What Makes a Good Breast Augmentation Candidate?
Thinking about breast implants? You are not alone. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation has reigned as the most common cosmetic surgery performed in the US for at least the last 20 years. Last year almost 300,000 patients underwent this surgery for a variety of reasons, from genetic factors to anatomical changes following childbirth. Whatever your reason may be, the bottom line is it’s all about feeling great in your own skin. Before you continue on your journey, it’s important to understand what makes someone a good candidate for breast augmentation.
“Know Thyself” (Particularly Thy Own Anatomy)
It’s quite natural to see a celebrity, a model, or even a friend and covet their figure. A logical thought is to use that person as a visual example for your desired result. The problem is that person might have a totally different anatomy than you! According to Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Benjamin Rechner, “It’s important to understand that each individual anatomy contributes greatly to the outcome of breast implant surgery. The best candidates have naturally symmetrical breasts with moderate breast tissue and good nipple location. For those that do not possess these characteristics, we do everything possible to ‘create’ them during surgery. However, we are somewhat limited to the patient’s existing breasts. I recommend reviewing before and after photos to find an example of a patient with a similar anatomy.”
Ex·pec·ta·tion/ ekspekˈtāSH(ə)n/ noun: A Prospect of Future Good
It can be quite beneficial to use their images as a point of reference.”It’s thrilling to fantasize about the “new and improved you” that will come with breast surgery. It can be really easy to get attached to your visions and daydreams! However, the best candidates for breast augmentation have realistic expectations. “I cannot stress how important it is for breast augmentation patients to enter into surgery with reasonable goals. We work to illustrate anticipated outcomes by explaining every aspect of the surgery, spending ample time in consultations, utilizing breast imaging and sizing modalities, reviewing photos, and providing multiple educational channels,” says Patient Care Coordinator, Amanda Cate. “At the Centre for Plastic Surgery, our top priorities are outstanding patient care, education, and results. But even we can’t quite reach everyone! There are still those patients who, after all our efforts, are attached to unrealistic expectations. Ultimately, we find that those patients are the most likely to feel unhappy after surgery.”
There Is No Prize for a Fast Recovery
Have you ever known a woman who “bounced right back” after childbirth? (Maybe you are one of them? LUCKY YOU!) As you consider implants, you may come across those who describe the procedure as “no big deal.” However, the best candidates understand that a breast augmentation is still major surgery. Recovery is different for everyone. Patient Care Coordinator, Kendra Afton explains that “home care after cosmetic surgery is a vital part of the results. Our post-operative instructions have been developed with exceptional expertise over a long period of time. We’ve carefully cultivated our care plans to help patients avoid complications that can lead to undesirable outcomes and even a return to the operating room! It is important that patients plan for the recommended recovery time and proper home support. If they don’t need it, great. But no one should ever expect to speed through recovery without help.”
Time Is Everything
At the Centre for Plastic Surgery, we’ll gladly take the time to support you through every step of your journey from surgical considerations to financing. It is common for patients to take months, or even years, to schedule. With over 37 years in practice, we are happy to wait as long as you need us to wait. When the time is right, we will be here! Contact us when you are ready to learn more about breast augmentation surgery at our West Michigan location.