How Often Will You Need to See Your Doctor After Breast Augmentation

If you decide to undergo breast augmentation surgery, you will undoubtedly have many questions running through your mind. How long will my implants last? Will I need additional surgery? How long will I be expected to see my doctor? Your plastic surgeon should be able to answer those questions and help you feel at ease with your decision, the procedure, and the future.

For women getting breast implants, it is important to know that breast implants do not expire. If they are not problematic, then there is no reason to replace implants at specified intervals. Some implants, however, do have a higher rupture rate and, therefore, may need to be exchanged a bit more frequently. Recent data continues to show that only 25% of women who undergo breast augmentation surgery will require a secondary procedure within the first 10 years. If your breasts are soft and your implants are doing well, there is no reason to correct them or remove them.

Once you have breast augmentation, it is important to remember that your breasts will still change as you age. Pregnancy, age, and fluctuations in your weight will change the look and appearance of your breasts, just like they do for everyone else. As you age or after multiple pregnancies, you may wish to change your implant, increase a size, or decrease a size. Initially after your breast augmentation surgery, your plastic surgeon will want to see you at regular intervals throughout the first 6 months. Your surgeon will need to remove the drains and bandages and inspect the incisions closely. Throughout the next 6 months, your surgeon will also have to monitor your breasts for healing and to be sure that you are happy with your breast size and shape.

After the initial 6 months, if your surgical site has healed well and there are no complications, your plastic surgeon will ask you to return yearly for follow up visits. These yearly follow up appointments are critical, because they give the surgeon a chance to notice any subtle changes in your breasts, your implants, or the surrounding tissue.

It is also important that all breast augmentation patients obtain an MRI of their breasts at least every three years. An MRI can detect ruptured silicone implants with higher accuracy than ultrasounds. If you notice a lump in your breast, or your doctor notices a lump in your breast, it is important to contact your plastic surgeon immediately. Oftentimes, a lump in the breast is nothing more than the edge or valve of an implant. Your plastic surgeon can rule out any implant issues and then advise you on the next step to take.

Even though your implants may last a lifetime, it is important to remember to visit your plastic surgeon regularly. Complications and implant ruptures can be diagnosed quickly and treated before they worsen. Plan to visit your surgeon every year on the anniversary of your breast augmentation procedure.

Contact Pasadena Breast Augmentation Specialists

If you are considering breast augmentation, it is important to choose a plastic surgeon carefully. There is a reason so many Pasadena women choose Dr. Kevin Ruhge to perform their breast augmentation surgery. His personalized approach to plastic surgery means that his clients can contact him 24/7 after a surgical procedure. If you would like to learn more about breast augmentation or any cosmetic surgery procedure, we invite you to meet with Dr. Ruhge for a private consultation at our office in Pasadena by calling 626.397.9095, or by scheduling an appointment online.