Breast Augmentation of Virginia: Breast Surgery Information from Plastic Surgeon Michael J. Brown, M.D., P.L.L.C

Pregancy and breast implants

Every so often I will have a previous breast augmentation patient contact me with concerns about a new pregancy. They are typically apprehensive about what will happen to their breasts because of the weight gain and the hormones associated with the pregnancy and after delivery, when the milk comes in. The only answer that I can give them with certainty is that I do not know what will happen. There are no crystal balls.  What I can and do tell them is that over the past 15 years, I do not have a lot of patients coming back needing to have their breasts lifted. Some of the women may have lost more breast volume and want to go with larger breast implants. While others (most) are completly content with the shape and size of their breasts.

As for breast feeding? I tell them that breast feeding is a personal choice that would benefit the baby. While the breasts may take a ‘hit’ they typically do not get ‘destroyed’. As I mentioned above, most women will not require additional breast implants surgery after a pregnancy. It more pregnancies are planned, then the risks for secondary breast surgery will go up. If you want to consider breast implants or revisions to breast implants, I recommend that you get back to your regular weight and condition. This way I will have the best chance to provide you the aesthetic enhancement that you are looking for.

Breast Augmentation Virginia.com is updated

Breast Augmentation Virginia.com has been completly redone. The entire website has a new look, better functionality and more information. This is a work in progress and the pages will continue to be edited and improved upon. There are more breast augmentation pictures on the pages and in the before and after photo library. There is information about breast implant removal, breast implant exchange, and capsular contracture. Over the next few weeks, more links will be placed on the pages, allowing a reader to not only read about a topic but also click on a picture and be taken to even more breast augmentation photos.

The breast augmentation videos will be added to with more surgeries, demonstrations and explanations of various aspects relating to breast implants. The breast augmentation forum is for the visitors to contribute and help the web site get more exposure and help other women considering breast implants. There is a most commonly asked questions  section with detailed answers. If a reader can not find the answer or wants more detail, then the ask the plastic surgeon section allows them to post their question and plastic surgeon, Dr. Michael J.  Brown will answer it. The web site is very exciting and informative. It will continue to expand and improve with the contribution of the readership.

How long does it take for breast implants to settle after breast augmentation plastic surgery?

It depends on the size of the breast implants, the woman’s body, and the plastic surgeon’s technique.  It is safe to say that most implants will settle by 3-6 months, some as early as one month but others rarely as late as one year.

Can women with breast implants have mammograms?

Yes, mammograms are possible and recommended for all women over 40. Breast implants do not prevent mammograms. It is recommended to be sure and ask the mammorgrapher if they have experience in peforming mammograms on women with breast implants. read more

Can women with breast implants have breast biopsies?

Yes, breast implants do not prevent breast biopsies. Breast biopsies can be performed by a surgeon using an open technique or a radiologist using a needle aspiration technique.  Breast implants above the muscle are just under the breast gland so they are more at risk during one of these biopsy procedures. Breast implants below the muscle have an extra layer of tissue to protect them and read more

When can a woman sleep on her tummy after breast augmentation plastic surgery?

Sleeping on the tummy may be started as soon as the woman can tolerate the added pressure of the breast implants. Most will start sleeping on their backs, then their sides and eventually make it to the belly. It usually depends on the woman and how firm the mattress is. There are no read more

Do breast implants cause cancer?

No. There is no known link or association of breast implants and the formation of any cancers. There are actually studies read more

Can breast implants cause stretch marks to occur?

Yes, it is possible that new stretch marks can occur after breast augmentation plastic surgery. It depends on the size of the breast implants and the quality of the woman’s breast tissue and skin. It is more common that women with previous stretch marks may notice that the marks get red again after the breast augmentation surgery. Over time these stretch marks typically become less red and fade into the natural color of the woman’s skin. There are photos of stretch marks in the photo library to look at.

If the breast implants are too big can they be removed and what happens to the left over breast tissue?

If at any time a woman requests that her breast implants be removed, it can be done. read more

Can being involved in an accident or trauma to the chest break a breast implant?

Although it is possible to rupture a breast implant with a blunt trauma to the chest, it is extremely unlikely. The force required would have very severe consequences to other areas of the body that would also be injured. If such a force was applied to that area read more