Breast augmentation is a very common procedure used to accentuate the size and shape of the breasts. For the vast majority of women, it’s a boon to self-esteem and a wonderful way to attain a natural look they’re proud of. For a very small minority, implants can cause issues. If you find yourself wondering are my breast implants making me sick or have heard other women wonder about this and have questions about breast augmentation, come to Palms Wellington Plastic Surgery in Wellington, FL, where we can answer your questions and help you with the augmentation or implant removal you desire.
9 Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Augmentation
1. Are My Breast Implants Making Me Sick?
Whether you already have implants or are considering them, the first thing to know is that, while it is possible for implants to make some women sick, this is exceedingly rare. In a few women, implants can cause something called ASIA syndrome, which is an autoimmune disorder.
Understanding ASIA
ASIA can be triggered by many things. Some of the most common triggers are a case of the flu or a reaction to a vaccine, but sometimes a breast implant can do it, too. Whatever the precipitating event, the result is that the body overreacts. The most common symptoms of ASIA are fatigue, joint and muscle aches, and dry mouth.
How Common Is This?
Currently, the syndrome is so rare that researchers can’t say how prevalent it is.
Does Anything Make It More Likely?
Again, because this is so rare, it’s hard to say for certain what might make a person more likely to develop ASIA. Researchers have discovered only two clues so far. First, women who already have an autoimmune disorder are more likely to develop this one, probably because their immune system is hyperactive. Second, a few studies seem to suggest that having low levels of vitamin D increases the risk of developing ASIA. Fortunately for those of us in the West Palm Beach area, low levels of vitamin D can easily be addressed through exposure to the sun and increasing our intake of fatty fish and fortified milk. It takes only about 10 minutes of sun exposure to get all the vitamin D you need in a day.
What Should I Do if I’m Worried?
If you’re wondering are my breast implants making me sick, come talk to us at Palms Wellington Plastic Surgery. We specialize in breast augmentation, breast implant removal, breast reconstruction, and breast lifts. We can help you find the right way to get the look you want while providing you with the peace of mind you need.
2. Do Augmented Breasts Seem Like Natural Ones?
The key to a great breast augmentation is working with a skilled plastic surgeon. When implants are done correctly and a high amount of organic tissue is left, you’ll have very natural-feeling and looking breasts. When implants are overfilled, the breasts tend to be too tight. When they are underfilled, you can experience rippling and other unwanted looks. At Palms Wellington Plastic Surgery, you’ll work with Dr. Itzhak Nir MD, a board-certified cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon with specialties in the face, body, and breasts. Dr. Nir has many years of experience in this field and extensive training in general surgery and plastic surgery specialties. He is certified by the American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the American Board of Plastic Surgery. You could not be in better hands, and you can be sure that your breasts will look and feel natural after an augmentation at Palms Wellington.
3. Am I a Good Candidate for Augmentation?
The best way to find out whether you’re a good candidate is to come for a consultation. In general, however, any woman who wishes to increase the size or change the shape of her breasts, who enjoys good health, and who is reasonably fit is a good candidate. The healthier your skin and the better your skin tone, the more satisfied you’re likely to be with your augmentation. When skin is strong and supple, it responds well to changes. We can tell you more when you come to see us and help you evaluate the state of your skin.
4. How Much Time Before I Can Go Back to Exercise?
You can do light exercise, like walking, as soon as you feel ready, but for strenuous exercise, it’s best to wait until you are cleared by Dr. Nir. For most women, two weeks is the average time before they can return to workouts, and it may take longer before you’re ready to lift very heavy objects or do strenuous running or sprinting.
5. How Long Do Breast Augmentations Last?
According to the Institute of Medicine, the average lifespan for breast implants is ten years. Of course, as with anything, results are personal. A small minority of women keep their implants for more than 25 years without any issues, and a small minority experience issues before 10 years and need to have their implants removed or adjusted in some way. The average woman will typically replace her implants once during her lifetime.
6. Do Implants Make Breast Cancer More Likely?
The science is definitive: implants do not cause cancer. They also do not raise the risk of getting cancer. If you do develop breast cancer when you have implants, it’s almost certain that you would have done so even without the implants.
7. Can I Breastfeed With Implants?
There is no research that suggests implants get in the way of breastfeeding, and they are not a danger to your baby even if they should rupture. We place the implant and the muscles of the breasts in such a way that there will be no dysfunction in either the nipples themselves or the milk tubes. However, pregnancy and breastfeeding always change the shape and size of the breasts naturally. If you’re planning on having children in the near future, it’s usually best to wait on breast implants.
8. Can I Lose Weight After Augmentation?
You can have implant surgery whenever it’s right for you, but we do suggest that if you’re hoping to lose a substantial amount of weight that you consider waiting. If you lose more than about 20 pounds, it’s very likely you’ll lose breast weight. This can lead to sagging or ptosis. If you’re close to your goal weight already, then even losing a bit of weight in the breasts over the next few years is unlikely to cause a problem.
9. How Does Life Change Pre- and Post-Augmentation?
In the weeks leading up to your procedure, and during your recovery period, you should do a few things to ensure you stay in the best possible health and protect your new implants. Some of these changes will be temporary, and some you may like so much that you’ll stick with them for life!
Food and Drink
Before and after any surgical procedure, it’s more important than ever to be in good health. The healthier you are, the faster your body will recover and the stronger you’ll be. Prioritize a healthy, nutritious diet with plenty of protein and lots of micronutrients so you have all the vitamins and minerals you need. Keep well-hydrated with lots of water and give your body a break from the alcohol while cutting back on caffeine as much as you can. You might just feel so good after eating and drinking well that you’ll keep up healthier food habits for life!
Sleep
The better rested you are going into your procedure, the easier everything will be. After your procedure, plan to sleep on your back in a semi-reclining position for a while until you are fully recovered. As with diet, once you experiencing getting all the sleep you need for a few weeks in a row, you might find that you prioritize getting better rest in the future!
Lifestyle Choices
Before you have your procedure, exercise regularly. Immediately afterward, keep your exercise light and do a lot of walking and gentle stretches as suggested by the doctor. We’ll let you know when it’s the right time to go back to a more strenuous routine. Another important lifestyle issue to address is smoking. Plastic surgery is never a good choice for a smoker, because the nicotine in tobacco raises the blood pressure, constricts blood vessels, and makes things difficult for the whole body. Smoking increases risks during surgery, makes it more likely you’ll experience a complication and find yourself asking questions like are my breast implants making me sick, and slows your recovery. If you’re considering breast augmentation, now is the time to stop smoking. As with other changes you make to your routine, once you’ve stopped smoking long enough to have your implants, you may very well never go back. Your whole body will thank you for breaking that habit!
Learn More
Whether you’re asking are my breast implants making me sick, have already made the decision to remove your implants, or would like to get started with breast augmentation or reconstruction, visit Palms Wellington Plastic Surgery in Wellington, FL today and set up a consultation with Dr. Nir. You can get all your questions answered and get started on the look you’ve always wanted!