Breast augmentation is among the most popular procedures I perform at my Sacramento plastic surgery practice. For patients, the consultation can be both exciting and a little bit nerve-wracking as they make a number of choices about the procedure. That’s why I’ve decided to write a series of blog posts about the choices associated with breast augmentation, including the different breast implant options available and whether you should combine a breast lift with augmentation.
The first decision a woman makes regarding breast augmentation is whether the procedure is right for her. There are several factors that can influence a woman’s choice to pursue this highly personal procedure, and I’ll touch on them below:
- A patient’s overall health: Even though breast augmentation surgery is very safe, it is still surgery, and certain health conditions may increase the risk of complications. During the consultation, I ask patients for a complete health history. Patients who smoke will have to commit to quitting for at least a few weeks prior to the surgery.
- A patient’s age: Women often wonder if they’re “too old” to get breast implants. Age isn’t really as important as a patient’s health (see the first bullet point.) Women in their 40s and 50s often get breast implants. And breast augmentation is increasingly popular for young women in their late teens or early 20s, but I like to discuss their reasons for wanting implants to ensure it’s truly their choice.
- Is the timing right? Many patients think about getting breast implants for months, even years, before going ahead with the procedure. The reasons women choose to postpone breast augmentation vary, but include planning to get pregnant in the near future, or wanting to be more financially stable.
- Would larger breasts hinder physical activity? Athletic women who run, participate in team sports, or are body builders should consider whether breast implants will make those activities more difficult or less enjoyable.
- The recovery process: This is associated with choosing the right time to get implants. Even though recovery following breast augmentation involves relatively little downtime for most patients, you’ll still need to be able to take a few days off from work. Women with small children also need to plan for child care during the recovery.
As you consider these factors, though, it’s important to understand there are invisible benefits of breast augmentation — including increased confidence and an expanded wardrobe — that I wrote about in an earlier blog post. When you consider all of these factors, you’ll have greater peace of mind about your final decision.
My sister has always been insecure about her small breasts, which is why she’s thinking of trying the breast augmentation because this may help increase its size. Thank you for sharing here that the patient must quit at least a few weeks before the surgery. It’s also a great thing that you were able to elaborate here she must plan for child care during her procedure.