Dr. Leverett Answers Your Breast Surgery Questions

If I am a smoker, can I still have surgery?

Dr. Leverett recommends that you quit smoking prior to surgery, especially if you are considering a Breast Lift procedure. The healing process is slowed in those who smoke because smoking decreases the amount of oxygen in the blood. With breast lift patients it is even more important to quit smoking. Depending on the type of lift, there can be a high number of incisions. Compromising the amount of oxygen to those tissues can lead to higher risk of infection, ugly scarring, implant removal and tissue death.

Am I too young to have breast implants?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends 18 as the youngest age to get breast implants. As a board-certified Phoenix plastic surgeon, Dr. Leverett respects and follows this recommendation.

I don't know how to tell my family that I want breast implants.

Dr. Leverett knows that every family is different. Most of the time, friends and family want the best for you and are concerned about your safety. They may not be supportive at first, but may change their mind if you present a good case. Try making a list of the reasons why you want breast augmentation. Explain how you feel about your appearance; be open, honest and strong about your decision.

How do I know if I need a breast lift?

In some cases, breast implants may perk up mildly sagging breasts. Dr. Leverett usually determines the need for a breast lift by examining the location of the nipple in relation to the fold beneath the breast. If the nipple is above the fold, usually no lift is required. However, if the nipple is below the fold, Dr. Leverett often recommends breast lift surgery. He offers a variety of techniques for lifting the breasts, depending on the level of volume loss. At home, you can try the "pencil test." Simply place a pencil in the fold under your breast. If the pencil stays, you most likely need a breast lift. The pencil test isn't always accurate, but it is a pretty good indicator. In some cases, Dr. Leverett may recommend a breast lift with breast implants in order to restore breast volume, thereby helping you achieve the best possible postoperative results.

Do implants make breasts sag more?

As you grow older, your skin loses elasticity and your natural breast tissue shrinks. In some cases, breast implants and the surrounding scar tissue can provide internal support for your natural breasts. Dr. Leverett recommends wearing a properly fitting bra to help avoid sagging.

Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation surgery?

Absolutely. Dr. Leverett believes that breast feeding can be difficult for some women regardless of whether or not they have implants. However, breast implants rarely affect your ability to breastfeed.

How big should I go?

Choosing the appropriate implant size is very important. When helping his Breast augmentation Phoenix patients decide which implant size in best for them, Dr. Leverett carefully listens to their desires and considers many other factors, including the patient's frame. Some patients bring photos or even friends to show their size preference. Dr. Leverett also uses implant samples that you can try on under your shirt and get a feel for a particular implant size and how it fits your body. Remember, the number one reason many patients undergo revision breast augmentation surgery is because they wish they had gone bigger!

How long does it take for my implants "settle" into place?

This varies greatly from person to person. Following breast augmentation, Dr. Leverett may have you wear a particular type of bra or perform massage depending on your body type, implants, etc. Most women have a very good feel for what their end result will be at two to three months. Subtle changes may continue to occur for up to a year.

How long do breast implants last?

Many people have heard that breast implants must be replaced every ten years. This is a common misconception. Dr. Leverett feels there are only a few reasons why an implant needs to be replaced – for example, implant failure or the desire to increase size. Another common reason is to exchange saline implants for silicone implants. The softness and appearance of silicone gel implants generally lead to more natural-looking breasts.

Does breast augmentation hurt?

Just like any surgical procedure, breast augmentation is associated with some discomfort. The implant size, the placement location and the amount of swelling are the major determinants of the amount of pain the patient experiences. Dr. Leverett prescribes pain medication and muscle relaxers to his patients to keep them as comfortable as possible. To minimize pain, it is important to follow Dr. Leverett's postoperative instructions, such as keeping your torso elevated and applying ice packs to reduce swelling.

What happens to my breast implants if I have children or gain/lose weight?

Weight gain/loss dramatically impacts the appearance of your natural breast tissue. Dr. Leverett's rule of thumb is that if you are planning to have children in the next two years, wait to have breast augmentation. Furthermore, if you are planning to lose a lot of weight, wait until you reach your goal prior to having breast augmentation.

What if my implant ruptures?

All breast implants have a lifetime product replacement warranty. Depending on the type of implant you have, there are many options for upgrading your warranty to include an allowance for fees incurred by the surgical facility, anesthesiology and revising physician. Dr. Leverett only uses FDA-approved silicone and saline breast implants.

Will my breast implants feel natural?

Dr. Leverett predominantly uses silicone gel-filled implants that he believes feel and look more natural. It is also possible to get a natural feel using saline-filled implants by placing them behind the muscle and slightly overfilling them. Additionally, if you have a good amount of natural breast tissue, this will help you achieve a more natural feel. Dr. Leverett is a gifted Chandler plastic surgery provider who has helped many patients achieve their desired outcomes through breast lift with or without breast implants and Breast reduction surgery. In addition, he is often recommended by his Breast reconstruction Phoenix patients to those seeking a skilled breast surgeon.