Getting Ready for Breast Augmentation Surgery: What You Need to Know
Many women desire larger or fuller breasts, and breast augmentation can help them achieve their desired look. Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure that involves increasing the size and/or altering the shape of the breasts. The procedure can be performed using either breast implants or fat grafting. Breast augmentation is often performed to treat hypomastia (a condition that stunts the growth of women’s breasts, making them smaller than average) or asymmetry. It can also be used to restore volume and shape after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging.
In addition, breast augmentation can sometimes be used to improve the appearance of the breasts after reconstruction surgery . Breast augmentation has become increasingly popular in recent years, in part due to the greater availability of safe and effective surgical techniques. Breast augmentation can help patients achieve their desired breast size and shape, providing them with additional confidence and satisfaction.
If you are considering breast augmentation surgery, there are a few things that you need to do to prepare for the procedure. The following information is what women must keep in mind before breast augmentation:
Educate Yourself: Understanding the Surgery and What to Expect
The first step before undergoing breast augmentation is to thoroughly educate yourself on the procedure and what to expect during surgery and recovery. This means doing in-depth research on the procedure, the different techniques, and potential risks and complications. Once you know the procedure for breast augmentation surgery, its requirements, risks, complications, and aftercare, the next step is to find the right surgeon.
Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon for Your Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation surgery is a life-changing procedure, and the most significant step after deciding to have surgery is finding the right surgeon. Your safety and the success of cosmetic surgery depend on it.
Here are the things to keep in mind when searching for the right plastic surgeon :
Ensure Your Surgeon is Board-Certified and Experienced
There are many so-called “best plastic surgeons,” and “award-winning plastic surgeons” in India who aren’t even qualified to perform cosmetic surgery. Officially authorized surgeons are members of the Indian Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (IAAPS), highly skilled and trained. To be a member of IAAPS plastic surgeon must fulfill the following criteria:
- Graduation from medical school (MBBS)
- Completion of general surgery training (DNB/MS)
- Plastic Surgery Super Specialization (DNB/MCh) from a Reputable Institution
- Minimum two years of experience
Looking for these credentials is essential, so you get surgery from qualified and trained cosmetic surgeons.
Assessing Your Surgeon’s Experience and Qualifications
Yes, the surgeon’s experience matters. As cosmetic surgery is a broad profession, not every qualified cosmetic surgeon you see online can meet your specific needs. In addition, years of surgical experience and experience with a particular surgical procedure are two different things. So if you require breast augmentation surgery, you should consult a cosmetic surgeon who has handled a lot of breast-related plastic surgery cases.
Preparing Questions: What to Ask Your Surgeon Before the Surgery
After finalizing the plastic surgeon, the next step is to meet or consult with the doctor. This meeting is the right time to ask the surgeon your queries and doubts regarding breast augmentation surgery. Given below are a few things you can ask during the breast augmentation consultation:
- Why is the doctor advising you on a particular size, type, or implant material?
- What details do you need to keep in mind while preparing for breast augmentation: for instance, dietary restrictions, smoking, alcohol intake, intake of prescribed medications, and clothing?
- Are there any potential postoperative risks?
- What results are to be expected post-surgery and what changes will occur over the time post-surgery?
- Will breast augmentation affect breastfeeding?
Don’t forget to gather all information about the operation day; for example, the duration of the procedure, what happens during each step of the breast augmentation procedure, sutures, and scarring. Also make sure to inquire about the cost of the surgery and the mode of payment.
Schedule Your Consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
After you have decided on the surgeon who meets your requirement and prepared a list of questions to ask, the next step is to schedule an appointment with the cosmetic surgeon. Although you have found all the information regarding breast augmentation and the surgeon, meeting the doctor in person is essential. “Surgery,” the term itself, creates anxiety in the minds. Whether the procedure is minor or major, surgery involves incisions, medications, precautions, and hospital stays. Only an experienced surgeon can help you reduce your anxiety or fear regarding surgery and provide you with rightful information. In addition, your surgeon can thoroughly examine you and assess what size, type, and material of breast implant will suit you best.
Most importantly, the first consultation can be an ice-breaker, building trust and comfort levels with your surgeon. In addition, it helps you freely discuss breast cosmetic surgery’s goals, needs, and expected outcomes. During your consultation, you can convey why you want to go for breast augmentation. For instance, whether you want:
- Better breast fullness
- A balanced hip-to-breast ratio
- To increase the size, shape, or projection of the breasts
- To correct breast asymmetry
- To add breast volume
You can also discuss the size and type of implant material you need.
Follow All Preoperative Instructions for a Smooth Surgery
Adhering to your surgeon’s preoperative instructions is essential to prepare for your procedure. For example, the night before your procedure, the surgeon will instruct you to abstain from food and liquids. In addition, cosmetic surgeons advise you to quit smoking a few weeks before breast augmentation. Smoking reduces blood flow in the body and increases the risk of postoperative complications. This, in turn, may delay your recovery. Smoking may also reduce your immunity, increasing your risk of contracting an infection.
Dr. Anjali Saple: Your Trusted Expert in Aesthetic Transformation in Visakhapatnam has many years of experience with breast augmentation surgery and will be able to answer any questions that you may have. Book a consultation with Dr. Anjali today to learn more about what you can expect before, during, and after your surgery.