Question 1

Are breast implants safe?

Accepted Answer

The FDA’s longstanding position is that implants are safe as long as women understand they can have complications, including scarring, pain, swelling and implant rupture. However, the FDA has been grappling with how to manage a recently confirmed link to a rare cancer.
FDA regulators said it is “impossible” for them to determine how frequently the cancer — a form of lymphoma — occurs because the U.S. does not track the total number of implants on the market. Estimates of the frequency of the disease range from 1 in 3,000 women to 1 in 50,000+.
As of July 2019, the FDA requested that Allergan voluntarily recall certain breast implants and tissue expanders from the market. Get more information about breast implant removal here.
Most confirmed cases of the disease, known as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), have involved a particular brand of textured implant that we do not use. The disease is not breast cancer, but a form of cancer that attacks the immune system and usually forms in the scar tissue surrounding implants. It grows slowly. Doctors can successfully treat this disease by removing the implants.

Question 2

What are the risks associated with breast augmentation?

Accepted Answer

Smoking, vaping and nicotine use increase the risk of complications after any surgery, including breast augmentation. As such, we strongly urge discontinuing the use of tobacco products one to two months prior to surgery, and one month after surgery, to ensure optimal healing and results. Some of the possible complications associated with breast augmentation include:

Anesthesia risks
Bleeding
Blood clots
Asymmetry
Infection
Changes in nipple or breast sensation
Unfavorable scarring
Wrong or faulty position of the implant
Implant leakage or rupture
The formation of tight scar tissue around the implant (capsular contracture)
Fluid accumulation (seroma)
Wrinkling of the skin over the implant
Pain, which may persist
Possibility of revision

Question 3

Do you offer financing or special pricing?

Accepted Answer

At Fox Valley Plastic Surgery, we offer multiple discounts for cosmetic procedures: 15% off the surgeon’s fee for your second cosmetic procedure, and 30% off the surgeon’s fee for the third procedure. We also discount the operating room fee 50% for your second procedure and any that come after, while anesthesia charges by time.
We also partner with reputable companies like CareCredit® and Alphaeon® Credit, which offer low or zero-interest financing to make your transformation more manageable. If you have any questions about payment or financing, don’t hesitate to contact our office. Our team will be happy to guide you through the available options to help you get the look you want with convenient monthly payments that fit your budget.

Question 4

When can I return to work after my breast augmentation?

Accepted Answer

The ability to return to work depends on whether the implant was placed under or over the pectoral muscle, and the patient’s pain tolerance and motivation. If your implants are placed over the muscle (subglandular), you can expect to take two to three days off before returning to desk work. If your implants are placed under the muscle (submuscular), you should plan to take off five to seven days, by which time you can comfortably discontinue the use of pain killers.
Lifting is absolutely forbidden for the first seven to 10 days, so an early return to work is not advised for patients with active jobs. Avoid strenuous activity for the first two weeks, and do not lift anything heavier than 10 pounds before for the first six weeks (this includes small children and pets). While it is important to rest frequently during the first week, we recommend walking 15-20 minutes four times a day to help prevent blood clots from forming.

Question 5

Are breast implants right for me?

Accepted Answer

Breast implants can help you achieve a fuller, more proportional figure, but there are several things to consider before undergoing breast augmentation, such as:

Breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime, and future surgery may be required to replace one or both implants
Pregnancy, weight loss, and menopause may influence the appearance of augmented breasts over the course of your lifetime
Breast augmentation patients require regular examinations to ensure the health of their breasts and the condition of their implants

Patients who are considering implants should carefully weigh the risks and benefits of breast augmentation and make the decision that is right for them. Download booklets from the Patient Forms page to learn more. Specifically, please read at least one of these booklets: Mentor® Breast Implants Patient Education or Sientra® Breast Implants Patient Education.

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