Question 1

Are breast implants safe?

Accepted Answer

The safety and quality of breast augmentation surgery has been researched thoroughly and extensively by the highest government and independent research organizations. Most notably, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of both silicone and saline-filled breast implants for cosmetic enhancement and for breast reconstruction. As with other surgical procedures, breast augmentation surgery is not without inherent risks. Dr. Tabbal and his team put safety at the forefront of the medical care they offer so that such risks are minimized.

Question 2

How painful is breast augmentation?

Accepted Answer

Pain after surgery is always subjective and can vary from one individual to another; however, most people will experience only mild discomfort only for a few days after their operation. Most of the pain which can occur after breast augmentation surgery arises from the disturbance of surrounding tissues during surgery. By using meticulous operative techniques when carrying out a thoughtful surgical plan, Dr. Tabbal can avoid unnecessary tissue trauma, which minimizes pain after surgery and the risk of complications. This can also allow for a speedier and smoother recovery. As a result, many patients can resume normal, non-strenuous activities within 24 hours after surgery and often don't need medications to manage their pain post-operatively.

Question 3

What type of bra should I wear after breast augmentation?

Accepted Answer

A comfortable and supportive bra can help facilitate a safe and effective healing process. During the consultation, Dr. Tabbal may recommend different kinds of bras that take implant type, your personal anatomy, and post-operative needs into consideration. It is typically best to avoid bras with an underwire for at least six weeks, as underwire garments may have an effect on the implants' shape and lead to irritation around the incision sites.

Question 4

Can I breastfeed with breast implants?

Accepted Answer

While not all women are able to naturally breastfeed, breast augmentation surgery should not affect a patient's ability to nurse their young children. That being said, it is important that you communicate with Dr. Tabbal if you have intentions of becoming pregnant and breastfeeding in the future, as this information can help him properly tailor your treatment plan and surgery to your personal needs and goals.

Question 5

Will breast implants affect future mammogram screenings?

Accepted Answer

Breast implants should not have an impact on the ability to be effectively screened for breast cancer, though some accommodations may need to be made during the screening process. Regular mammograms are key to protecting your long-term health and should remain an integral part of your medical check-ups. It is important to let your mammogram technician know about your breast implants in advance, as additional images may need to be taken from different angles so your breast tissue is thoroughly analyzed.

Question 6

Should I massage my breast implants?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Tabbal strongly recommends that his patients do not massage their breast implants after surgery. Unfortunately, this post-operative act is a relic of outdated information which was commonly advised by some surgeons many years ago when they were hoping to keep the implants and the surrounding breast tissue soft. Since it was first performed, years of anecdotal evidence and even scientific medical research has proven that it failed to keep the breasts soft. Even more concerning, it caused the implants to move, altering the pocket in which they were placed during the surgery and led to implant malposition.

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