FAQs

Breast Enlargement (Breast Augmentation) FAQs

Breast Reconstruction FAQs

What is breast reconstruction?
Are you considering breast reconstruction?
Are you a good candidate for breast reconstruction?
What are the available options for breast reconstruction?
What are the stages of breast reconstruction?
How long is the recovery period?
What are the risks?
What should I expect?

Breast Enlargement (Breast Augmentation) FAQs
The most commonly asked questions Mr. Prinsloo has been asked over the last 18 years.

What is it?

Breast Augmentation is a cosmetic procedure which involves inserting an implant into the breast to make it bigger and give it a fuller shape. 

How popular is it?

Breast Augmentation has been a popular procedure since the 1960’s.  Today it is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures available. 

Am I a suitable candidate for a Breast Augmentation?

There are different reasons why you may experience a change in the size or shape of your breasts.  Your breast size is determined genetically and may remain small through your life.  Your breasts may also change through fluctuations in weight and often pregnancy and breastfeeding, while the ageing process may cause them to droop. 

How is it done?

Your cosmetic surgeon will advise you on which type of implant and method of inserting will be right for you. Implants may be positioned either between your own breast tissue and the pectoral muscle (sub-glandular) or behind the muscle (sub-muscular).

What types of implants are available?

Breast implants comprise an outer shell of silicone filled with either silicone gel or salt water.  Cohesive silicone gel implants are commonly used by cosmetic breast surgeons today.  Implant shapes are either round or oval with teardrop contour, and the shells have either smooth or textured surfaces.    

How long will implants last?

The manufacturer’s predicted life expectancy of breast implants is 10 years or more.  However, as there is no specific expiry date, implants can stay in place for a much longer period. 

What is the recovery period?

It is usually advisable to stay away from work for one week.  There will be some soreness around the chest area, particularly when moving the arms.  This will improve within the first few days after the surgery.  A good support bra (for example, a sports bra) should be used for 4 weeks following surgery.  It will take 4-6 weeks to return to normal routines and to resume any type of strenuous activity.   

Is it safe?

Many studies have been conducted to determine whether silicone breast implants are safe.  As a result of these studies, there is at present no evidence to suggest any association with increased incidence of breast cancer or auto-immune diseases. 

What are the risks?

Possible complications of breast enlargement surgery include bleeding, infection, asymmetry, scar tissue contracture (capsular contracture), loss of sensation, and wrinkling or folding of the implants. 

Capsular contracture may cause the breast to be firm, uncomfortable and in some cases even misshaped.  A breast capsulectomy procedure can be performed to correct this problem and the implant is replaced at the same time. 

Is it safe to fly after Breast Augmentation?

Cabin pressure has no effect on the implants.  Your implants will not explode when flying after the surgery.

Will I be able to breast feed after breast enlargement?

If you were able to breast feed before the surgery you should be able to breast feed after the surgery. 

What size do I wish to be?

The volume of a breast implant is not given in a particular cup size.  Breast implants are measured in mille litres or cubic centimetres.  Your cosmetic surgeon will discuss the differences between cup size and how this will apply to you. 

How long does the surgery take?

It takes approximately 1-1½ hours to perform the surgery.

Breast Reconstruction FAQs

What is breast reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction is one of the most rewarding surgical procedures designed to restore the shape and appearance of the breast following mastectomy (removal of the breast).  New techniques and devices have made it possible for surgeons to create a breast that can come close in form and volume to matching a natural breast.  The reconstruction can be performed immediately following the mastectomy or as a delayed procedure. 

Are you considering breast reconstruction?

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime.  This may lead to surgical removal of part of the breast or the entire breast.  Mr. Prinsloo believes that every woman who had a mastectomy should have a chance to consider breast reconstruction to help restore self-confidence and feelings of femininity, attractiveness and sexuality. 

Are you a good candidate for breast reconstruction?

Any patient who is medically fit and psychologically stable is a suitable candidate for reconstruction.  The best candidates are women whose cancer, as far as can be determined, seems to have been eliminated by the mastectomy.  Ideally you r breast surgeon and your plastic surgeon will work together to develop a strategy that will put you in the best possible condition for reconstruction.  Sometimes the patient may wish to wait before going ahead with further surgery in order to cope with the diagnosis and the recommended treatment of breast cancer.  Some patients may be advised by the surgeon to wait, particularly if a more complex reconstruction procedure is required.  Women with other health conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, or smoking, may also be advised to wait.

What are the available options for breast reconstruction?

There are three main types of breast reconstruction:

A flap of skin, muscle and fat from your back or abdomen (tummy) is tunnelled through to the chest to create a new breast.  The latissimus dorsi muscle flap is usually combined with a silicone breast implant.

A flap of skin, muscle and fat is removed from the original area on the lower abdomen and grafted to the breast area.  The blood supply has to be restored using microsurgery.

What are the stages of breast reconstruction?

How long is the recovery period?

It may take you four to six weeks to recover from a combined mastectomy and reconstruction or from a flap reconstruction alone.  If expanders or implants are used, the recovery time may be less.  The second and third stages of the reconstruction will also have a far shorter recovery time. 

What are the risks?

As with all other breast surgery procedures there are risks involved with breast reconstruction.  Possible complications may include bleeding, haematoma, fluid collection, infection, scarring, wound healing problems, problems with anaesthesia and capsular contraction around the breast implant which may require a scar-releasing procedure.  Mr. Prinsloo will explain how the possible risks will apply to you.

What should I expect?

Chances are your reconstructed breast will feel firmer and look rounder or flatter than your natural breast.  It may not have the same contour as your breast before mastectomy, nor will it exactly match your opposite breast.  Your plastic surgeon will do everything possible to meet your expectations.  Most mastectomy patients will agree that breast reconstruction dramatically improved their appearance and quality of life following surgery.