Am I a good candidate for breast augmentation?
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One or more of the following feelings or conditions may indicate that you are
a good candidate for breast augmentation:
- you are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small
- clothes that fit well around your hips are often too large at the bustline
- you feel self-conscious wearing a swimsuit or form-fitting top
- your breasts have become smaller and lost their firmness after having
children
- weight loss has changed the size and shape of your breasts one of your
breasts is noticeably smaller than the other
Your Personal Consultation
During the consultation, you will be asked about your desired breast size and
anything else related to the appearance of your breasts that you feel is
important.
This will help your surgeon to understand your expectations and determine
whether they realistically can be achieved.
How will my plastic surgeon evaluate me for breast augmentation surgery?
Your plastic surgeon will examine your breasts and perhaps take photographs
for your medical record. He or she will consider such factors as the size and
shape of your breasts, the quality of your skin and the placement of your
nipples and areolas (the pigmented skin surrounding the nipples). If your
breasts are sagging, a breast lift may be recommended in conjunction with
augmentation. You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your
medical history. This will include information about any medical conditions,
drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, previous surgeries
including breast biopsies, and medications that you currently take. You will be
asked whether you have a family history of breast cancer and about results of
any mammograms. It is important for you to provide complete information.
There is no scientific evidence that breast augmentation increases the risk
of breast cancer. The presence of breast implants, however, makes it more
technically difficult to take and read mammograms. This may be a special
consideration for women who perhaps are at higher risk for breast cancer because
of their family history or other reasons. Placement of the implant underneath
the pectoral muscle may interfere less with mammographic examination, but other
factors may also need to be considered with regard to implant placement. Your
plastic surgeon will discuss this with you.
If you are planning to lose a significant amount of weight, be sure to tell
your plastic surgeon. He or she may recommend that you stabilize your weight
prior to undergoing surgery.
If you think that you may want to become pregnant in the future, you should
mention this to your surgeon. Pregnancy can alter breast size in an
unpredictable way and could affect the long-term results of your breast
augmentation. There is no evidence that breast implants will affect pregnancy or
your ability to breast-feed, but if you have questions about these matters, you
should ask your plastic surgeon.
The 2200-member American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) is the
only plastic surgery organization devoted entirely to the advancement of
cosmetic surgery. ASAPS is recognized throughout the world as the authoritative
source for cosmetic surgery education. U.S. members are certified by the
American Board of Plastic Surgery. Canadian members are certified in plastic
surgery by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Toll-free
referral line: 888.ASAPS.11 (272.7711). Web site: www.surgery.org
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