Although breast implant surgery is an extremely popular and safe cosmetic procedure, the decision to undergo breast augmentation should not be taken lightly.
In addition to selecting a trusted, skilled, and board-certified plastic surgeon, there are several important factors that a patient should consider before going under the knife.
Being educated about the procedure and understanding how it will impact you is extremely important to the success and final outcome of your breast implant surgery.
Here’s a list of questions to ask yourself before breast augmentation to make sure it’s right for you.

1. What are your reasons for wanting breast implant surgery?

Breast implant surgery will affect you not only physically, but also psychologically. Therefore, patients should take the time to really qualify their reasons for seeking breast augmentation.
Ideally, the surgery should be a personal decision that will support your happiness, well-being, and appearance. It should not be a choice based on the influence or pressure of others.

2. Are you a good candidate for surgery?

During the initial consultation, your surgeon will examine your breasts and inquire about your medical history, current medications, surgical history, allergies, and expectations.
Based on these findings, he will determine if breast implant surgery is an appropriate treatment option for you.

3. Are you prepared to educate yourself about breast augmentation?

While your plastic surgeon has the knowledge and expertise to guide you before, during, and after surgery, you should be prepared to make informed decisions about your treatment plan.
Several items to consider are:

  • Implant composition (saline or silicone)
  • Size, shape and texture (smooth round, textured round, or textured anatomical)
  • Implant position (above or below the muscle)
  • Incision site (inframammary), around the areola (periaereolar), or in the underarm (transaxillary)

4. Are you prepared to undergo surgery?

Patients should be fully aware of the risks, costs, potential complications, and recovery associated with breast augmentation.
If you are not prepared to handle any of these elements of a surgical procedure, your plastic surgeon can recommend non-invasive treatment alternatives.

5. Can you commit your time and energy to recovery and care of your implants?

Once your breast implant surgery has been successfully completed, you must adhere to post-operative instructions and care for your implants.
Recovery often indicates three-to-five days of downtime, wearing a surgical bra for two weeks post-procedure, sleeping in an upright position, and avoiding heavy lifting and upper body exercise for at least two weeks.
Additionally, you must attend follow-up appointments over the course of a year, so your surgeon can evaluate your progress including, the shape and position of your implants.
Lastly, patients should be prepared to replace their implants every 10 years and undergo imaging as recommended to ensure that the implants are safely and properly intact.
For additional information about breast augmentation and whether it’s right for you, please call our office today to schedule a consultation.