Questions to Ask About Breast Augmentation

By Dr. Asif Pirani

Altering the appearance of your breasts can be one of the best ways to change your image and it can contribute greatly to improving your confidence levels. However, the decision to opt for plastic surgery in order to do that, should not be taken lightly.

Before taking your decision on whether to undergo surgery, you need to become as well informed as possible about the surgery itself, the plastic surgeon who will do it, and, very importantly, your reasons for choosing to have the operation.

There are many reasons why you could be thinking about getting implants. It might be purely for aesthetic reasons. Perhaps you feel self-conscious about your body because your small breasts impact on your feelings of femininity. Your breasts might not be exactly the same size or may have started to sag because of aging or weight loss.

All are valid reasons. What is not a valid reason to decide on breast augmentation is to do it to please someone else. It must be your decision and yours alone. Neither should you undergo it if you have a body image disorder.

To help you reach an informed decision, here are guidelines as to the information you should acquire from your plastic surgeon:

Get to know the plastic surgeon

• How many years of training have you had and how long have you been in practise?
• Are you certified as a plastic surgeon with the national board?
• How many breast enlargement procedures do you perform, on average, every month?
• At which hospitals do you have hospital privileges to perform breast augmentation surgery?
• Can you show me some before and after photographs of you past work, and refer me to some of your past clients?
• What recourse do I have if I am not happy with the results of my surgery?

Find out about the surgery itself

• What are the risks and side-effects of breast augmentation surgery?
• What measures will be taken should there be an emergency during the operation?
• How long is the expected recovery period what assistance would I need during that time?
• What kind of follow-up procedures are there?
• How can I lessen the risk of complications in the short and long term?
• What preparation will I need to do for the surgery in terms of diet and exercise?
• Will the current medications I am taking affect the surgery?

Is it right for you?

• Am I a good candidate for breast implants?
• What results can I expect from breast augmentation surgery?
• If I choose not to have implants, are there any alternatives that would meet my breast augmentation needs?
• What type of implant would you recommend for me in terms of size, shape and texture?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of saline and silicone implants?
• What will be the best incision and placement sites for me?
• Will I lose any sensation in my breasts or nipples?

Looking ahead

• How many times am I likely to need additional breast implant-related surgeries in my lifetime?
• If I decide to have the implants removed without replacing them, how will this affect the appearance of my breasts?
• How will my breasts’ appearance and feel change over time, after pregnancy and breastfeeding, or if I should lose or gain a good deal of weight?
• Will implants affect my ability to breastfeed?
• How will I be able to tell if my breast implants have ruptured and what action do I take if they do?
• Will I have to have regular follow-up check-ups on the implants?
• Can I have mammograms with implants or will it rupture the implants?

Armed with this information you should be able to make an informed decision on whether to go ahead with breast augmentation. Just remember, the ultimate choice is yours and it is all about you.