Common Questions about Breast Augmentation
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Do implants impact breast feeding?
Implants should not affect your ability to breastfeed, since the implant is simply pushing breast tissue forward and is otherwise uninvolved in the breast tissue.

What if the implants leak?
Dr. Carney has only experienced a deflation rate of less than 2% during a five-year period. However, implants are guaranteed by the manufacturer and The Carney Center will replace any implants which leak within the first five years at no additional cost. If a salt-water filled implant develops a leak, it will usually become very soft and look visibly smaller than the other implant within one or two days. Replacement of the saline implant is a relatively simple procedure, with the patient expected to resume normal activities the following day. The fluid is harmlessly absorbed since it is the same solution used in all patients receiving any type of fluid by IV.

What about immune system reactions?
Currently, there is no evidence at this time that there is a link between breast implants and symptoms associated with the immune system such as arthritic conditions. Further studies are ongoing, but to date, major studies at the Mayo Clinic and Harvard Medical School involving over a hundred thousand women have shown no association. There is also no evidence that breast implants cause breast cancer.

Do implants impact mammograms?
Implants do affect the degree of visible breast tissue on a mammogram. Placing the implants under instead of on top of the muscle may give the best ability for an accurate breast physical exam and for a more accurate mammography. A breast diagnostic center will take an additional mammography view to visualize the maximum amount of tissue.

What are the some of the risk factors to consider?
A strong family history of immune related problems should make you cautious about considering any type of implant. The question remains whether the implants may aggravate existing problems or bring out a condition which has not manifested itself.

Other risks associated with breast implants include some changes in sensation to the nipple area, which is much less likely when the implant is placed under the pectoralis muscle. A small possibility exists for permanent numbness to a nipple.

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