Last year, breast augmentation was performed on almost 300,000 women and remains one of the most popular choices in cosmetic surgery. We’re here to help you with that process by providing some recommendations and a basic understanding of breast implants and breast augmentation at our Boston plastic surgery practice.
Information on Implants
You’ll hear doctors and media sources refer to implants as “cc” of material. “Cc” is short-hand for cubic centimeters, which is how breast implants are measured. The more cc in an implant, the larger the size. Implants range from 150 cc to 800 cc. To give you an idea of how cc compare to cup sizes, 150-200cc is about the same as one cup size.
The two most common materials used in implants are silicone and saline. Silicone implants come in ready-made sizes and shapes, while saline implants are empty silicone bags that are then filled to the correct size during surgery. Silicone implants look and feel more natural than saline implants, and saline ones are firmer and usually bouncier. No matter what material you choose, each has a set of benefits and risks. Your doctor will discuss your options and all the necessary information for each implant type during your consultation.
Time to Do Some Breast Research
It is common for patients to come prepared to a breast augmentation consultation with pictures of what they want their new breasts to look like after surgery. This is best accomplished by doing some browsing for breasts. Women come in all shapes and sizes, and certain types of breasts look better on certain types of women. You have to assess your own body, what you think looks good, and what will actually look good on you personally. Some patients do this by going out and buying swimsuit or lingerie model magazines. Your doctor can also help with this process during your consultation. The important thing to remember is that you are the one getting these implants and you have to do what is best for you.
Research Your Doctor, Too!
There is a wealth of plastic surgeons out there capable of giving you a breast augmentation, but not all are capable of providing you with the same experience. Some surgeons are better skilled, others have more experience, and some take better care of their patients. Take the time to find a surgeon and research their work. Look at patient reviews or before and after pictures of other breast augmentations they’ve performed. You need to feel confident in your doctor so you can feel confident in your surgery.
Openly Discuss Your Breasts
After choosing a doctor, you need to go in to see them for a consultation. Part of the consultation is discussing your personal needs and wants out of the surgery. You need to be comfortable discussing and showing your breasts to your doctor so they can make an accurate assessment of your body. After looking at your body type and hearing what you want in terms of size and shape, they will be able to give you a professional opinion on what will work best for you. If you can’t be honest about what you want, they can’t even begin to try and give you the right breasts.
Be Willing to Give a Little
Everyone has a different opinion on what they like in a breast and every women has a different view on what will make them happy with their breasts. That’s absolutely okay, and it’s something that your doctor will be prepared for. However, what you want may not always be possible. There are physical limitations to what your body and lifestyle can handle.
Above all, remember that your doctor’s job is to make you a satisfied patient, but their most important job is to keep you safe and healthy. If they feel that you should go up or down a size to keep your breasts looking natural and proportional without putting you at risk for future issues, you may want to consider what they have to say. They are the professionals, after all. More than anything, your doctor is there to help you, not judge you.
Dr. Christopher Davidson
Dr. Christopher Davidson is a Harvard-trained, ASPS board-certified plastic surgeon who has practiced plastic surgery in Boston for almost ten years. His dedication to patient comfort and satisfaction, plus his high level of skill and artistry make him one of the top cosmetic surgeons in the city. If you are interested in scheduling a consultation, contact our office today at (781) 237-7700 to make an appointment.
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