Are breast implants safe?

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.

What are the risks associated with breast augmentation?

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

Do you offer financing or special pricing?

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.

When can I return to work after my breast augmentation?

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.

Are breast implants right for me?

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.

Cyst Removal

Have a cyst that keeps filling up, catches on clothing or has become uncomfortable? Start with an evaluation at Fox Valley Plastic Surgery. We’ll assess the area and discuss whether observation, drainage or removal is appropriate.

Contact our team to arrange an evaluation with Jay Garrow, PA-C. We welcome patients from Oshkosh, Appleton, Neenah, Menasha, Fond du Lac and surrounding communities. Confirm where your evaluation and procedure will take place when scheduling.

Convenient Office-Based Removal and Prompt Appointments

We offer quick appointment availability for mole removal. Many moles can be removed during a brief office procedure using local anesthesia when needed, without a hospital visit or general anesthesia.

Have several moles? Multiple growths can often be removed during the same appointment, with discounted pricing available for eligible cosmetic removals.

Request your consultation

Cyst Removal: Key Details

Procedure Time: Varies with size, location and inflammation
Anesthesia: Local numbing for many office procedures
Recovery: Individualized; wound care continues after return to activity
Results: The bump is removed at treatment; healing follows
Combination procedures: Other lesions may be assessed during the visit
Approximate cost: Individualized estimate after evaluation

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CONCERN

What is a skin cyst?

An epidermoid cyst is a sac within or beneath the skin that contains keratin, a material made by skin cells. People often call these “sebaceous cysts,” although that term may not describe the actual type of cyst. Other cysts, including pilar cysts on the scalp, can look similar. An examination helps identify the growth and guide treatment.

Reasons to arrange a visit

A lump that is growing or repeatedly becomes irritated
Discomfort from clothing, pressure or everyday activity
A cyst that returns after it has drained
A visible bump you would like to discuss removing

YOUR TREATMENT PLAN

Drainage and removal serve different purposes

Drainage releases the contents of a cyst and may relieve symptoms, but the sac can remain. When appropriate, surgical removal addresses the cyst and its lining. An inflamed cyst may need treatment before removal can be scheduled. Your provider will explain the approach suited to your findings.

A red, painful or draining lump needs evaluation. Call promptly if symptoms are worsening; fever or spreading redness may require urgent medical care.

WHAT HAPPENS AT YOUR VISIT?

1. Evaluate. Review the growth, symptoms, medical history and any prior testing.

2. Discuss. Talk through observation, testing or treatment, expected healing and costs.

3. Plan. Arrange the procedure or any further evaluation, then review follow-up.

Bring your medication list and any biopsy reports. Tell us about blood thinners, allergies and previous healing problems.

AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE

Recovery & healing

Your dressing, wound care and activity instructions depend on the cyst’s size, location and closure. A small office procedure may allow an early return to light activity, but the incision still needs time to heal. Ask when you can resume exercise and whether you will need a suture-removal visit.

You will receive instructions specific to your care. Contact the office with concerns about worsening pain, redness, drainage or bleeding. Do not stop prescribed medications without instructions from your treating clinician.

PLANNING OTHER CARE

Can treatments be combined?

Tell your provider about other growths or skin concerns you would like addressed. Whether treatments can be combined depends on the diagnosis, location, available time and healing needs.

BBL or MOXI for surrounding sun damage may be discussed separately after the lesion is evaluated and your provider confirms the timing is appropriate. These treatments do not replace a needed biopsy or skin cancer surgery.

INSURANCE & SELF-PAY OPTIONS

Know your costs before treatment

We accept many insurance plans and offer self-pay options. Your estimate depends on the evaluation, procedure, size and location of the growth, and any laboratory testing.

Medically necessary treatment may be covered, subject to your plan’s terms, deductible, copay and any authorization requirements. Cosmetic removal may not be covered. Verify your provider’s network status with your insurer.

Consultation Fees & Insurance

Whether a consultation is considered medically necessary or cosmetic depends on the condition being evaluated and applicable insurance coverage.

