Deciding to undergo breast surgery is a personal journey, and it’s important to be well-informed and prepared as you navigate your options. From choosing the right procedure to finding a surgeon who aligns with your goals, here are key questions to ask yourself and your surgeon to help guide your decision-making process.
1. What Are My Goals and Expectations?
Before you even start consulting with surgeons, take some time to think about what you want to achieve. Are you looking to increase volume, improve symmetry, or enhance your overall shape? Are you considering whether you might need a lift? To help refine your vision, look for before-and-after photos of outcomes you like on bodies similar to yours—this can give you a realistic perspective of what might be achievable. Identifying your goals and having visual references will help shape your discussions with potential surgeons. Also, be realistic about what surgery can achieve—this is where clear communication with your surgeon is crucial.
2. How Will I Prepare for Surgery and Recovery?
Consider your logistics: Who will help you on the day of your surgery and in the immediate days following? Remember, you won’t be able to drive yourself home or take care of certain tasks, especially if you have young children or pets. Planning ahead will make your recovery smoother.
3. What Should I Look for in a Surgeon?
Finding a qualified surgeon is key. Make sure your surgeon is board-certified in plastic surgery, not just cosmetic surgery. This distinction matters because it speaks to the depth and relevance of their training. Plastic surgeons have comprehensive training in the field, while cosmetic surgeons might come from various medical backgrounds with limited plastic surgery exposure. If you haven’t received a recommendation from a trusted friend or family member, pay close attention to reviews and testimonials. Additionally, look closely at before-and-after photos of the surgeon’s work on their website or social channels, especially those that align with your goals. This can give you a better sense of their aesthetic style and what they can realistically achieve.
4. How Do I Feel About the Office and Surgeon?
Trust your gut. During your consultation, take note of how the office feels—cleanliness, friendliness, and overall vibe matter. Do you feel comfortable and confident in the surgeon’s ability to care for you? It’s important to feel safe and well taken care of.
5. How Does My Surgeon Determine the Right Size for You?
Choosing the right size is one of the biggest decisions in breast surgery. During your consultation, your surgeon should take into account your chest width, the elasticity of your skin, and your overall body proportions. My personal approach involves looking at your goal photos—before and after images of patients with similar body types—and using specially designed inserts made by the implant company. These inserts are to give you a real sense of how different size implants will look and feel.
6. What Are the Different Incision Options and Their Pros and Cons?
Understanding incision placement is important because it impacts both the surgical outcome and your personal preferences:
- Armpit Incision: This option keeps the incision line hidden in everyday activities but isn’t entirely scarless.
- Around the Areola: This approach can hide the incision well but requires the division of breast tissue which may create issues down the road.
- In the Fold (Inframammary): This is my preferred method. It involves a smaller incision, about an inch in length, hidden in the natural crease under the breast and has the lowest scientifically proven risk of capsular contracture, which is when scar tissue forms around the implant.
7. What Are the Types of Implants and Profiles?
Implants come in various shapes, sizes, and profiles, and each combination creates a different aesthetic. Lower profile implants are wider and flatter, offering a more subtle, natural enhancement that suits broader chests or those seeking less projection. In contrast, higher profile implants are narrower with more depth, providing a more pronounced, fuller look with a greater forward projection. These profiles can significantly influence the final result, so it’s crucial to consider how each will complement your body type and desired outcome. Your surgeon will measure the diameter of your chest, review your goal photos, and guide you in determining the best implant profile for achieving your desired look.
8. What Will Implants Feel Like Compared to Natural Breasts?
One common question I hear is how will implants feel once they’re in place compared to your natural breast tissue. The sensation can vary based on the type of implant, the amount of existing breast tissue you have, and whether the implant is placed above or below the muscle. Generally, if you have ample natural breast tissue, the implant will feel softer and more natural because your tissue provides a cushion. On the other hand, if you have less natural tissue, the implant may feel slightly firmer, especially in the early stages of healing.
Silicone implants are typically softer and more similar to the feel of natural breast tissue compared to saline implants, which can feel slightly firmer. Your surgeon will help you choose the implant type and placement that best aligns with your goals and body type.
9. What Does Recovery Look Like?
Recovery from breast surgery is generally straightforward, but it’s important to know what to expect. Most patients can return to light activities within a few days and resume working out after about two weeks after a breast augmentation, or within up to six weeks after a breast augmentation with a lift. You’ll need to wear a surgical bra or a tight-fitting sports bra for about six weeks to support the healing process.
10. What’s My Plan for Maintaining This Investment?
Post-operative care doesn’t end after you leave the surgery center. It’s important to have a plan for maintaining your results, which includes caring for your incision lines, following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions, and scheduling regular check-ins to monitor your implants. Opting for a surgeon who also offers med spa services can be a big plus. These additional services, like incision line treatments, laser therapies, or customized skincare plans, can help enhance your overall results and keep your skin looking healthy and vibrant. A med spa connected to your surgeon’s practice means you’ll receive cohesive care tailored to your specific needs, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.
11. How to Decide What’s Best for Me?
Ultimately, it comes down to feeling comfortable with your decision and your surgical team. And remember, while computer imaging and simulations can give you a visual idea, they often don’t account for factors like muscle and skin elasticity. Realistic expectations and clear communication with your surgeon are key.
If you’re thinking about breast surgery, I encourage you to schedule a consultation where we can go over all your questions and concerns. Together, we’ll create a plan that’s tailored to your unique goals and body.
Warmly,
Dr. Daniel Crane
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, Inspire Aesthetics
Specializing in Aesthetic Surgery & Hair Restoration
Ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation today and start your journey toward your ideal breast shape.
About Dr. Crane: Having been called around the globe with a passion for the very finest education opportunities and inspired by the life-changing effects of plastic surgery, Dr. Crane’s expanding reputation is one of unique significance. Dr. Crane is a distinguished board-certified plastic surgeon and proud member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetics Plastic Surgery.
