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Personal Interview |
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Interview
We recently interviewed a saline breast implant recipient who also works in the medical field. She underwent the breast augmentation in February 1999.
Q: When did you first think of getting a breast augmentation?
A: I first thought of having the procedure four years ago.
Q: How long did it take you to decide that you indeed wanted the augmentation?
A: It didn’t take me a long time to know that I wanted to have this done. Cost was really the only factor keeping me from having the operation.
Q: Once you decided to have the procedure, how many plastic surgeons did you consult?
A: I consulted four plastic surgeons.
Q: What made you choose your current plastic surgeon?
A: I finally chose a surgeon who had been recommended to me by another doctor I worked with.
Q: Were the risks of undergoing the procedure clearly explained to you?
A: The usual surgical risks were explained to me, and the doctor described possible local complications like capsular contracture very carefully. I understood from the beginning that the implants would probably not last forever. But my implants (manufactured by Poly-Implant Prostheses) have a ten-year warranty covering all implantation costs.
Q: If the implants fail within ten years, would you undergo another surgery under the warranty?
A: Oh yes, definitely.
Q: Besides the obvious risks, did you have any other concerns?
A: I was concerned about having sensation altered around my nipple region because I talked to both women who lost sensitivity and women who became hypersensitive in that region.
Q: How long was the actual surgery and how did you feel immediately afterward?
A: The surgery lasted two hours, and I was in a lot of pain immediately after the surgery. My breasts were quite swollen.
Q: After surgery, how much time did it take you to fully recuperate?
A: I had the surgery on a Thursday, and I went back to work the following Monday. The doctor suggested taking two weeks off, but I started feeling normal about seven days after the procedure.
Q: Did you have noticeable, external scarring?
A: Unfortunately, I did have noticeable scars, but I went back to my plastic surgeon, and he revised them in December 1999. I also had radiation therapy, and now the scars are completely gone.
Q: How often do you see your plastic surgeon now?
A: Now I see my surgeon every six months for check-up, but I had to see him monthly from the time I had the surgery until December when he revised the scars.
Q: Are you fully satisfied with the results?
A: I am very satisfied with the results and pleased that everything is fine.
Q: How long do you expect to have breast implants?
A: I expect to have implants for the rest of my life; even if it entails multiple implantations.
Q: How has the breast augmentation changed your life?
A: My clothes look better on me, and men notice me more.
Q: How has the procedure changed you?
A: The augmentation didn’t raise my sense of self-esteem, but I do feel more confident, especially in social situations.
Q: Are there any drawbacks to having the procedure?
A: The pain immediately after the procedure is quite intense, but it subsides fairly quickly.
Q: Would you recommend this procedure?
A: I would recommend this procedure, and some patients who knew I had this done have approached me seeking advice. I have absolutely recommended it.
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