Did you know that, according to research, almost 71% of women are dissatisfied with the size of their breasts?
You’re considering a breast augmentation procedure, but you’re not sure where to start. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when researching surgeons and procedures. There are so many options, and it’s hard to know who to trust.
But don’t worry. Keep reading because this guide will help you understand the different options for surgeons available, what to look for in a breast augmentation surgeon, and how to find the best one for you.
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery procedure that involves the arrangement of breast implants to broaden and enhance the shape of the breasts.
Breast augmentation is one of the most favored cosmetic surgery procedures completed in the United States, with over 300,000 procedures conducted annually.
Benefits of Breast Augmentation
Now that we have answered the question, “What is breast augmentation?” it’s time to take a look at the benefits of this popular cosmetic surgery procedure. There are many reasons why women opt for breast augmentation, but some of the most common reasons include:
1. To Achieve Larger, Fuller Breasts
When it comes to breast augmentation, one of the most popular reasons women opt for this procedure is because they are unhappy with the size of their breasts. Breast augmentation can help women achieve larger, fuller breasts that are more in proportion to their body type.
2. To Improve the Shape of the Breasts
In addition to increasing the size of the breasts, breast augmentation can also help improve the overall shape of the breasts. This is often a goal for women who have experienced significant weight loss, pregnancy, or breastfeeding, as these life events can cause changes in the shape of the breasts.
3. To Restore Lost Volume in the Breasts
Another common reason women opt for breast augmentation is to restore lost volume in the breasts. This can be due to a variety of factors, including aging, weight loss, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.
Breast augmentation can help restore lost volume in the breasts, resulting in a more youthful appearance.
4. To Correct Asymmetry of the Breasts
Another common reason women seek breast augmentation is to correct the symmetry of the breasts. This means that one breast is significantly larger or smaller than the other. Breast implants can help correct this imbalance and create a more symmetrical appearance.
5. To Improve Self-Esteem and Confidence
Many women who choose to undergo breast augmentation do so for reasons that go beyond physical appearance. For many women, breast augmentation can improve self-esteem and confidence.
This can be especially true for women who have experienced significant weight loss, pregnancy, or other life events that have caused changes in their appearance.
Choosing a Breast Augmentation Surgeon
Now that we have taken a look at some of the benefits of this popular cosmetic surgery procedure, it’s time to focus on choosing a breast augmentation surgeon. Choosing the right surgeon is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. Here are some important factors to consider when choosing a breast augmentation surgeon:
1. Board Certification
When choosing a breast augmentation surgeon, one of the most important factors to consider is board certification. Board certification is an indication that a surgeon has completed the necessary education and training to perform breast augmentation surgery. In addition, board-certified surgeons must adhere to strict ethical standards.
2. Breast Augmentation Experience
Another important factor to consider when choosing a breast augmentation surgeon is experience. You should look for a surgeon who has extensive experience performing this type of surgery. In addition, you should ask about the surgeon’s success rate with breast augmentation surgery.
3. Consultation
When you are considering a breast augmentation procedure, it is important to schedule a consultation with a surgeon. During your consultation, you will be able to discuss your goals and expectations for the surgery. This is also an opportunity to ask questions and get to know the surgeon. After your consultation, you should feel confident in your decision to proceed with surgery.
4. Price
When it comes to breast augmentation surgery, there is no one-size-fits-all price. The cost of your procedure will vary depending on several factors, including the surgeon’s fee, the type of implants used, and the length of the surgery. In general, you can expect to pay between $5,000 and $10,000 for breast augmentation surgery.
5. Recovery Time
Recovery time after breast augmentation surgery varies from patient to patient. In most cases, you can expect to take approximately two weeks off from work or other activities. During this time, you will likely experience some discomfort and swelling. It is important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions during your recovery period.
Top 10 Questions to Ask a Breast Augmentation Surgeon
Now that you know what to look for in a breast augmentation surgeon, it’s time to start interviewing surgeons. Here are 10 questions to ask a breast augmentation surgeon during your consultation:
1. What Are Your Qualifications?
First and foremost, you should always ask a breast augmentation surgeon about their qualifications. You should look for a board-certified surgeon who has extensive experience performing this type of surgery.
2. What Are Your Fees?
The cost of breast augmentation surgery will vary depending on the surgeon’s fee, the type of implants used, and the length of the surgery. In general, you can expect to pay between $5,000 and $10,000 for this procedure.
3. What Is the Recovery Time?
Recovery time after breast augmentation surgery varies from patient to patient. In most cases, you can expect to take approximately two weeks off from work or other activities.
During this time, you will likely experience some discomfort and swelling. It is important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions during your recovery period.
4. What Are the Risks and Complications?
As with any surgery, there are risks and complications associated with breast augmentation surgery. These include infection, bleeding, asymmetry, and capsular contracture. Be sure to discuss these risks with your surgeon before surgery.
5. What Are Your Results?
Be sure to ask your surgeon about the results of breast augmentation procedure. You should look for before and after photos of previous patients. In addition, you should ask about the surgeon’s success rate with this procedure.
6. What Are the Side Effects?
Side effects from breast augmentation surgery are typically mild and temporary. These can include pain, swelling, bruising, and numbness. In rare cases, more serious side effects can occur. Be sure to discuss these with your surgeon before surgery.
7. What Is the Recovery Process?
The recovery process after breast augmentation surgery varies from patient to patient. In most cases, you can expect to take approximately two weeks off from work or other activities.
During this time, you will likely experience some discomfort and swelling. It is important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions during your recovery period.
8. What Are the Risks of Not Having Surgery?
As with any surgery, there are certain risks associated with breast augmentation. However, these risks are relatively small and can be easily minimized by working with an experienced and qualified surgeon. Some of the most common risks include asymmetry, capsular contracture, and implant rupture.
Overall, the risks of not having breast augmentation surgery are relatively small. However, it is important to discuss all of the potential risks with your surgeon before deciding whether or not to have the procedure.
9. What Is the Expected Outcome of the Surgery?
The expected outcome of breast augmentation surgery is an increase in cup size and improved symmetry. In most cases, patients can return to their normal activities within two weeks of surgery.
It is important to discuss your expectations with your surgeon before surgery so that you can be on the same page regarding your goals for the procedure. Generally speaking, the outlook is excellent for patients who undergo breast augmentation surgery.
However, as with any surgical procedure, there are some risks and potential complications that should be taken into consideration. These include infection, bleeding, and scarring.
Be sure to ask your surgeon about all of the risks and potential complications before you decide to have surgery.
Talk to an Experience Breast Augmentation Surgeon
Now that you know more about breast augmentation, you’ll feel more comfortable taking the next steps. If you need to find an experienced breast augmentation surgeon who understands your vision, you can turn to Tracy M. Pfeifer, MD, MS, for all your breast augmentation needs.
We also offer abdominoplasty surgery, body contouring, and facial procedures such as facelifts and eyebrow lifts. In addition, you can get non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as botox, Juvederm, and Dysport.
Your first step to a confident, new you is to schedule a consultation to discuss your goals!