Breast augmentation — your questions and concerns answered

February 4, 2014, 8:46 am

Although no surgery is entirely without risk, breast augmentation is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed in the United States and has been shown to be safe when performed by a skilled cosmetic surgeon. Dr. Hlavacek and Kansas City Surgical Arts have impeccable training and a stellar safety track record, and are here to address your questions and concerns.

While your individual questions will be addressed during your consultation, we have listed some of the most common concerns here:

1. How do implants impact mammograms?

Mammograms are an important health screening tool for women over the age of 40. A common concern for women with implants is whether or not they can still have mammograms. The answer is yes. A mammogram with implants, however, does have some additional considerations. It is important to inform the technologist performing your mammogram about your implants so that any necessary adjustments may be made, including possibly additional views. The mammography technician also needs to know about your implants in order to adjust the exam to reduce risk of damaging your implants, and also so that they may inform the radiologist, who will use the information in properly reading your radiology exam.

2. I have a health issue. Can I still undergo breast augmentation surgery?

The ideal candidate for breast augmentation is a healthy woman, at or near her ideal weight, who does not smoke. Women actively undergoing treatment for breast cancer should wait to have breast augmentation or reconstruction surgery until they are cleared by their physician and given permission to consult a cosmetic surgeon. Those who have poorly controlled diabetes, are on blood thinning medications such as Coumadin, have a compromised immune system or an autoimmune disease, or have reduced blood supply to the breast tissue may not be good candidates for breast augmentation surgery. Be sure to discuss any of these issues with Dr. Hlavacek during your consultation.

3. I’m worried about silicone implants. I heard they cause disease — are they really safe?

Silicone implants have been proven time and time again to be safe. Several epidemiological studies of women with and without silicone implants have proven that silicone implants are safe. Women who choose silicone implants are at no greater risk of developing disease or certain complications than women without.

4. What about pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Breast implants are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding; however, it is important to let your surgeon know of any pregnancy or breast feeding plans. Although there is no way to predict how much your breasts will change during pregnancy, the size and shape of your implants will factor into pregnancy-related breast changes. If you are considering breast augmentation but know that pregnancy is possibly in your future, discuss these concerns with Dr. Hlavacek during your consultation. If you will be breastfeeding in the future, it is important to know that a periareolar incision may impact your breastfeeding experience, and a different incision site may be a better choice.

Take the next step — call today to schedule your consultation

During your consultation, not only will you have plenty of time to see, feel, and try on a variety of silicone and saline implants, but you will also have the opportunity to address your questions and concerns with Dr. Hlavacek. With Dr. Hlavacek’s guidance, you will be able to make the best choices for your body, lifestyle, and needs. When you are ready to take the next step in your breast augmentation journey, call Kansas City Surgical Arts at 816-286-4126 to schedule your consultation.