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Breast augmentation surgery may be one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the United States, but many patients remain woefully uneducated about what is involved. Being prepared is essential for any successful surgery. This is because studies have shown that understanding what to expect and what you should do both before and after the procedure can reduce the likelihood of post-operative complications, expedite your recovery and ensure you get the best possible result from your breast augmentation surgery.

Here is our guide to some of the things that you need to know before getting breast implants.

You will probably have another boob job in the future

Many women who opt for breast implants don’t realize that there is a good chance that they will need further surgery in the future. Not only do implants not last forever, with some leaking or needing adjustment, weight loss and pregnancy can also trigger further requests for surgery. You might even decide that you would like to replace your current implants with some that are bigger or smaller. Approximately 25% of women go on to have another boob job in the future.

Not all surgeons were created equal

There are plenty of surgeons who can offer breast implants. However, this doesn’t mean that they all have the same level of skill and experience. If you don’t research your surgeon carefully, you could end up with low-quality, sub-standard implants and even a botched surgery. In some cases, choosing an inexperienced surgeon can put your health and potentially your life at risk. You should choose a surgeon who is certified from the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Membership to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery also shows that the surgeon you are considering has met a very high standard of working and highly successful results.

Make sure you ask to see their body of work and the before-and-after photographs that your surgeon has taken. However, it is also important to schedule a face-to-face consultation. This is because you must ensure you feel your surgeon is approachable, honest and capable of performing your procedure to the highest standard of care possible. You must feel reassured of this before you commit to a surgeon.

You may not be able to go as large as you would like

At least, not straight away. The skin on your chest has currently only stretched to accommodate the breast size that you have. While it is possible to go a cup size or two larger, any larger could overstretch the skin. Not only can this cause stretchmarks, it could also stretch the skin to the point where it loses elasticity and is unable to support your new implants as well as you would like. This, combined with the new weight of your enlarged breasts, could potentially cause sagging and drooping. If you want a more dramatic transformation, your surgeon may suggest gradual increases over a period of time.

You may not be able to breastfeed after having implants

If your breast implant surgery involves an incision around the areola to reposition it, there is a small risk that there will be damage to the ducts needed to successfully breastfeed. However, if your surgery only involves incisions in the crease of the breasts, these ducts should be unmolested, and you will hopefully be able to breastfeed, if you so wish, in the future.

Things will feel different

You probably already expect your breasts to feel different once the implants are put in place. Many patients state that their breasts feel significantly firmer, although saline implants are known to replicate a more natural texture compared to silicone varieties. However, you may find that you experience loss of sensation in the nipples, and this is a considerable risk associated with any breast surgery. However, even if you lose sensation, your nipples will still respond to cold and stimulation.

Not everyone is a good candidate for breast implants

Unfortunately, not every female is a suitable candidate for breast implants. Patients who have a strong family history of breast cancer, who are medically obese or heavy smokers are just some of the people who may be considered unacceptable for surgery. This is because they are more likely to suffer from complications and are more at risk of problems developing during the procedure itself. Therefore, before you can be approved for breast implants you will need to attend a consultation with your chosen surgeon.

If you are interested in finding out more about breast implant surgery, or if you would like to schedule a consultation to discuss your candidacy, please contact our clinic and speak to our reassuring and knowledgeable team.