Factors to Consider Before Getting Saline-Filled Breast Implants
Whether for augmentation or reconstruction, breast implantation may not be a one-time surgery. You are likely to need additional surgery for replacement or removal of the implants over the course of your life.
Many of the changes to your breast following implantation are irreversible. If you later choose to have your implants removed, you may experience dimpling, puckering, wrinkling or other changes of the breast.
Breast implants may affect your ability to produce milk for breast-feeding. Also, breast implants will not prevent your breasts from sagging after pregnancy.
Routine screening mammography will be more difficult with breast implants. You will need to have additional views taken, which means more time, more radiation, and higher cost.
For women who have undergone breast implantation either for augmentation or reconstruction, health insurance premiums may increase, coverage may be dropped, or future coverage may be denied. Treatment of complications may not be covered as well. You should check with your insurance company regarding coverage issues.
Despite complications, most women who have received breast implants report they are satisfied with the results.
--M.L.