Breast Augmentation - Are You a Candidate?

Breast augmentation can be an outstanding way to improve the way you look and the way you feel about yourself. It is understood, though that many people are going to be told no, not by themselves or their significant other but by their doctor. Not everyone should have the procedure and for those that do hear that turned-down notice from their plastic surgeon, the results can be devastating. The good news is that for many women, this procedure is readily available and even safe to have.

The following are some examples of situations in which having breast augmentation is good for you or bad for you. Where you do you fall? The bottom line answer has to come from your plastic surgeon, though. Without his or her advice, you may end up unable to answer this question for yourself.

• How's your health? To do the best with this procedure, you should be in relatively good health. If you have any type of active infection in your body, the risks of it spreading are too high. If you have any type of existing, malignant or what is called pre-malignant breast cancer you also are unable to have this procedure. If you have treatment for that cancer, you may become eligible.

• Your age is a factor, but not by much. In fact, recent studies show that older women, including those who are elderly are no more at risk of complications from a breast augmentation as those who are younger. However, you should be over the age of 18. Those who are the best candidates are in their 20's. If you plan to get silicone gel implants, doctors often recommend waiting until you are at least 22 to have them.

• You are not eligible if you are currently pregnant or if you are breast-feeding. The tissues within the breasts during this time are too sensitive and that can lead to problems down the road.

In addition to these factors, doctors will look at other things to determine if you are a good candidate for breast augmentation. You should have the ability to heal, and those who heal slowly may be a bigger risk. If you had previous procedures, new ones may not offer the same quality result. Those who have an emotional concern, such as an "addiction" to plastic surgery, may or may not qualify, depending on what your plastic surgeon determines is right for your needs. Some people are predisposed to a hardening capsule around the actual implant, which can make this a procedure that is not right for you.

The best way to find out if you are a good candidate for breast augmentation is to go in for a consultation with your doctor. Find out what your options are and what concerns, if any, exist. By doing this your doctor will then learn what you can and cannot do in terms of increasing the size of your breasts. For many women, it is not difficult to qualify for this procedure.