Breast Augmentation: Educating Yourself Before Surgery

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgery choices for women. Every woman has a different reason for wanting the procedure and different expectations for the result. You can choose to double your size, getting implants that will draw attention from every head as you walk down a hallway, or you can get a modest profile that no one notices but you. Some people get them to impress others, while some get them solely to feel better about their bodies. Some women get the procedure as a way to recover from debilitating illnesses, others because they need to get ahead in their careers. No matter what the reasons behind wanting the procedure, it's important that you know as much about it as possible.

Incision Choices

While most plastic surgeons have their own preferences when it comes to where they place the incision for breast augmentation, the patient usually has some say in the decision. If you are adamant about where you want the incision and your doctor does not comply, you can always go somewhere else. Of course, to know your options, you'll need to do your research. There are three places that surgeons generally use as an entry point. It's important that you talk to your surgeon about each possibility, which he prefers, and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Determining Size

Women unfamiliar with breast augmentation often have predetermined thoughts about the procedure. Many predisposed to dislike the surgery bring up thoughts of buxom blondes on a stripper stage somewhere, unaware that many of the women they interact with in their daily lives have probably had the surgery. Getting implants doesn't mean you need to go so large that everyone knows what you have done. Often, women just want to fill out their proportions. Of course, if you want something that will make people stare, you have that option as well. Size is up to you and you alone. A doctor can make recommendations (and there may be some restriction based on your own size), but generally speaking, you can get exactly what you want.

Finding a Surgeon

Finding a good breast augmentation surgeon is not something you can do in an afternoon. Make no mistake about it, there are differences when it comes to skill in this arena. Take your time when looking for the right doctor for you. Peruse before and after pictures whenever possible. Many surgeons these days put these pictures directly on their website. If you don't like the results you see, you may want to consider going somewhere else.