and assess your candidacy.

While most patients achieve remarkable results with minimal complications, there are associated risks. Some possible complications include:

• Painful breasts
• Change in sensation (often temporary)
• Capsular contracture: tightening of scar tissue around the implant, which may result in hardening and/or distortion
• Implant rupture or leakage
• Hematoma, bleeding or fluid accumulation
• Red, painful scarring
• Infection
• Skin rippling, creasing or folds
• Implant displacement

Certain complications may lead to the need for additional corrective surgery. Being fully informed about the risks before surgery is essential, and Dr. Rieger will explain the procedure and risks in detail to help you make informed decisions.

Following surgery, you can expect swelling, pain, and discomfort that can be managed with rest and pain medication. Patients may continue to experience swelling and discomfort for a few weeks with limitations placed on specific activities, including lifting and exercise. Your surgeon will guide you on the appropriate time to resume your routine and exercise.

Several factors determine individual recovery time. Many patients can resume work within one week, though this will vary. Restrictions will likely be placed on lifting and certain types of strenuous activity for two weeks or more. Your surgeon will provide you with the best advice for your unique situation.

Scarring is permanent, but in most cases, it tends to fade in months. The type of implant, anatomy, aesthetic goals, and preference can all influence the type and location of incision used. Every effort is made to reduce visible scarring.

Sometimes, keloid (red or raised) or hypertrophic (dark in color) scars may form. If you have a known tendency toward developing keloid or hypertrophic scarring or wish to know more, talk to your surgeon about the risks and options.

There are many variables to weigh when considering the type of implant that is right for you, and each has merits or potential drawbacks. While we have highlighted a few of the considerations below, Dr. Rieger will get to know your specific aesthetic goals, needs, and anatomy and will provide expert guidance to educate and help you with this uniquely personal and important decision.

• Saline Implants have an outer silicone shell filled with sterile saline (salt water) solution when placed. The amount of saline used to fill the implant can be varied to impact the size and shape of the breasts. Saline implants are generally perceived to feel firmer than silicone and, consequently, less like the feel of natural breasts. There is little to no difference in the look of saline versus silicone implants. In the event of a tear or leak, the saline solution is safely and naturally absorbed. There is sometimes an increased tendency toward rippling with saline implants, especially in cases where there is a smaller amount of breast tissue.

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• Silicone Implants consist of an outer silicone shell filled with silicone gel and tend to feel softer than saline and comparatively more like the feel of natural breasts. These implants are manufactured with gel inside them, so they are not filled or adjusted during the procedure as saline implants.

There is no single answer that fits every case, and there is no set formula that defines how long your breast implants will last. Breast implants are designed to be long-lasting, though certain complications such as a tear or rupture, scar tissue causing pain, or undesired changes in shape (capsular contracture), changes in breast tissue over time, or even personal preference can become reasons to change or possibly remove implants. Dr. Rieger will happily discuss the different options with you in your consultation.

There is no upper age limit for breast augmentation surgery, but as with any surgery, the patient's overall health and fitness level will be considered. The surgeon may recommend additional medical tests or procedures to ensure the patient is a good candidate for surgery.

While breast augmentation can be performed at any age, it may be beneficial to wait until after a woman is done having children, as pregnancy and breastfeeding can affect the size and shape of the breasts. However, there is no right or wrong answer, and ultimately, the decision should be based on the individual's personal preferences and goals.

Patients should avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for at least two weeks after surgery to allow the incisions to heal properly. After that, light exercise such as walking can be resumed, and more intense exercise can gradually be added back in over the next several weeks. The exact timeline for resuming exercise will depend on the patient's individual recovery and the surgeon's recommendations.