Breast Augmentation FAQ

Silicone is actually from the naturally occurring substance, silicon. Silicon is a metal-like element that reacts with oxygen to become the most common substance on earth, silica (silicon dioxide). From beach sand to crystals, silica exists on the earth naturally. With intense heat and carbon, silica becomes silicon, which then can be further processed to become silicone. Silicone is a polymer that can be a liquid, gel or a material that is rubber. It is commonly used in lubricants and oils, such as polishes, body lotions, soaps, processed foods, chewing gum, and waterproof coatings.

How about the safety of silicone implants?

“There is no evidence that silicone implants are responsible for any major diseases of the whole body. Women are exposed to silicone constantly in their daily lives.”

From the Institute of Medicine

In fact, special studies have shown that silicone appears at a much higher level in cow's milk and commercially available infant formula that in women breastfeeding with silicone implants.

Is there a relationship between the occurrence of breast cancer and breast implants?

Extensive research and studies have proven that this is not a concern for humans.

When I get a mammography, will breast implants affect it?

There is a possibility that breast implants may interfere with the detection of breast cancer during a mammogram, and may make it more difficult. Prior to mammography, women with breast implants should tell their technologist if they have a breast implant. Women, with or without breast implants, should discuss with their doctor if any family history of breast cancer exists.

Can I get a silicone allergy?

Allergies can develop to just about any substance on earth. Fortunately, silicone allergies are rare, despite being exposed to it everyday in our environment (in household, beauty care, and edible products). Therefore, allergy to silicone can develop even without the existence of silicone breast implants.

On average, how long does a breast implant last?

Breast implants do not last a lifetime. A replacement may be required sometime, but depends on the type of breast implant and the woman. From a few years to a couple of decades, a replacement may be required due to deflation or shifting, but can also be a personal choice. Some women may desire a different contour or change in breast size.

After the breast augmentation surgery, how long should I wait before I can start exercising and doing strenuous activities again?

It is probably best to listen to the advice of your cosmetic surgeon and doctor. Recovery depends on each woman, but on average, resuming full activities normally occurs within 4-6 weeks. Check with your doctor to see if it's okay to work out again just before you start.

As it is best that sweating into the incision is avoided while it heals, activities that induce sweat should be avoided, such as suntanning or rigorous physical activity. The incision should not be soaked in water for the first couple of weeks following the breast augmentation surgery. Resting is best while your body heals, but walking is recommended to encourage circulation. With larger breasts, a good, supporting bra is recommended to prevent drooping of the breasts.

After I've healed, can I suntan?

Of course. Visiting a suntanning salon or sunbathing will not hurt the breast implant, but the implant may become warm while tanning and cool down more slowly.

Suntanning may adversely affect the scar. Suntanning in any way within the first year or so may darken the scar permanently.

When can I start flying or scuba diving again after the breast augmentation surgery?

Changes in pressure may cause breast implant shells to slightly expand or contract, causing minimum amounts of air bubbles. A gurgling feeling or sound may result, but implants should return to normal within 24-48 hours.

After the breast augmentation surgery, when can I start wearing under wire bras again?

For about 3 months, scar tissue will form around the breast implant. As a result, pressure from an under wire bra may form a permanent indentation in the scar. Most cosmetic surgeons in Toronto recommend women wait for at least 3 months, and should only wear under wire bras intermittently after this healing time.

Will my breasts move naturally after breast augmentation surgery?

It depends on the type of implant, how your body holds it, the existence (if any) of capsular contraction, and other such factors.

What is the weight of the implant?

It depends on their size and volume. For example, a 250cc silicone implant filled with 250cc of gel is about 250 grams.

Can I get stretch marks from breast implants?

It can happen, but rarely does. You can minimize the stretching of your skin that can cause stretch marks by getting smaller implants. Stretch marks can be avoided with Spectrum® adjustable implants. These implants slowly stretch the skin.

How does smoking affect healing after the breast augmentation surgery?

Smoking is quite detrimental to the healing process. Healing requires unrestricted flow of the blood supply and the oxygen with it to the healing area. However, smoking can cause blood vessels to constrict, hindering this process. Your doctor and cosmetic surgeon will know how long you should refrain from smoking prior to and following breast augmentation surgery.

After the breast augmentation surgery, will my nipples lose sensation?

It is possible that breast augmentation changes nipple sensation. Sensation in the breast and nipple can permanently or temporarily decrease or actually increase.

Is it best to be at my ideal weight for the breast augmentation procedure?

It is recommended that you be close to your ideal weight, since significant weight loss after the breast augmentation procedure can alter results in a way that may be dissatisfactory to you. This may include drooping or decrease in size. Significant weight gain can also affect breast size.

If I'm over 50 years old, can I still get breast implants?

Being in good health is more important than age.

What happens when I'm pregnant?

Breasts with breast implants will naturally enlarge during pregnancy. All other natural and usual changes will also occur, but to what extent will depend on each woman and the size/type of the implants as well.

If I have breast implants, can I breastfeed?

Studies have shown that silicone in the breast milk of women with any type of breast implants are not higher than in those without breast implants. Many women have no problem breastfeeding with breast implants. However, after breast augmentation, it may interfere especially if the incision is periareolar. Mastitis can also occur, in which the breast ducts become inflamed (this can also cause capsular contraction). Antibiotics at the onset of these problems can minimize them. If any inflammation exists, it should be reported to your physician.

More Breast Augmentation Information

Breast Augmentation at TCC
Getting Ready for Breast Augmentation
The Procedure
Recovering From Surgery
Breast Augmentation and Mammograms
Subglandular Placement
Submuscular Placement
Incision Placement in Breast Augmentation
All About Breast Implants
Gel Filled Breast Implants
Saline Implants for Breast Augmentation
FAQ
Silicone and Breast Implants