For Women With Implants: Follow-up To Surgery
Breast Implants Safety

Recommendations

Women with breast implants need to stay in touch with their plastic surgeon. Additionally, we recommend the following:

YOUR FIRST YEAR

• Continue your breast massage (if instructed by your surgeon), and practice a monthly breast self exam.
• Make sure you maintain a healthy diet engage in regular fitness activities, do not smoke and practice good sun protection.
• Your scars will continue to refine. If they become raised, red or thickened, or appear to widen, contact your surgeon. Early intervention is important to achieving well-healed scars. Scars are generally refined to fine incision lines one year after surgery.
• A one-year post surgery follow-up is required. However you may call your plastic surgeon at any time with your concerns or for needed follow-up.
• If your breasts develop an unusually hard feeling, or a highly rounded "squeezedî appearance, call your surgeon as soon as possible. You may be developing capsular contracture. Early treatment is the best solution.

YOUR SECOND, THIRD AND FOURTH YEARS

• A two-year post surgery follow-up is required to assess the condition of your implants. This consists of a physical examination; an MRI may be recommended if it is suspected your implant shell has been compromised. However you may call your surgeon at any time with your concerns or for needed follow-up.

YOUR FIFTH YEAR

• A five-year post surgery follow-up is required to assess the condition of your implants. This consists of a physical examination and an MRI. However, please contact your plastic surgeon at any time with your concerns or for needed follow-up. If you move, be sure to ask your current surgeon for a recommendation or find a new surgeon.

Remember, breast implants are not lifetime devices.

If your implants should rupture, or you suspect an implant is leaking, call your plastic surgeon as soon as possible.

Your body will change with age. The appearance of your breasts will change too. You may wish to have your implants replaced or to undergo revision surgery to help maintain your appearance throughout life.

CHECK LIST

• All breast implant patients should have follow-up examinations at least annually after the first postoperative year
• Make sure your plastic surgeon provides you with a clear explanation of why routine follow-up visits are important
• Verify that you will be receiving reminders about follow-up appointments
• If you have moved, or live a distance away, please find a local plastic surgeon for follow-up
• The patient must take responsibility for follow-up breast implant visits to ensure optimum results from the point-of-view of the physician