Questions to ask plastic surgeon before breast augmentation

Questions to ask plastic surgeon before breast augmentation are many, but there are several that you should really think about and consider asking once your consultation date arrives.

Some of the most frequently asked questions are about safety, whether or not breast augmentation is safe, and how to prepare for such a procedure.

Apart from those, we comprised a list of the “asked and answered questions”, that can be of huge help to everyone who decides to undergo breast augmentation surgery and get the best breast augmentation advice possible. 

Check them out!

#1 Are you board certified plastic surgeon?

This is probably one of the most legitimate questions you should tackle once you decide you want to undergo breast augmentation procedure, and therefore, choose the right plastic surgeon.

In spite of what many people are lead to believe, In the world of plastic surgery there is a fair difference between board certified plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons. The first and probably the most obvious concerns the amount of training they receive.

Plastic surgery includes multiple levels of training

For instance, in order to become a board certified plastic surgeon, a doctor has to complete between six and eight years of medical school. This also means that they have to undergo basic surgical training, gaining extensive knowledge of ear, nose, throat surgery, as well as general and orthopedic procedures. 

This basic surgical training can last about three years on a position of a surgical resident, followed by rigorous training in focused plastic surgery. Even after completing this extensive training, two more years of practice have to pass before the doctor is allowed to take a written exam for plastic surgery. 

Upon passing the written part of the exam, next up is the oral part held before member surgeons of American Board of Plastic Surgery, thus only ABPS graduates can call themselves plastic surgeons. 

Board recognized by American Board of Medical Specialties

The ABPS is the only board in the USA that is recognized and approved by American Board of Medical Studies that certifies physicians in the specialty of plastic surgery. By comparison, cosmetic surgeons get to be certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery only, which is not recognized by ABMS, therefore, not recognizing their graduates as plastic surgeons by default. 

Given that cosmetic surgeons not even closely receive the same amount of medical training as the certified plastic surgeons do, patients are obligated to verify the credentials of their physician of choice, and that includes a number of diplomas and other documents that confirm the professionalism of the physician in question.

Everything said above naturally implies that the safest bet for everyone who wants to undergo breast augmentation procedure and have a breast augmentation consultation with, is a board certified plastic surgeon, just like we are. 

#2 Is breast augmentation safe?

Being that a decision to undergo any form of plastic surgery is highly personal, and potentially, it is understandable that the safety and potential risks of such surgery have to be questioned. 

When it comes to the question how safe is breast augmentation surgery, careful reviews of various scientific research on the topic, by groups such as The Institute of Medicine, have found no link between breast implants and other systemic diseases. 

However, prior to the procedure, you do need to consider several important factors, such as breast implants durability, pregnancy and thorough examination of your breasts in order to evaluate their condition. 

#3 How to choose breast implant size?

When it comes to the question how to choose the right size for breast augmentation, there are several constituents to consider:

• The lifestyle factor. Your breast implants shouldn’t be something that is going to restrain you ever step of the away, but rather to fit you in every manner possible. Therefore, if you often do high-intensity workouts, long-distance running, or other sports, you might want to opt for smaller implants. On the other hand, there is a matter of clothing you prefer to wear. If you like to be more noticeable with a more prominent cleavage, than you should choose bigger ones.
• Shape and position factor. Some women along with augmentation, also need a breast lift, in order to correct the sagging, especially women who had one or more children. When breasts are lifted, they are usually smaller due to excess tissue removal, which is why implants are used to recreate that pre-baby look. 
• Duration factor. Even though breast implants can not last forever, you should always bare in mind that you will have them for a long time if you undergo surgery. Therefore, it is always good to ponder whether or not you will be happy with your implants within 5 years.
• Second opinion is always appreciated. A different perspective provided by a friend or a loved can additionally help you make the right decision concerning your implants.
• Always listen to the advice of your physician. Your physician has your best interest in mind, therefore their recommendation is invaluable, stemming from years of education and experience, especially if you want to achieve a natural looking breast augmentation.

#4 Silicone or saline implants – which is safer?

Since we’re asking which is safer silicone or saline implants, let us first make a difference between the two. 

Saline implants are filled with saline or sterile water.

Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel. 

