Below are some of the most frequently asked questions New Jersey patients have about breast augmentation and breast implant issues. If you have any other questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, we would love to hear from you. Please call us at 732-641-3350
Click on a question below to see the answer.
Is plastic surgery safe?
All surgical procedures are accompanied by a certain degree of risk, whether the procedures are for medical or cosmetic reasons. Our expert team is dedicated to making your operation go smoothly. We careful review your medical history and current health condition before deciding if it is safe for you to proceed with surgery. It is important that you fully disclose all pertinent information so that we are able to make an accurate assessment of the risks involved. We will take every precaution necessary to reduce the possibility of any complications.
How do I know if plastic surgery is right for me?
There several important factors that come into play when deciding whether plastic surgery is the right option for you. One of the most important factors is your health. Being in good health greatly reduces the risk of complications occurring during surgery and leads to a speedy recovery. Next, you need to ask yourself what your motivations are. People who have plastic surgery generally find that the surgery enhances their overall appearance and self-esteem. Thirdly, you should have realistic expectations. Plastic surgery is both a science and an art, neither of which are perfect. Set reasonable goals as to the result you wish to achieve and be prepared to thoroughly discuss these goals during your initial consultation.
Can I have several procedures performed simultaneously?
It is a relatively common practice for a plastic surgeon to perform multiple procedures during one operation. This allows the surgeon to better “sculpt” your final appearance. In addition, having several procedures done simultaneously saves you the expense of paying the operating room and anesthesia costs more than once. However, having too much done at one time can lead to complications. The decision to have multiple procedures done depends on which procedures are being done, the extent of surgery, the operating time, and your age/health. Ultimately, the surgeon decides whether or not it is appropriate to include more than one procedure in your operation.
Does it matter how old I am?
Due to the variety of procedures available in plastic surgery, there can be no blanket rule on age although age will be taken into consideration when planning your operation. People of all ages have taken advantage of the image-enhancement offered by plastic surgery. There are even procedures appropriate for young children! It is important to realize the limitations of plastic surgery. Plastic surgery cannot “fix” every situation or reverse the aging process. What is a good procedure for one person may not be an appropriate procedure for another. We are committed to making your plastic surgery experience a successful one.
What happens during my initial consultation?
During your consultation we will discuss your desired changes and expectations, review your medical history and current health, and make an assessment on whether the procedure(s) in question are right for you. This is a good time to ask specific questions about the procedure so that you are fully prepared, mentally and emotionally, for surgery. We will discuss the results that can be achieved, with the aid of photos and/or computer imaging. When a final decision is made, you will need to sign an informed consent stating that you are fully aware and understand what is entailed by your pending operation, including the potential complications and secondary effects.
How long will it take to recover from my surgery?
Generally, post-operative instructions call for rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time. The length of recovery varies with each procedure and is different for each individual. Bruises usually disappear within a few days, and most swelling is gone in a matter of weeks. If you follow our post-operative instructions carefully, you will be able to enjoy your normal activities within no time. Your scars will fade over time but are permanent. We take care to conceal any scars so that they are barely visible, if at all. The image-enhancing effects of plastic surgery become more evident over time with certain procedures taking up to a year for your body to fully adjust and settle into its new look. When you come in for your consultation we can discuss your expected recovery period and any post-operative instructions in detail.
Will my insurance cover the surgery?
Insurance providers generally cover costs for reconstructive surgery but not for cosmetic surgery. For example, insurance providers will often pay for breast augmentation to reconstruct a breast following a mastectomy; breast reduction to remedy back pain caused by heavy breasts; eyelid surgery to remove sagging skin that blocks vision; nose surgery to allow for a patient to breathe better; or tummy tucks to remedy the vertical separation of abdomen muscles known as diastasis. Insurance providers are required by law to cover breast reconstruction surgery and any cosmetic operations necessary to create symmetry in either breast. If your surgery is covered by insurance, pre-certification is required. We will be happy to assist you with the process.
Are breast implants safe?
The issue of breast implant safety has been a hot topic throughout the last few decades. As a result, more stringent standards have emerged in order to protect patients. Current breast implant procedures primarily use silicone shell implants filled with a saline solution. Occasionally, silicone-gel filler is used; but this is highly regulated by the FDA, and generally only acceptable in reconstructive surgery procedures. Rarely, an implant will rupture or leak. With saline implants, the saline is safely absorbed into the body. The effect of silicone-gel leaking into the body is still being researched. If rupture or leaking is detected early, the implant can be easily replaced. Other possible complications from breast implant surgery may include blood clotting or pooling, overly sensitive breasts or loss of sensation in the breasts, and capsular contracture (a hardening of the tissues surrounding the implant). Our expert team is dedicated to making your operation a smooth one. We take every precaution necessary to reduce the possibility of any complications.
Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation surgery?
Breastfeeding is an important concern with patients who have had Breast Augmentation surgery. The answer is yes.
However, Breast augmentation surgery may disturb the sensation of the nipples. 5% of patients, especially the ones with biggest size change, may lose sensation of the nipples and may not be able to breastfeed.
Overall, only 68% of women without breast implants are able to breast feed. The breast augmentation surgery will increase that on average of 5%. Despite common concern the type of incision affects breast feeding much less.
Can breast implant surgery alone lift sagging breasts?
The implants do not directly lift sagging breasts. However, they can help sagging breasts appear less saggy. It happens in two ways:
First, breast implants fill in loosened skin, increase the volume and decrease the saggy look.
Second, breast implants slightly rotate the lower part of the breast upward, making the breasts appear less saggy.
For more severe sagging, a breast lift procedure is needed.
Will my breasts sag over time after breast augmentation surgery?
Because elasticity and some of the volume of breast tissue are lost with age as the person gets older, the breasts relax.
The breasts are expected to relax and sag regardless whether or not the implants are present. The breast implants add some weight to the breast, which may slightly increase the rate of sagging.
Is it possible to have the implants under the pectoral muscle with the trans-umbilical approach?
Yes. Dr. Volshteyn often recommends the sub-pectoral placement in patients who have little breast tissue and is preferred by many women.
Does trans-umbilical approach produce a scar?.
Yes. There is a scar hidden within the belly button. However, this approach is also called scarless because there is no scar on the breast itself.
Can you see visible tracks on the abdomen after this procedure?
Theoretically, it is possible, but it is very rare. In the unlikely event that this were to occur, it is more than likely a small fluid collection or problem with tissue healing in general, rather then a specific technique. Wearing a compression garment, such as an abdomen wrap, can decrease the chance of this happening..
Is asymmetry common with the trans-umbilical approach?
No. Asymmetry is almost always present before the surgery. Asymmetry is just as common in traditional incision placements as it is with T.U.B.A. and depends upon the skill and experience of the surgeon.
Is having a trans-umbilical breast augmentation void the warranty issued by breast implant manufacturers?
No. The implant is usually rolled up with the trans-axillary (under arm) and areolar incisions. No Sharp objects ever touch the breast implant. The implant is never put under any stress or damaged in any way during implantation or during the filling process. The warranty is not voided.
If my implant ruptures, can you replace it through the navel?
Yes. There is no reason to introduce additional scars for a simple ruptured saline implant replacement surgery. The incision will be made exactly where your original incision was placed, the implant will be removed and replaced.
Can I get silicone gel or cohesive silicone gel implants placed through my navel?
No. The gel implants are pre-filled and have to be placed via the mammary fold or peri-areolar incisions. Pre-filled breast implants are too large to fit through the navel incision.