Breast augmentation is a common plastic surgery that aims to enhance a woman’s upper body with breast implants. In some instances, breast augmentation is used to fix breast issues, such as saggy breasts, uneven breasts, or breast tissue removal via mastectomy.
Regardless of your reason for wanting breast augmentation procedure, it’s important to prepare yourself for the breast augmentation consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon. Your consultation can make or break your decision to get breast implants, as it’s the time when you’ll meet with plastic surgeons to talk about whether breast augmentation is right for you — among other important details.
What Happens During a Breast Augmentation Consultation
What can you expect from your personal consultation? In short, a lot of information regarding breast augmentation, from what happens during the actual cosmetic surgery to scheduling and recovery timeframes.
Here’s what your cosmetic surgeon will go over with you:
An Explanation of Breast Augmentation
The first thing your breast augmentation surgeon will discuss is what exactly a breast augmentation is. They’ll explain where the implants will be placed, the techniques used during the breast augmentation surgery, and what the recovery period looks like.
Your Breast Augmentation Options
The next thing your cosmetic surgeon will want to discuss with you during the initial consultation is your aesthetic goals. Aside from ensuring you know what to expect from the plastic surgery itself, they’ll want to ensure you know what your options are regarding breast implants.
Generally speaking, you’ll have the choice of:
- Silicone implants
- Saline breast implants
- Gummy bear implants
- Fat grafting (or fat transfer)
Typically, for women who want to go bigger in size, silicone implants are recommended over saline implants. However, women who want more natural looking results usually opt for saline filled implants.
Depending on your goals and size preference, it’s common for plastic surgeons to recommend additional procedures, like a breast lift.
The Physical Exam
The Physical ExamWhen you meet with a cosmetic surgeon to talk about your breast augmentation, a physical exam is always involved. During the physical exam, cosmetic surgeons typically take detailed measurements using breast implant sizers to measure your current breast volume and make a recommendation for a larger breast size based on that.
They’ll also want to take a look at your skin quality and get an idea of the density of your breast tissue. This will help them determine how well you’re body will respond to the incisions they’ll have to make to place the implants. It will also help your surgeon determine where the incision site should be.
A Conversation About Your Health
The most important part of the breast enhancement consultation will be a discussion about your medical history, family history, and current health. A professional, board certified plastic surgeon will always want to ensure that the breast augmentation procedures they perform are safe for each individual.
Your physical health is what will determine whether you’re a good candidate for the plastic surgery. For example, breast augmentations are not for women who:
- Are already pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have an abnormal mammogram or a poor breast biopsy history
- Currently have breast cancer
- Are smokers
- Have acute allergies, especially regarding anesthesia
As far as your medical history is concerned, your plastic surgeon will want to ensure that there are no chronic illnesses or autoimmune disorders. If you’re not in good health, a respectable board certified plastic surgeon will turn you down for breast augmentation.
Breast Augmentation Cost
A big concern for many women is the cost of the breast augmentation procedure. This cosmetic surgery isn’t cheap, and in addition to the breast implants, you’ll also have to pay for:
- Plastic surgeon fees
- Medical supplies
- Use of the medical facility
- Hospital privileges
- Prescription medication
- Aftercare supplies
Most plastic surgeons offer special financing plans to help patients make payments over a period of time. You’ll want to inquire about payment options during the consultation if affording the procedure is a concern.
Scheduling and Recovery Timeframes
Scheduling and Recovery TimeframesScheduling surgery and discussing the recovery period are the last things your cosmetic surgeon will want to do. The recovery period will last a few weeks — four to six weeks on average. However, it all depends on the implant size and breast implant placement.
Overall, the consultation is meant to ensure that you’re comfortable with the plastic surgery and the surgeon who will be performing it. You want to ensure this person is a good fit and sets you up with realistic goals and expectations while minimizing risks.
Preparing For Your Breast Augmentation Consultation
Knowing what to expect from your breast enhancement consultation is only half the battle. You can expect the consultation to last about an hour, with most of the time dedicated to the physical examination. Your surgeon will go over everything that can help you for achieving the best breast augmentation results.
So, it’s essential to come prepared by doing the following:
- Research your breast implant options. While your surgeon will help you make the right decision, it’s necessary to understand the pros and cons of each implant material so you can make the decision with confidence.
- Get a check-up from your primary physician beforehand. If your personal calendar allows for it, get a physical and a check-up before the consultation. Along with a list of any medications (including herbal supplements) you’re currently taking, having documentation of your current health is an excellent way to move the process along.
- Dress comfortably. It’s always recommended to dress comfortably, as you’ll need to remove some of your clothing so the surgeon can get an idea of your anatomy and body proportions. Your surgeon will also want you to feel relaxed, which is something dressing for comfort helps with.
- Write down your questions ahead of time. You’ll want to vet the surgeon thoroughly by finding out if they’re board certified, have a solid reputation, and especially if they have experience with things like capsular contracture or patients who want implants removed. Be sure to ask all the right questions and make sure they have an extensive portfolio that aligns with their reputation to guarantee your desired outcome.
Breast Augmentation FAQs
Will I have to quit smoking before my breast augmentation surgery?
Smoking puts you at risk for Skin Necrosis after surgery. If you’re a smoker, your surgeon will advise you to avoid smoking during the weeks leading up to your surgery and throughout recovery.
How long does it take to schedule a breast augmentation after the first consultation?
Your surgeon will likely want to book your surgery two to four weeks in advance. Therefore, they’ll schedule your surgery a few weeks after the first consultation according to your personal schedule.
What should I wear to my breast implant consultation?
It’s always recommended to wear a separate top and bottom that you feel comfortable in for your consultation.
Book Your Breast Enhancement Consultation Today
If you’re considering getting breast augmentation, a consultation will provide you with the information you need. It’ll also help you set realistic goals for your body and ensure that you’re healthy enough for the surgery.
Get in touch with our professional medical team at DMS Aesthetics Chicago and book your consultation with Dr. Dahlia Rice today!