Eight Questions To Ask Before Breast Augmentation

The weeks and months leading up to a breast augmentation can certainly be an exhilarating period. This is the time when many women begin to imagine their enhanced figure and shop for new styles of clothing that will complement their feminine physique. However, it is also important to use this waiting period as a time to ensure that you have all of the available information about your procedure, know what to expect during and after surgery, and get all of your questions answered.

During your initial one-on-one consultation and subsequent preoperative appointments at SSK Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, CA, board-certified plastic surgeon and President of SSK Plastic Surgery, Dr. Sean Kelishadi, will take all of the time necessary to make sure that you are thoroughly educated on what to expect before, during, and after your breast augmentation. At your first appointment, Dr. Kelishadi will evaluate your case, discuss your concerns at length, explain your options in detail, and answer your questions fully. Patient service and care are extremely important to the entire team at SSK Plastic Surgery, and we strive to ensure that each and every patient feels 110% comfortable before undergoing any procedure.

Here are eight of the most common and most useful questions that can be asked before your breast augmentation:

1. How does a breast augmentation work?

The breast augmentation, informally known as a boob job, is a cosmetic surgery that is designed to increase the volume of the breasts most often through the use of artificial implants, though in some cases patients may choose a fat transfer to the breast.

While the details of each surgery will vary from patient to patient, most breast augmentations are performed under general anesthesia and typically take about 2-3 hours. The surgeon will make his incisions at a predetermined location, usually in the crease underneath the breasts, through which the implants will be inserted. Once the surgeon is satisfied with the position and symmetry of the breasts, he or she will close the incisions with sutures.

2. What kind of breast implant should I get?

Arguably the most commonly asked question by women considering a breast augmentation is what kind of breast implants are best. The answer is somewhat complex, as certain women may benefit more from one type of implant, while others are better-suited to a different kind of implant. Dr. Kelishadi is highly experienced in the complexities and nuances of both silicone gel and saline implants and can help determine which implant may help you most closely achieve your desired look. Some important factors to consider when thinking about silicone versus saline implants are:

• Saline implants typically show rippling more than silicone, so women who are thinner or have less native breast tissue may prefer the look of silicone gel implants.
• Silicone gel implants are only FDA approved for use in women over the age of 22, so younger women may need to consider saline implants as their only option.

3. Is there an alternative to breast implants?

For patients who prefer a more natural approach to breast augmentation, a fat transfer to the breast can be considered. During this procedure, fat is extracted from one area of the body using liposuction and is transferred to the breast. Women considering a breast augmentation with native fat grafting must have enough excess fat elsewhere on the body to use during the transfer.

4. Are breast implants safe?

Both saline and silicone gel implants are FDA approved for use during breast augmentation to increase a patient’s breast volume. As with any cosmetic procedure, there are some risks involved. Some risks of breast augmentation surgery include:

• Infection
• Asymmetry
• Dissatisfaction with results
• Breast implant-associated illness (BIA-ALCL)
• Implant rupture

In the case of implant rupture, a saline implant will immediately deflate and the saline solution will be absorbed by the body. While this is perfectly safe, it can be somewhat of a nuisance in terms of the asymmetry a woman will have to deal with before she can get the implant replaced. The rupture of a silicone implant, on the other hand, can be difficult or even impossible to detect without the use of an MRI. While the silicone material is not a liquid and will not leak into the rest of the body, the implant will still need to be replaced.

5. How long do breast implants last?

Although breast implants are not designed to be lifelong devices, most patients are able to enjoy their implants for up to 10 years before needing a replacement or revision.

6. Can I get a breast lift at the same time as a breast augmentation?

Yes! In many cases, Dr. Kelishadi is able to perform a breast lift and breast augmentation simultaneously to both increase breast volume and improve breast position. This is particularly useful for after weight loss patients and women who have stretched out or sagging breast skin following pregnancy and breastfeeding.

7. How long is the recovery period after a breast augmentation?

For most women, a breast augmentation is tolerated fairly well. Immediately following the procedure, patients should expect some level of discomfort and swelling. These symptoms can be alleviated with prescription medication provided by your doctor as well as at-home remedies. You will likely be given a medical-grade supportive bra to wear at all times for the first several weeks following your surgery. This helps promote proper healing and keep you comfortable and supported.

Many patients are ready to return to work after 1-2 weeks, but you will likely still have swelling, bruising, and possibly some minor pain or discomfort. These should subside after 3-4 weeks, and your final results will begin to become visible after about 6-12 weeks.

8. How can I find the best breast augmentation surgeon in Newport Beach?

Selecting a qualified, certified, and experienced plastic surgeon to perform your breast augmentation in Newport Beach, CA is crucial to the overall success and outcome of the procedure. Make sure to browse a surgeon’s before-and-after photo galleries online, and ask questions about his or her training, education, and experience specifically with breast augmentations.

If you are interested in learning more about how a breast augmentation can help you restore lost breast volume or achieve the contour you’ve always wanted, call the convenient Newport Beach facility to schedule your consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon and President of SSK Plastic Surgery, Dr. Sean Kelishadi, today!