Along with discomfort and infection and scars, there are many other concerns women have about breast augmentation. A common misconception is that having breast implants can reduce the effectiveness of mammograms, however this is not the case as breast implants have increased in popularity, radiologist are trained on how to read mammograms of women with implants. The same goes for the ability to feel any lumps in the breast during examination. Implants will not interfere with this as they are placed behind the breast tissue, in fact there is some evidence that lumps may be easier to feel in breasts with implants.

Furthermore, extensive worldwide research ha shown that there is no evidence to support claims that silicone breast implants increase the risk of breast cancer, in fact there is evidence that cancer doesn’t grow as quickly in patients with implants. Add this to the fact that women with implants tend to be more breast aware so find any lumps much earlier than women without implants and as a result of this the survival rate of women with implants who do get breast cancer are better than those without implants.

The ability to breast feed following surgery is a question that is commonly raised with breast augmentation surgeons in Manhattan, and providing that the surgeon is aware you may wish to breast feed in the future there is no reason that is shouldn’t be possible. There were concerns at one stage that babies breast fed by mothers with silicone breast implants may be at greater risk of developing illnesses but studies have shown this is not the case.

Changes in sensation of both the nipple and the breast have been reported. The nature of breast augmentation surgery means it is inevitable that some nerves will be cut it the process. The area around the nipple and areola may feel totally numb for a few days following surgery however this is generally temporary and sensation will return gradually over a few weeks. There is a very slight chance of partial loss of nipple sensation and total loss of sensation is extremely rare. Some women may in fact find that the have extra sensitivity or even pain in their nipples following surgery, this is nearly always temporary and will fade in the weeks following surgery.

Before you take the plunge and have breast augmentation, all Manhattan clinics will want to offer you a consultation, during which you will discuss with your potential cosmetic surgeon your expectations from surgery. The surgeon should also asses your current breast shape and size, along with your body shape and size to determine the best type of implant to use to achieve the optimum outcome from your surgery.

A common question about breast augmentation asked by Manhattan women is “is it safe?” To date, the answer to this is yes. There is no evidence that implants may increase the risk of any disease or cancer, and mammograms can be carried out as normal on women with breast implants. The most commonly used implant is saline filled, although some patients are suitable for silicone implants – this is something that your surgeon will discuss with you at your consultation as they decide which implant will be best for you.

Breast augmentation in Manhattan clinics is normally undertaken at an outpatient surgery. The procedure itself takes around an hour and you should be able to go home a couple of hours afterwards providing the surgery went to plan and you are feeling well enough to leave. The entire recovery process takes several weeks, during which time you will have aftercare appointments with your surgeon to ensure your new breasts are healing and settling properly. You can expect to experience swelling and discomfort after your surgery, but this should subside within a week, in some cases women return to work after just 3 or 4 days, however you must ensure you don not carry out any physically demanding tasks until such time and your surgeon has indicated. To aid your recovery and make the process more comfortable, your surgeon may prescribe you painkillers and/or antibiotics.