What factors should 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 to consider a breast lift in addition to breast augmentation.

• 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 8 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.
• You might need routine MRI scans. The Food and Drug Administration recommends monitoring silicone breast implants with routine MRI scans every two years, starting three years after the initial implant surgery.
• 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 might not be covered by your insurance plan. 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 maintain an aesthetically pleasing appearance.