Tips for Breast Augmentation Patients

It’s intriguing how unique each person’s aesthetic sense is, and how many of us place more emphasis on one or two of our physical features, whether it’s our waistline, our skin, or our hair. But one common priority among women is having breasts that help them feel feminine and well-proportioned. If you’re one of the millions of women in the US who will undergo breast augmentation this year, below are a few tips to help you along each stage of the process.

Look specifically for a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast surgery.

While any physician can call themselves a “plastic surgeon” or “cosmetic surgeon,” look specifically for the words, “board-certified plastic surgeon,” because this designation requires extensive education, specialized experience, and rigorous testing. It’s also important to ensure your surgeon has significant experience in breast augmentation, as different physicians may specialize in treating different areas of the body.

Be clear about your expected results from your first consultation.

It’s important to be specific about your expectations from the beginning, as this can affect your surgical plan. For instance, if you want your breasts to be not only larger but also raised to a higher, more youthful position, you may be able to combine your implants with a breast lift. Or, if you’re concerned about scarring, we can discuss techniques that will minimize your scars or limit them to more discrete locations on your body.

Choose your implant size carefully.

Opting for an overly small or overly large implant may leave you unsatisfied with your results. As a plastic surgeon who has specialized in cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery for over 30 years, I can help to recommend a fitting size for your natural body structure, as well as help you gauge how you will look with various implant sizes.

Know your implant options.

Breast implants vary based on the material they use. The two primary options are saline (a silicone shell filled with a saline liquid) or silicone (a silicone shell filled with a thick silicone gel). Each have their pros and cons (for instance, a saline implant typically allows for a smaller incision while most patients feel that silicone offers a more natural look and feel), so you can evaluate your priorities and select the best breast implants for your needs.

Don’t rush your recovery.

One of the most crucial factors in your final breast augmentation results is the healing process. Follow all your post-surgical instructions (including follow-up appointments, incision care, and more) closely and allow your body plenty of time to heal. Rushing to get back to work or back to the gym too soon can strain your body and prolong the recovery process or even cause dangerous complications.

Having a smooth breast augmentation process with a result that makes you feel more confident for decades to come starts with the first steps you take. To schedule a pre-surgical consultation or ask additional questions about plastic surgery, contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. Or, for more health tips and plastic surgery news, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.