3 Things You Should Know About Breast Augmentation (but Might Not Think To Ask)

Breast augmentation is one of the top cosmetic surgeries at our Shreveport, LA, practice. While most patients know to ask about implant size, shape, and recovery, other important considerations may not come up until later.

Before choosing breast implants, it’s worth understanding what implant warranties cover, how postoperative discomfort is handled, and what to know about implant longevity and rupture rates. Here are 3 questions you might not think to ask at your breast augmentation consultation.

What Should I Know About Breast Implant Warranties?

Most of the breast implants at The Wall Center come with manufacturer warranties, but the terms and conditions vary depending on the implant and the patient’s individual circumstances. A good warranty can offer peace of mind about your investment, but it’s important to understand what protection it provides.

Here are some things to consider when comparing breast implant warranties:

Warranty feature	What you should know
Lifetime implant replacement	Many manufacturers, including Mentor and Natrelle, offer lifetime replacement coverage for rupture or deflation. This doesn’t necessarily cover the entire replacement procedure.
Financial assistance	Some warranties help cover surgical, anesthesia, or facility expenses associated with covered complications, often subject to time limits and reimbursement caps.
Other complications	Certain programs offer benefits for complications such as capsular contracture, but eligibility and coverage vary.
Registration requirements	Some warranty benefits may require registration or have specific eligibility conditions. Ask which steps, if any, are needed to activate your coverage.
Exclusions	Not every reason for implant removal or replacement is covered. For example, deciding to change implant size or remove implants for personal reasons generally isn’t covered under a manufacturer’s warranty.

Before your breast augmentation, our team can explain the warranty associated with your chosen implants and help you understand the coverage, limitations, and any applicable registration requirements.

Can I Manage Surgical Pain Without Opioids?

Yes! When patients ask about pain, our surgeons can truthfully reassure them that any discomfort they experience after surgery likely won’t be as bad as they anticipated. That’s largely thanks to our use of a long-acting analgesic called EXPAREL® to help control postoperative pain and reduce the need for opioids.

EXPAREL contains liposomal bupivacaine, which is injected into the surgical area to provide extended pain relief. Benefits may include:

• Longer-lasting pain relief: EXPAREL releases its anesthetic gradually, helping manage discomfort during the early recovery period.
• Reduced need for opioids: Some patients require fewer opioid pain medications or none at all.
• More comfortable recovery: Effective pain management can make the first few days after surgery easier to manage.

Dr. Holly Wall and Dr. Simeon Wall Jr. co-wrote an article for Surgical Aesthetics magazine describing their experience with EXPAREL. The Wall Center has incorporated it into its approach to breast surgery, tummy tucks, and [/link pid="86"]Mommy Makeovers[/link].

Pain levels vary, and some patients may still need additional medication. Your surgeon will recommend a postoperative pain management plan based on your individual needs.

How Common Is Breast Implant Rupture?

Breast implant rupture is relatively uncommon in the early years after surgery, but the risk increases as implants age. Although today’s silicone gel implants are designed for durability, they aren’t lifetime devices.

The Wall Center’s surgeons have reported an exceptionally low rupture rate among their patients. Between November 2006 and August 2017, they placed 4,999 Mentor MemoryGel® implants, with only 5 reported ruptures—a rate of 0.1%. That compares to the national rupture rate of 5.6%.

For perspective, published studies have reported substantially higher rupture rates over 10 years, although rates vary depending on the implant type and how ruptures are detected.

For more information about the surgical techniques The Wall Center uses to help protect implant longevity, read our blog post, Breast Implant Study Highlights Another ‘Wall Center Difference’.

How Do I Know if My Breast Implant Has Ruptured?

Silicone implant ruptures don’t always cause noticeable symptoms, and they’re often called silent ruptures. When symptoms do occur, they may include changes in breast shape or size, firmness, swelling, or discomfort.

The FDA recommends an ultrasound or MRI 5 to 6 years after silicone implant placement, followed by imaging every 2 to 3 years, even without symptoms. Patients who notice changes or experience discomfort should contact their plastic surgeon for an evaluation.

See Breast Augmentation Results at The Wall Center

Have More Questions About Breast Augmentation?

If you’ve been considering breast implants, we’re happy to answer your questions. Request a consultation at our Shreveport practice using the online form or call us at (318) 795-0801 to schedule an appointment.