What factors might I consider before getting breast implants?

If you're thinking about breast augmentation or reconstruction, it's important to understand what it means to have breast implants. In addition to changing your appearance, keep in mind:

• Breast implants won't prevent your breasts from sagging. To correct sagging breasts, you might need a breast lift in addition to breast augmentation. This procedure can be done at the same time or later.

• Breast implants aren't guaranteed to last a lifetime. Implant rupture is a possibility. As many as 20 percent of women who have breast implants need to have their implants removed within eight to 10 years.

  Also, your breasts will continue to change after augmentation — and certain factors, such as weight gain or weight loss, might further change the way your breasts look. Any of these issues might lead to additional surgery.

• Mammograms might be more complicated. If you have breast implants, routine mammograms will require additional, specialized views. At the time of your mammogram, tell the radiologist at the place where you have your mammograms that you have breast implants.
• You might need an MRI scan. The Food and Drug Administration recommends routine monitoring with ultrasound or MRI after five to six years, then every two to three years afterward. However, recent studies show that there's little data to support routine screening unless you have symptoms.
• Breast implants might hamper breast-feeding. Some women are able to successfully breast-feed after breast augmentation, while others aren't.
• Insurance might not cover breast implants. Unless it's medically necessary — such as the need for implant reconstruction after a mastectomy for breast cancer — breast augmentation for cosmetic reasons is not covered by insurance. Be prepared to handle any expenses that accompany breast augmentation, including related surgeries or future imaging tests.
• You might need additional surgery after breast implant removal. If you have your implants removed, you might need a breast lift or other additional surgery to help your breasts look better.