Breast augmentation, a popular cosmetic surgical procedure, involves enhancing the size and shape of the breasts through the insertion of implants or fat transfer techniques. It’s sought after by individuals for various reasons, including a desire for increased confidence, symmetry correction, or restoration following mastectomy. With advancements in technology and surgical techniques, breast augmentation offers individuals the opportunity to achieve their desired aesthetic goals under the care of qualified medical professionals.
In all seriousness, breast augmentation today is a lot different than it was twenty years ago. You no longer have to whisper about who had “work done” while you’re out with friends. The stigma that stuck with plastic surgery for so many years is on the way out. You and your posse (is that still a cool term?) can talk freely about what you’ve changed or want to change about your bodies–and why you want to change things. In a society that is learning to value mental health as much as physical health–and recognize the link between the two–it’s never a bad idea to talk with people you trust.
Plus, if the people you trust also happen to have just had a great breast augmentation experience, it can be very helpful–especially if you are searching for a great plastic surgeon to perform your breast augmentation. Break out the notepad, notes app on your phone, or even a paper napkin and get that surgeon’s info.
But what if the surgeon your blunt friend liked is a little too brusk for you? What if you prefer someone with a sense of humor to make you feel at ease? What if your friend’s results are good, but they might not be what you want?
We know you’ve done a lot of research at this point, and it feels like you’ll never find your ideal surgeon. Don’t sweat it! We’ve done the hard part and come up with a list of five simple ways to make sure you know when a surgeon is well-suited to your needs.
What Are My Breast Augmentation Options?
What Are My Breast Augmentation Options?Okay, so maybe you haven’t done a deep dive yet. No worries–we’ve got you covered! Before we get to our list of five tips for finding your surgeon, let’s review some common breast augmentation choices and what options might be good for you.
Implants
You know what they are and how they look on other people. But have you ever really thought about them for yourself? Implants can be a great way to quickly increase the volume of your breasts and add that extra lift. But brace yourself–several options come with this choice. The good news is that you don’t have to make any move without the expertise of your surgeon (yes, yes, we’re getting to the tips–we promise).
- Material: You’ll get different benefits from the two different types of implants. If you go the silicone road, your implants will feel more firm and won’t wrinkle below your skin. If you choose the saline path, your implants can have a good structure and a natural look.
- Shape: You can choose round implants (the typical style) or a teardrop shape. If you want a very natural shape, the teardrop shape looks more like normal breast tissue since it’s narrow at the top and wide at the base.
- Size: When it comes to size, you’re in control. Don’t worry if you’re not sure what you want. Your surgeon can help you decide what size works best for your frame.
Incisions
Yes, you guessed it–another decision! Hey, we know it can be overwhelming to have to make so many choices. But look at it this way–it’s your body, and you know what you want. You might need a little guidance getting there, but that’s why it’s important to choose the right surgeon. (We’re so close to the tips–hang in there!)
- Inframammary Fold: These are the most popular incisions and work well if you don’t have any special requirements.
- Periareolar: The periareolar method is a good choice if you don’t have a natural fold to hide the incisions made with the inframammary fold technique.
- Transaxillary: This method uses incisions under your arms, so you won’t have to worry about scarring on your chest.
- Trans Umbilical Breast Augmentation: TUBA is still a new method and not very common in the world of breast augmentation. It’s another option for moving the incision away from the chest, though, so it might be worth looking into.
Other Types Of Breast Augmentation
While you’ve probably looked into breast augmentation with implants, that’s not the only way to go. You might be a little put off by the idea of implanting anything into your body–and we get that. You do have options besides implants, and you should know more about other types of breast augmentation. Let’s start with the most popular choice–breast lift surgery.
Breast Lift
Say you have sagging breast tissue. Breast tissue can droop after weight fluctuations (like pregnancy and breastfeeding) or general aging and the effects of gravity (we hate it, too). What if this tissue makes it hard to find clothes that fit you well? What if you don’t feel confident in the way your body looks? Maybe you’re dealing with breasts that aren’t quite the same size or shape, and you’d like things to be on more equal ground. Whatever the case, this tissue impacts your daily life, and you’re ready for a change. That’s where breast lift surgery comes into the picture.
What makes a breast lift so different from implant placement? That’s a great question, and we’re glad you asked. The first and most important thing is that there are no implants (seems obvious, right?) But then, how can you get the figure you want without implants? Another great question–you’re on fire today! Think of a facelift but for your chest–no, seriously! Your breast lift gets rid of extra tissue that’s sagging and causing you trouble. After a good amount of tissue is gone, your surgeon pulls your skin tighter and reshapes your breasts. These two steps give you a renewed and more youthful figure.
You might not get as much volume with a breast lift as you would with implants, but you can still see a dramatic change in your figure. You also won’t have to worry about implanting devices in your body or dealing with the upkeep and maintenance that’s part of living with implants (regular checkups, scans, etc.). Breast lift surgery can be just as satisfying and life-changing as any other form of breast augmentation.
Fat Transfer To Breasts
Have you ever wanted to take an area of fat from somewhere on your body and move it to your chest? Well, now you can, with a combo surgery of liposuction and breast augmentation. The liposuction won’t make a huge difference in the donor area, but you’ll probably see a subtle improvement. You will see the change in your breasts when your surgeon transfers the fat cells to your chest.
5 Tips For Choosing The Right Plastic Surgeon
Congratulations! You finally reached the main section of the blog! Maybe you skipped here, but honestly, we don’t care. We’re just happy to have you! So, what are these elusive tips for choosing the right surgeon?
1. Read Online Reviews
Yeah, it’s not some new and exciting way to tell if a surgeon is great at what they do, but it’s a tried-and-true method. Reviews are where patients gush about their wonderful experiences or dish about their not-so-great outcomes. Whatever the case, you’ll see what the majority are saying and can decide for yourself.
2. Verify Their Credentials And Qualifications
Google the surgeon’s name and read through their schooling and career history. If this matches what they boast on their website, you can feel sure they have the experience they claim to have. When you go in for a consultation, you should see their credentials displayed somewhere in their office, too, just to make you feel more at ease.
3. Check Out Their Website
A plastic surgeon’s website showcases some of their best work, giving you a feel for their aesthetic style and if it matches your own. The website can also help you learn more about the surgeon and why they do what they do. Bonus points if they have a “patient-first” attitude!
4. Schedule A Consultation
Once the surgeon of your choice has cleared all the above hurdles, you can feel more confident scheduling your consultation. This appointment gives you the chance to visit the clinic, see how it’s run, and get a better idea of the atmosphere–and whether or not it matches their online persona.
5. Ask Questions
There’s nothing more important than feeling comfortable and confident in your plastic surgeon’s abilities and knowledge. And there’s no better time to ask questions than at your consultation. Take care to notice the surgeon’s responses. Do they listen and pay attention to you and your concerns? If so, you’ve found a good one–and maybe the right one for you.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation has come a long way, moving from hushed whispers to open conversations. With choices like implants, lifts, and fat transfers, finding the right surgeon matters. Look for reviews, check credentials, and vibe with their aesthetic. Schedule chats and ask anything you need to feel comfortable. It’s your body and your journey—make sure it feels right every step of the way.
