Will My Insurance Cover My Breast Augmentation?

Most health insurance companies exclude coverage for cosmetic surgical operations such as the augmentation mammoplasty and any complications that might occur from surgery.  Most insurance covers the first reconstruction operation.  Insurance coverage for future revision, new breast implants, or additional doctor’s visits may not be covered, depending on the policy.  Health insurance premiums may be dropped, premiums may increase, or future coverage may be denied in patients with breast implants. Please carefully review your health insurance subscriber information pamphlet and underwriting policies.

What Are Some Of The Most Common Risk Involved In Breast Augmentation?

• Reoperations (additional surgeries), with or without removal of the device
• Capsular contracture (hardening of the area around the implant).
• Breast pain
• Changes in nipple and breast sensation
• Infection
• Hematoma/Seroma
• Rupture with deflation for saline-filled implants
• Rupture with or without symptoms for silicone gel-filled implants
• Migration of silicone gel for silicone gel-filled breast implants
• Need for additional surgeries

Will I Be Able To Feel The Breast Implant After Surgery?

If you can feel your ribs with your finger, beneath the breast or at the side of your breast, you will be able to feel the edge of your implant beneath your breast and at the side of your breast.

Currently manufactured implants that strive to achieve durability of the shell have a thicker shell to prolong the life of your implant, and a thicker shell may be easier for you to feel.

Dr. Myers cannot change the quality or thickness of your tissues. If you are thin or have very little breast tissue, you will be more likely to feel your implant.

Are Additional Procedures Needed When a Breast Augmentation is Done?

Conditions which involve sagging of the breast or diminished skin tone (stretch marks) may require additional surgical procedures (breast lift) to reposition the nipple and areola upward and to remove loose skin.

What Is ALCL And Can Breast Implants Cause ALCL ?

ALCL is Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. Women with breast implants may have a very small, but increased risk of developing anaplastic large cell lymphoma, or ALCL, in the scar tissue and fluid adjacent ot the implant. ALCL is NOT breast cancer. It is a rare type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cancer of the immune system. Most patients are diagnosed when they seek medical treatment for implant-related symptoms such as pain, lumps, swelling, or asymmetry that developed after their initial surgical sites were fully healed. In most cases, ALCL is typically diagnosed years after the implant surgery. Because of the small number of cases worldwide and variety of available treatment options, there is no single defined treatment.

Are There Any Test That Need To Be Done Prior To Breast Augmentation?

Prior to undergoing your breast augmentation you will need surgical clearance to ensure that you are healthy enough to undergo surgery. This may include lab testing, adjustment of any medications that you are currently taking, and a general medical examination.

You will also need a baseline MMG before surgery and another MMG 6 months following the surgery to help detect any future changes in your breast.

Will Smoking Affect My Breast Augmentation?

Smoking increases your risk of complications and wound healing problems. Dr. Myers recommends that you stop smoking 4 weeks prior to undergoing breast augmentation.

What Are The Different Types Of Implants?

Breast implants are medical devices that typically consist of a silicone elastomer shell filled with saline or silicone gel. Dr. Myers offers both saline and silicone implants.

Are There Any Age Limits On Who Can Get Breast Implants?

Yes.

Saline-filled breast implants are approved for breast augmentation in women 18 years or older.

Silicone gel-filled breast implants are approved for breast augmentation in women 22 years or older.

Are There Any Women That Should Not Have Breast Augmentation?

Breast implant surgery is contraindicated in women with untreated breast cancer or pre-malignant breast disorders, active infection anywhere in the body, or individuals who are currently pregnant or nursing. Individuals with a weakened immune system (currently receiving chemotherapy or drugs to suppress the immune system), conditions that interfere with blood clotting or would healing, or have reduced blood supply to the breast tissue from prior surgery or radiation therapy treatments may be at greater risk for complications and poor surgical outcome.

Are Additional Procedures Needed When a Breast Augmentation is Done?

Conditions which involve sagging of the breast or diminished skin tone (stretch marks) may require additional surgical procedures (breast lift) to reposition the nipple and areola upward and to remove loose skin.

What Are The Different Incisions For Breast Augmentation?

Dr. Myers offers a variety of incisions and approaches for breast augmentation including:

Inframammary – This incision is less concealed than periareolar and associated with less difficulty than the periareolar incision site when breast feeding.

Periareolar – This incision is the most concealed, but is associated with a higher likelihood of inability to successfully breast feed, as compared to the other incision sites.

Axillary – This incision is less concealed than periareolar and associated with less difficulty than the periareolar incision site when breast feeding.

Does A Larger Implant Give A Better Outcome Over Time?

The larger the implant, the worse your breast will look over time. A larger implant will stretch your tissues over time and will cause more tissue -thinning and sagging than a smaller implant. Your tissues do not improve with age, and they will be less able to support the additional weight of any implant, especially a larger implant.

Are There Any Special Instructions To Follow After Surgery?

Dr. Myers will give you a detailed list of instructions regarding your recovery after your breast augmentation. You will be seen in the clinic the next day after your surgery.
You will probably feel somewhat tired and sore for several days following the operation, and your breasts may remain swollen and sensitive to physical contact for a month or longer.

Do I Need To Stay In The Hospital?

Breast augmentation is performed on an outpatient basis. This means that you go home the same day as surgery. You will need someone to drive you home from the surgery. Dr. Myers recommends that someone stay with you during the first night after your breast augmentation in the event that you need help.

When Can I Return To Work?

You will most likely be able to return to work within a few days. Dr. Myers recommends that you avoid any strenuous activities that could raise your pulse and blood pressure for several weeks to allow your body time to heal.

What Is The Cost of Breast Augmentation?

The price of breast augmentation with Dr. Myers varies from patient to patient and depends on the type of implant chosen, surgical approach, and location of the surgery. Once you have finished your consultation with Dr. Myers an individualized plan and quote for surgery will be prepared for you.

Where Can I Get More Information about Breast Augmentation Surgery?

www.plasticsurgery.org/Cosmetic-Procedures/Breast-Augmentation

www.fda.gov/breastimplants