Breast Implants: How Much Research Should You Do?

Patients considering breast implants at my Albany, NY, office often tell me similar things when they come in for their consultation. One of the most common things they reveal is that they’re overwhelmed by the amount of information available about breast augmentation. Perhaps more than any other plastic surgery procedure, breast augmentation comes with a wealth of options to select and decisions to make. Today’s breast implants are available in an astounding array of sizes, shapes, textures, and projections, making it tough for a layperson to narrow down their choices.

But there’s good news: You really don’t have to make every single decision before your first consultation. A big part of my job as a plastic surgeon is to guide you through the options and offer my professional opinion on what’s most likely to create the results you want.

So what should you know when you walk into your consultation?

Probably the most important thing you should know is what you want to look like after your surgery. Many of my patients bring in pictures of their ideal breasts, including celebrity photos or before-and-after images taken from my own website. It’s a great help for me to see what each patient envisions.

Having something tangible to look at ensures that both the patient and I are working toward the same goal. When I see what you want to look like after surgery, I can use your desired outcome to create your personalized surgical plan, taking into account variables such as your natural measurements and your lifestyle to create a result that’s unique to your situation.

Don’t sweat the details.

It’s best to not get bogged down in the nuances of details such as implant size, implant placement, or even implant type. Every woman is different, and a high-profile, 350cc silicone implant will look very different on different body types. This is why it’s so important to not get attached to a particular implant before you’ve had the chance to consult with a professional—like a great dress or a beautiful shade of lipstick, what looks amazing on one woman may not work for you.

Now, that’s not to say you should go into your procedure without understanding the fundamentals of breast implants. In a previous blog post, I shared some of the lingo associated with breast implants. Being familiar with terms like “profile” and “texture” will help you understand the details of your own procedure once we develop a plan. But it’s simply not necessary—and potentially even counterproductive—to work out the details of your surgery before you see a doctor.

In another previous blog post, I shared why consulting in person is important. During this appointment, your surgeon performs a physical examination of your body and takes detailed measurements that help him or her plan an effective surgical outcome.

If you would like more information or want to discuss your options, request a consultation online or give us a call at (518) 328-3330.