What to Expect and How to Prepare for Your Breast Augmentation Consultation
The breast augmentation consultation with your plastic surgeon is more than just a formality—it’s your chance to share your aspirations, explore the possibilities, and set the groundwork for achieving the outcome you desire.
Sydney Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jake Lim will walk you through how to prepare for your breast augmentation – augmentation mammoplasty consultation and what to expect, so you can move forward feeling well-informed and prepared.
Download Dr Lim’s Ultimate Breast Surgery Guide
Researching Qualified Surgeons
Finding the right surgeon is the first step towards a successful breast augmentation – augmentation mammoplasty. Look for surgeons who have extensive experience in cosmetic breast surgery. Check their credentials on reputable medical boards. Before-and-after galleries on their websites can give you insight into their work and help you assess if their style aligns with your goals.
Gathering Inspiration
It’s helpful to collect images that reflect the breast size and shape you’re aiming for. These can be photos from magazines, online resources, or even your surgeon’s gallery. Bringing these visuals to your consultation can assist in communicating your expectations clearly. Remember, individual results can vary based on your unique anatomy, but these images serve as a useful starting point for discussion.
Preparing Questions and Concerns
Before your appointment, write down any questions or concerns you might have. Topics might include different types of implants, the recovery process, potential risks, and how the surgery could impact your lifestyle. Honest communication about your expectations and apprehensions allows your plastic surgeon to address them thoroughly, ensuring you feel confident moving forward.
Medical History and Lifestyle Habits
Be prepared to provide detailed information about your medical history. This includes previous surgeries, current medications, allergies, and any medical conditions. Discussing your lifestyle habits, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and exercise routines, is also important. These factors can influence both the surgery and the healing process, so transparency is key.
During the Consultation for Breast Augmentation
Your comfort with your plastic surgeon is paramount. The initial meeting is an opportunity to establish a rapport and ensure you feel at ease discussing personal topics. A good plastic surgeon will listen attentively, respect your wishes, and foster an environment of open communication.
Discussing Your Goals
Articulating your desired breast size and shape is a significant part of the consultation. Using the images you’ve gathered can help convey your preferences. Your plastic surgeon may ask questions to understand your aesthetic goals fully and may provide professional insights to align your expectations with what’s achievable.
Physical Examination
A physical examination is necessary to assess your breast tissue, skin elasticity, and chest dimensions. Your plastic surgeon will take measurements and may photograph the area for your medical record. This evaluation helps in planning the surgery and choosing the appropriate implant size and type.
Medical Evaluation
Your plastic surgeon will review your medical history in detail to identify any potential risks. He may discuss how certain health factors could affect the surgery or recovery. This is also the time to mention any concerns you have about risks or complications, allowing your surgeon to address them directly.
Essential Questions to Ask During Your Consultation
To ensure you get all the information you need, consider asking the following questions during your breast augmentation consultation:
About your surgeon’s Experience:
- Q: “How many breast augmentations have you performed?”
Why it matters: This gives you an idea of your surgeon’s experience level. A higher number generally indicates more practice and potentially better-refined techniques.
- Q: “Can I see before and after photos of your previous patients?”
Why it matters: This allows you to assess your surgeon’s aesthetic style and the quality of their results, helping you determine if their work aligns with your goals.
Implant Options:
- Q: “What types of implants do you recommend for my body type and goals?”
Why it matters: Different implants suit different body types and desired outcomes. Understanding the options helps you make an informed decision.
- Q: “What are the pros and cons of saline vs. silicone implants?”
Why it matters: Each type of implant has its own characteristics. Knowing the differences helps you choose the option that best fits your preferences and lifestyle.
Surgical Technique:
- Q: “What incision sites do you recommend and why?”
Why it matters: The incision site affects scarring and can impact the final appearance. Becoming familiar with the options helps you balance your aesthetic goals with surgical practicalities.
- Q: “Will the implants be placed above or below the muscle, and why?”
Why it matters: Implant placement can affect the look and feel of your results, as well as impact recovery time and potential complications.
Risks and Safety:
- Q: “What are the potential risks and complications of this surgery?”
Why it matters: Knowing all about the risks allows you to make a decision and helps you prepare for potential outcomes.
- Q: “How often do your patients experience complications?”
Why it matters: This gives you an idea of your surgeon’s track record and can help you gauge the likelihood of complications.
Recovery Process:
- Q: “What is the typical recovery timeline?”
Why it matters: This helps you plan for time off work and arrange for help during your recovery period.
- Q: “When can I return to work and normal activities?”
Why it matters: Understanding the recovery timeline helps you set realistic expectations and plan your life around your surgery.
Results and Longevity:
- Q: “How long will the results last?”
Why it matters: Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices. Knowing their expected lifespan helps you plan for potential future surgeries.
- Q: “Will I need to replace the implants in the future?”
Why it matters: This helps you understand the long-term commitment of breast augmentation – augmentation mammoplasty, including potential future costs.
Cost and Financing:
- Q: “What is the total cost of the procedure, including follow-up care?”
Why it matters: Understanding the full cost helps you plan financially and avoid unexpected expenses.
- Q: “Do you offer financing options?”
Why it matters: If the full cost is challenging to pay upfront, financing options can make the procedure more accessible.
Preparation and Aftercare:
- Q: “How should I prepare for the surgery?”
Why it matters: Proper preparation can improve your surgery outcome and recovery experience.