Hence, if they rupture, you are aware of what kind of a filing will leak out, and at the same time, that is the biggest risk too. Saline implant ruptures are easy to spot, being that when they manifest, the breast rapidly changes shape as the fluid leaks out. Since it’s only saltwater, there is no harm if it leaks into the body. 

On the other hand, silicone gel implant ruptures are much more difficult to spot, and when they happen, the silicone stays in the body. In fact, it can sometimes spread outside the breast area into distant lymph nodes, which can cause disease. Nevertheless, if that happens, it can be removed, and replaced with saline implants.

Silicone gel implants are particularly risky, since they are often silent and can only be detected by MRI, which is what augments the risk in the first place. This is why every two year MRI check is highly advisable.

#5 How long does breast augmentation last?

The most common question to be asked when contemplating plastic surgery is how long does breast augmentation last and whether or not the implants expire. 

The answer is simple – even though the breast implants don’t actually expire, they are also not guaranteed to last for a lifetime. The average saline or silicone implants can last between 10 and 20 years, but bare in mind that many of them can be removed much sooner.

Being that complication or cosmetic concerns can appear, most implants are removed or replaced every 8 to 10 years, with that being the average. 

#6 What are the most common breast augmentation problems?

There are a few most common breast augmentation problems that cause a need for a removal or replacement, and here are the most common. 

Hardened scar tissue

Capsular contracture, or hardening of the scar tissue around both implants is one of the most common problems caused by breast augmentation. 

It is usually followed by side effects like tightness, pain, tenderness or some cosmetic changes to the breast.

Ripping and palpability of the implant

Ripping is caused by the wrinkles or ripples developed on the implant, while palpability refers to the tactile sensation you can obtain by touching the skin of the breast and actually feeling those ripples.

This is also one of the most common reasons for implant removal or replacement.

Change of position

Change of position or sagging is something you do not become immune to when getting implants. In fact, besides gravity, weight fluctuation can cause stretching and sagging. 

Breasts can also change position individually, with one hanging lower than the other, or your nipples pointing in different directions. 

This is commonly solved by a breast lift or implant replacement.

#7 What do breast augmentation scars look like?

Before undergoing breast augmentation surgery, do bare in mind that it will take up to 18 months for the tissue to fully recovers, and for the scars to fully heal and mature. Also, your scars will go through a phase where they actually look bad, before they get better. 

In fact, most breast augmentation scarring appears red or pink, and slightly raised, before they start fading and healing over time. The rate of healing mostly depends on the factors such as aging, genetics, skin tone and sun exposure.

The good news is, you can do a few scar treatments to help reduce the prominence of the breast augmentation scars, but not before consulting with your plastic surgeon first. These treatments include:

• Vitamin E supplements or topical vitamin E to healed incisions
• Silicone sheeting
• Topical cortisone cream
• Laser skin resurfacing

#8 How can I prepare for breast augmentation surgery?

When it comes to how to prepare for breast augmentation surgery, there are a few things you’ll have to get out of the way in order to get a green light for the procedure start. 

First of all, you’ll have to get a blood test, and take certain medications or adjust current (if you happen to take some), prior to surgery. If you’re smoking or taking any recreational drugs, such as cocaine, you’ll be asked to stop, as well as to avoid taking aspirin or any other anti inflammatory drugs that can cause bleeding. 

Bare in mind that breast augmentation surgery has to be performed in an accredited surgical center or a hospital, and, if it is performed on an outpatient basis, you must make transport arrangements and for somebody to stay with you over the first night following surgery.

Time between consultation and surgery breast augmentation

The time between the meeting with a surgeon, where you get out of the way all of the questions you wanted to ask at breast augmentation consultation, depends on a few factors, including your physician’s surgical calendar and your own personal schedule.

Most of the time, a breast augmentation surgery can be scheduled a few weeks after consultations, but you will have to plan ahead in terms of days off work, extra help if you have kids, and other arrangements you might need to make prior to surgery.

Consultation with a surgeon is a great place to get pre breast augmentation tips on everything you want to know – from how to get the most natural looking breast augmentation to how to choose the right size for breast augmentation.

Remember – always think about all of the questions to ask a plastic surgeon for breast augmentation on your consultations, because it is a perfect way to get all of your worries out of the way and to get yourself known with the procedure in order to obtain the best possible results.