Insurance-Based Consultations

For medically necessary conditions that may be covered by insurance, your consultation will be billed to your insurance provider. Applicable copays, deductibles, and coinsurance are the patient’s responsibility, based on their individual insurance plan.

Cosmetic Consultations

For cosmetic or elective procedures not covered by insurance, a $100 consultation fee is required.

Consultation fees are non-refundable and are not applied toward the cost of treatment or procedures.

Questions to ask before your procedure

Does my plan require prior authorization?
What are my insurance and self-pay options?
Does the estimate include the office visit and follow-up?
Will pathology be billed separately?

Call 920-233-1540 to discuss the next step.

WHY FOX VALLEY PLASTIC SURGERY?

Medical care with attention to appearance

Your care starts with evaluating the growth and recommending an appropriate plan. When removal is recommended, we discuss the approach, closure and expected healing.

Our practice offers office-based procedural care for a range of medical and cosmetic skin concerns, with wound care guidance and follow-up. Schedule an evaluation with Jay Garrow, PA-C, and bring your questions.

Schedule a surgical dermatology consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a cyst come back after removal?

A cyst can recur, particularly if its lining remains. Your provider will discuss the planned technique and the possibility of recurrence.

Can an infected cyst be removed right away?

Not always. Inflammation or infection can change the treatment plan. Evaluation may lead to initial treatment and a later removal visit.

Should I squeeze or pop a cyst?

Avoid trying to empty it yourself. Manipulating the area can worsen irritation and increase the risk of infection or scarring.

Is every lump under the skin a cyst?

No. Lipomas and other growths can resemble cysts. Have an unfamiliar or changing lump examined before deciding on treatment.

Can treatment be performed at my first visit?

Same-day treatment may be possible when it is medically appropriate, sufficient time is available and insurance requirements allow it. Self-pay procedures may also be performed at the first visit when appropriate. An evaluation does not guarantee same-day removal.

Will the tissue be sent to a laboratory?

We strongly recommend pathology examination of removed growths when a specimen is obtained. It helps confirm the diagnosis. Your provider will explain when testing is medically necessary and whether declining it is appropriate. The laboratory may bill separately; ask about charges before treatment.

Will removal leave a scar?

Removing skin creates a wound, and healing creates a scar. Its appearance depends on the method, location and your healing. Your provider will discuss closure, aftercare and possible color changes. Scar-free results cannot be guaranteed.

Other Surgical Dermatology Treatments

Fox Valley Plastic Surgery provides surgical dermatology services for patients throughout Oshkosh, Appleton, Neenah, Menasha, Fond du Lac, and surrounding Fox Valley communities without a long wait time for appointment availability. Our experienced medical team evaluates and treats a wide range of skin conditions, from bothersome benign growths to lesions that may require testing for skin cancer. Many procedures can be performed conveniently in our office using local anesthesia, allowing patients to return home shortly after treatment.

Start Your journey today

Let’s discuss your next step. Get your questions answered and understand your treatment options.

Book a Consulation

Cyst Removal: Key Details

﻿﻿UNDERSTANDING YOUR CONCERN

What is a skin cyst?

YOUR TREATMENT PLAN

Drainage and removal serve different purposes

AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE

Recovery & healing

﻿﻿PLANNING OTHER CARE

Can treatments be combined?

INSURANCE & SELF-PAY OPTIONS

Know your costs before treatment

Consultation Fees & Insurance

Questions to ask before your procedure

﻿WHY FOX VALLEY PLASTIC SURGERY?

Medical care with attention to appearance

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a cyst come back after removal?

Can an infected cyst be removed right away?

Should I squeeze or pop a cyst?

Is every lump under the skin a cyst?

Can treatment be performed at my first visit?

Will the tissue be sent to a laboratory?

Will removal leave a scar?

Other Surgical Dermatology Treatments

Start Your journey today

Request Your Cosmetic Surgery Consultation

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CONCERN

PLANNING OTHER CARE

WHY FOX VALLEY PLASTIC SURGERY?