- Q: “What kind of support will I need at home after the procedure?”
Why it matters: This helps you arrange necessary help and create a comfortable recovery environment.
Potential Revisions:
- Q: “What happens if I’m not satisfied with the results?”
Why it matters: Understanding the revision process and associated costs helps you feel more secure in your decision.
Alternative Options:
- Q: “Are there any non-surgical alternatives I should consider?”
Why it matters: Being aware of all your options ensures you’re making the best choice for your body and goals.
- Q: “Would a breast lift – mastopexy be beneficial in addition to augmentation?”
Why it matters: Sometimes combined procedures can provide better overall results. Understanding all options helps you plan better for your surgery.
What Your Plastic Surgeon Will Ask
While it’s important for you to ask questions during your consultation, your plastic surgeon will also have a series of questions for you. Being prepared for these can help you provide clear, thoughtful answers that will assist your surgeon in understanding your needs and goals. Here are some topics and questions your surgeon is likely to bring up:
Medical History:
- Q: “Do you have any current medical conditions?”
Why: Your overall health affects your ability to undergo surgery and recover properly. Certain conditions may increase surgical risks or impact the choice of anaesthesia.
- Q: “Have you had any previous surgeries, especially breast surgeries?”
Why: Prior surgeries, particularly those involving the chest area, can affect tissue quality, scarring, and the surgical approach needed.
- Q: “Are you taking any medications or supplements?”
Why: Some medications and supplements can increase bleeding risk or interact with anaesthesia. Your surgeon needs to know if any medications should be stopped before surgery.
- Q: “Do you have any allergies?”
Why: Allergies to medications, latex, or adhesives can impact the surgical plan and postoperative care.
- Q: “Is there a history of breast cancer in your family?”
Why: A family history of breast cancer may influence your surgeon’s recommendations and emphasise the importance of future breast cancer screenings.
Lifestyle Factors:
- Q: “Do you smoke?”
Why: Smoking can significantly impair healing and increase complication risks. Your surgeon may require you to quit smoking for a period before and after surgery.
- Q: “How much alcohol do you consume?”
Why: Excessive alcohol consumption can affect liver function, blood clotting, and anaesthesia metabolism.
- Q: “What is your exercise routine like?”
Why: Your fitness level can impact recovery time. Also, your surgeon needs to know how soon you can safely return to your normal activities post-surgery.
Motivations and Expectations:
- Q: “Why are you considering breast augmentation – augmentation mammoplasty?”
Why: Understanding your motivations helps your surgeon ensure you have realistic expectations and are pursuing surgery for the right reasons.
- Q: “What are your size goals?”
Why: This helps your surgeon recommend appropriate implant sizes that will achieve your desired look while remaining proportionate to your body.
Body Changes:
- Q: “Have you experienced significant weight changes recently?”
Why: Weight fluctuations can affect breast tissue and skin elasticity, which impacts surgical planning and results.
- Q: “Have you gone through pregnancy and breastfeeding?”
Why: Pregnancy and breastfeeding can change breast shape and size. This information helps your surgeon plan the procedure and discuss how future pregnancies might affect results.
Preference Questions:
- Q: “Do you have a preference for saline or silicone implants?”
Why: While your surgeon will recommend the best option, understanding your preferences helps tailor the discussion about implant types.
- Q: “Do you have concerns about scarring?”
Why: This helps your surgeon discuss incision options and scar management strategies that align with your concerns.
Recovery Planning:
- Q: “Do you have support at home for your recovery period?”
Why: Proper post-operative care is crucial for healing. Your surgeon wants to ensure you’ll have adequate support during recovery.
- Q: “How much time can you take off work?”
Why: This helps plan the timing of your surgery and set realistic expectations about your return to normal activities.
Previous Cosmetic Procedures:
- Q: “Have you had any previous cosmetic surgeries or non-surgical treatments?”
Why: Previous procedures can affect tissue quality and healing. It also indicates your familiarity with cosmetic treatments.
Psychological Readiness:
- Q: “How do you feel about surgery in general?”
Why: Your surgeon wants to ensure you’re mentally prepared for the procedure and understand the commitment involved.
- Q: “Have you discussed this decision with your partner or family?”
Why: Support from loved ones can be important for your emotional well-being during recovery.
Financial Considerations:
- Q: “Are you aware of the costs involved?”
Why: Your surgeon wants to ensure you understand the full financial commitment, including potential costs for revisions or complications.
Further Reading about Breast Augmentation with Dr Jake Lim
- Read Dr Jake Lim’s Blog about Breast Augmentation with Small Implants
- Read Dr Jake Lim’s Blog about What I Wish I’d Known before I Had Breast Augmentation Surgery
- Read Dr Jake Lim’s Blog about How to Minimise Scars after Breast Augmentation
- Read Dr Jake Lim’s Blog about Potential Complications after Breast Implants Surgery (Breast Augmentation) and How to Avoid Them
- Read Dr Jake Lim’s Blog about Factors to Consider When Choosing the Bra after Breast Augmentation
Medical References for Breast Augmentation – Augmentation Mammoplasty
- Evolving Trends in Cosmetic Breast Augmentation: New Data – American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Breast Augmentation – ScienceDirect.com
- Breast augmentation – Mayo Clinic
- Risks and Complications of Breast Implants – Food and Drug Administration
- The long-term outcomes of breast implants studied – Medical News Today
