A Brief Overview of Breast Augmentation: Is It For You?

Breast augmentation (also called augmentation mammoplasty) is a procedure offered by skilled plastic surgeons to increase breast size, often simply for self-confidence or to improve one's appearance, but also to restore lost volume from breast cancer, pregnancy, and even exercise. Initially less common and more expensive, surgery is available for as low as $3000 in many parts of the United States and today's surgeons benefit from decades of advances in the art of enhancing breasts.

The first step to pursue breast augmentation is choosing a doctor. If you have a general practitioner or friend who has had the procedure, ask for recommendations. There are many online resources where doctors are listed and patients post reviews (yes, just like restaurants!) so being an informed patient is not difficult.

It is helpful to research possible procedures and write down questions you might have for the doctor prior to your visit. Since many women will be taking time off from work to recover, determine what dates are possible for you. Once you have selected a potential doctor, contact their office and find out how far in advance they need to schedule consultations, and if selected, actual surgeries. Do not schedule time off with your employer prior to the consultation and a confirmed schedule for surgery. The procedures for breast augmentation typically are performed in less than two hours at an outpatient clinic but the process from consultation to recovery will take much longer.

The Consultation

A professional plastic surgeon will make you feel very comfortable and talk to you about all aspects of augmentation. The selected surgeon will need to know all about your medical history, including past surgeries, allergies, and current medications, and will likely have you fill out a personality inventory. There are many things to consider including what the resulting size should be, the recovery time (and any special instructions related to activities for work).

Most practices even have software that allows a potential patient to visualize the breast augmentation on their own body! Some doctors recommend wearing padded bras and trying different clothes in advance of the procedure and most understand that such a serious decision does not need to be agreed to on your first visit. Many patients take time to wait, investigate further, and even compare pricing.

It is important to recognize that not all doctors performing beast augmentation are board certified. Not being board certified does not mean the doctor is not highly experienced and skilled. However, board certified plastic surgeons have completed post-graduate work focusing on surgical training and plastic surgery in particular. Once you have selected a plastic surgeon and made payment arrangements, you will schedule the procedure.

Final Notes

There are few regulations regarding age limits, but most elective surgical procedures are recommended for adults. Surgery of any kind is a serious matter and patients must follow all of the doctors instructions, including not eating after a set time the night before and no liquids the morning of the procedure. Most importantly, proper follow-up with the doctor during the recovery period will help make your recovery a success.