Initially, selecting the “right” plastic surgeon for your breast augmentation may appear simple. However, do not be deceived by a fancy waiting room or pricing that seems too good to be true. There are many doctors willing to perform your surgery, but only an experienced, well-trained plastic surgeon can provide the proportionate, natural-looking results you desire.

To simplify the process, begin by asking the following five questions. Their responses and the subsequent conversation with the physician will make selecting the best plastic surgeon a breeze.

Are you certified by a board?
By selecting an American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)-certified plastic surgeon, you place yourself in the safest hands possible. While any physician can perform an aesthetic procedure, only a board-certified plastic surgeon has the years of hands-on experience required for optimal breast augmentation results. By passing rigorous oral and written examinations, he or she will have demonstrated their skill. In addition, they must continue to demonstrate their expertise and keep abreast of cutting-edge developments through annual continuing education and examinations.

Where will my surgical procedure be performed?
All cosmetic plastic surgeries should be performed in an accredited ambulatory surgery center, accredited surgical facility, or hospital surgical suite, with your safety in mind. Your breast augmentation must be performed in a facility that is equipped to handle potential complications.

In addition, a board-certified anesthesiologist should supervise the surgical procedure. Numerous plastic surgeons will make their anesthesiologist available to meet with you prior to your breast augmentation, allowing you to ask questions or express concerns.

What implant size is optimal for my body type?
Individual implants are sized using a scientific method to determine proportion. Your plastic surgeon will take multiple precise measurements of your natural chest anatomy during your consultation. Afterwards, he or she will make a recommendation for the implant size based on a combination of these measurements, the type of implant that is safest for you, and the implant that will reduce the likelihood of post-operative complications.

During the consultation, your plastic surgeon will likely have you try on implant sizers to determine the shape/size that best matches your desired results. Examine as many before-and-after images of recent breast augmentation patients of your prospective surgeon as possible. This will give you a good idea of how you will look with a particular implant size, as well as demonstrate the unique style and skill of the plastic surgeon.

How can I achieve optimal surgical outcomes?
Before and after your breast augmentation, your surgeon should provide you with a set of clear, simple-to-follow instructions. The best way to ensure a successful outcome is to carefully adhere to these instructions. Most post-op breast augmentation instructions include the following: no ibuprofen or aspirin before or after surgery, no smoking for several weeks before and after the procedure, no heavy lifting greater than five to ten pounds or exercise for four to eight weeks, and no sleeping on your chest/stomach until your plastic surgeon gives you permission.

In addition, you will be required to wear the recommended supportive garments for the duration of time specified by your doctor, which is typically two weeks or more. Adhere to your plastic surgeon’s recovery instructions for breasts that will continue to look great for years.

What will the scars from my breast augmentation look like?
All women can anticipate a small scar to form along the incision lines, despite the fact that everyone heals differently. Inframammary incisions result in a scar that runs along the bottom of the breast. A plastic surgeon may also use a periareolar (around the areola) or axillary incision (at the underarm). A skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon will conceal your scar within the natural breast anatomy, regardless of its location.

Using a funnel to place the implants can help ensure that the breast augmentation scars are very short. A specific and individualized scar management regiment will be discussed during your consultation, ranging from silicone scar sheets to silicone scar gel or a combination of the two. The postoperative instructions provided by your plastic surgeon will be based on your specific needs and skin quality.