FAQ  On Breast Augmentation Surgery

How does breast surgery affect your womanhood? Why should I have this surgery?

Surgery of the breast is a remarkable surgery since women can enhance their self esteem, their self confidence, their desirability and attractiveness by this simple surgery. It will have a dramatic effect on your life and your relationship with your husband. Because of this it has become our most popular cosmetic surgery performed. In 1999, over 190,000 breast augmentation surgeries where performed in the United States.

What is a breast implant?

All breast implants have an outer, pliable envelope enclosing either a liquid (saline or soft/solid gel substance.)

What is the Breast Implant filled with?

Saline-0.9% sodium chloride or silicone gel.

Where do you place the implant?

Dr. Rademaker places the implant behind the pectoralis muscle.

What is the advantage of placing the implant under the muscle versus under the muscle.?

The pectoralis muscle allows for support of the implant and also provides more coverage and more of your natural tissue in front of the implant. There is also less scarring.

What are the different kinds of implants?

smooth round saline implants.

Textured saline implants.

Silicone implants.

Combination saline and silicone implants

How do you decide on the size of implant to use?

Dr. Rademaker discusses anatomy and your specific desires. He will spend a lot of personal time with you to determine the best size.

What approach do you use, where is the incision?

Dr. Rademaker places the implant through a transaxillary approach. The transaxillary incision is made in the armpit and the implant is inserted through this incision. Special technology is used in the form of endiscopic surgery and the latest in imaging techniques.

How long is the Recovery time?

Although every woman’s recovery time is different, you should be able to resume many of your regular activities after about one week. You will need to wait at least one month before resuming any strenuous activities.

How much pain is involved?

During the first 24-48 hours after surgery, you will experience the most discomfort. Hereafter it will improve significantly. Dr Rademaker and his team will make every effort to minimize the discomfort.

How long does the surgery take?

1-1/2 hours for simple augmentation. All other types of breast surgery may require more time.

What kind of anesthesia is used?

General Anesthesia

What is involved in the postoperative care regarding work restrictions? How soon can I go back to work?

Most patients are able to resume many of their regular activities after about one week.

What are the risks, benefits and complications?

There are inherent risks and complications with breast augmentation as there are with any surgery. Every woman’s decision for breast augmentation is different and should be made based on her needs, desires and expectations.

How does pregnancy affect the implants? Will I be able to breast feed?

Research has been conducted and at this time there is no scientific evidence that breast-feeding is a problem with breast implants.

Will this cause or enhance stretch marks?

Typically the answer is no but there are no guarantees..

What about sensation?

Feelings in the nipple and breast can increase or decrease after implant surgery. Changes and feeling can be temporary or permanent.

How much scarring is involved?

Minimal to none.

How soon can you tan after surgery?

Depending on incision site, time will vary.

How soon do you remove sutures?

Most sutures are dissolvable but if there are any to remove, it is done within 6-7 days after surgery.

What medications do I take before and after surgery?

Antibiotics and pain medications.

How do the implants affect mammograms and detection of breast cancer?

Scientific studies have shown that there are no increased risks of developing breast cancer or inability to detect new cancer.

What kind of maintenance is involved, if any?

Daily breast massage.