The key to a successful breast augmentation consultation is asking the right questions. If you have a consultation on the calendar, but aren’t sure what to ask, Dr. Ary Krau can help. In this blog post, he offers a list of 11 questions to ask your surgeon.
1. Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
Board certified plastic surgeons must have at least three years of general surgery training and two years of plastic surgery training. They must pass rigorous exams and adhere to stringent professional and ethical standards to maintain certification.
2. How many breast augmentation procedures have you performed?
Experience matters. Ideally your breast augmentation surgeon has performed hundreds (if not thousands) of procedures over the course of his career.
3. Am I a good candidate for breast augmentation?
Your plastic surgeon determines whether you are qualified for breast augmentation based on factors such as your needs, lifestyle, medical history and goals of treatment.
4. What shape and size implants do you recommend for my body type?
You might have an idea of the shape and size implants you want, but your surgeon’s recommendations are important. An experienced surgeon can give you an idea of what different sizes will look like on your body frame as well as the pros and cons of each type.
5. What incision site do you recommend for me?
In addition to advising you on implant type and size, your surgeon can also suggest the incision pattern and location. This is based on the selected implants, your breasts and other factors.
6. What type of anesthesia will be used during my operation?
There are several types of anesthesia used during breast augmentation surgery, including general and local anesthesia. Your surgeon can discuss the pros and cons of each and discuss what is typically used.
7. What are the risks of breast augmentation?
Every surgery carries some degree of risk, and part of your pre-operative research should include reviewing these risks.
8. How do you handle complications?
Choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon reduces the risks, but even a textbook-perfect procedure can have complications. The way your surgeon handles complications is crucial to their level of care.
9. Will I need additional implant-related procedures in the future?
Inquire about the longevity of your implants and how they typically age. Ask your surgeon whether he foresees the need for additional breast operations in the future.
10. Will my ability to breastfeed be affected by implants?
If you plan to have children in the future, ask your surgeon whether implants will affect your ability to breastfeed.
11. Do you have before-and-after photographs of your breast augmentation patients?
To get a good idea of a surgeon’s typical work, it is helpful to look through before-and-after photographs of breast augmentation patients. Try to look for women with a similarly sized torso and breast shape as you for a sense of what your results could look like (but remember your procedure will be tailored to your individual needs).
For more information about breast augmentation, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Krau, please call (305) 861-6881 today.