If you’re considering breast enlargement or breast lift surgery, you need to prepare yourself physically and emotionally. Breast augmentation could take a toll on your body if you aren’t prepared for it, and knowing what you are getting into will help you deal with any unexpected emotions post-op. Here are some ways to prepare both physically and emotionally so you can get the best outcome and enjoy your new body for years to come.

Choosing a Doctor

One of the most important steps in your journey is picking a plastic surgeon. Your surgeon should make sure you are comfortable with the procedure, answer your questions, and keep you informed about the surgical process. Pick a surgeon who has been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The American Board of Plastic Surgery states its mission is to “promote safe, ethical, efficacious plastic surgery to the public by maintaining high standards for the education, examination, certification and maintenance of certification of plastic surgeons as specialists and subspecialists.” If your plastic surgeon is unable to obtain certification through the board, you should question why and potentially start looking for a new surgeon. If needed, interview several surgeons until you find one you are comfortable with and treats you with respect. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has a list of helpful questions to ask your surgeon before a breast augmentation. Finally, make sure your surgeon offers the IDEAL IMPLANT® Structured Breast Implant, so you have all the breast implant options available. The IDEAL IMPLANT is only offered through an exclusive network of board-certified plastic surgeons. To find one near you visit the surgeon finder.  

Choosing a Breast Implant

The type of implant you get will make a dramatic difference in your life, both physically and emotionally. Talk with your surgeon about what implants are available for an enlargement or breast lift surgery and the benefits and compromises of each type. Here is a basic break down of the three types of implant you will encounter:

  • Saline-Filled Breast Implants: these implants have a silicone shell filled with sterilized salt water (saline). Many women love these implants because they feel at peace knowing the saline is naturally absorbed by their body in case of a rupture. However, these implants tend to ripple and look unnatural under the skin because they are not as dense as breast tissue.
  • Silicone Gel Breast Implants: these implants also have a silicone shell but are filled with a thick, sticky silicone-gel. Women and surgeons tend to pick these implants because of the natural feeling results they give. One drawback is that silicone-gel is not absorbed by the body if the implant ruptures and often a rupture is only detectable on an MRI (silent rupture). The FDA recommends women with silicone gel implants get an MRI every few years to check for a rupture, and remove the implant with any leaked silicone if a rupture occurs.
  • The IDEAL IMPLANT® Structured Breast Implants: the IDEAL IMPLANT was developed to address common concerns women have about the unnatural look of saline-filled implants and the worry about silent ruptures in silicone gel implants. The IDEAL IMPLANT is filled with saline, making ruptures immediately detectable and allowing the filling to be naturally absorbed into the body. The structure inside the IDEAL IMPLANT gives the implant stability, meaning less rippling and a natural, beautiful appearance and natural feel.

Educate Yourself About Risks

It is important to know the risks and safety factors of breast lift surgery and compare each type of implant before you make a final decision. Any surgery will include a certain amount of risk, but some implants will leave you will a higher risk of post-op complications such as capsular contracture or rupture. Ask your doctor for data, such as the tables below, before choosing an implant.

Implant Brand Capsular Contracture Risk for Primary Augmentation (in FDA 6 or-7 year clinical trial data)
Allergan silicone gel 16.2%
Mentor silicone gel 9.8%
Sientra silicone gel 10.0%
IDEAL IMPLANT® Structured Breast Implant 6.3%

 

Implant Brandc Rupture Risk for Primary Augmentation (in FDA 6 or-7 year clinical trial data)
Allergan silicone gel 7.4%
Mentor silicone gel 3.4%
Sientra silicone gel 5.4%
IDEAL IMPLANT® Structured Breast Implant 1.8%

Your doctor may ask you to sign a consent form before your breast augmentation or breast lift surgery stating you understand the risks and complications. If you feel uncomfortable or confused by this form, make sure you talk to your doctor about your questions. Don’t be afraid to switch doctors if your doctor seems too pushy toward silicone gel or refuses to answer your questions. You should be at peace with your decision before, during, and after your breast enhancement.

Think About Peace of Mind

How do you imagine your life after breast augmentation or breast lift surgery? Most women imagine the joy they will have with their new body, but few think about the emotional and psychological effects they might have. A recent survey found that 98% of women would feel somewhat to constantly worried about the possibility of a silent rupture with silicone gel implants. After learning about the IDEAL IMPLANT® Structured Breast Implant, 49% of women said they would specifically seek out a doctor who offers these new implants. Don’t discount peace of mind when you are weighing the benefits and compromises of breast implant types.

Prepare Your Body

Preparing your body physically for breast enhancement or breast lift surgery will help you have the best possible outcome. Your doctor should give you comprehensive pre-surgery instructions, but here are some basics things the American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends you do before surgery:

  • Take a blood test
  • Review your current medications with your doctor
  • Stop smoking and taking recreational drugs
  • Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs, which can increase bleeding

It is important to be open and honest with your doctor about your medical history. Holding back information can lead to complications during or after surgery.

Setting Expectations

Set clear expectations for your recovery time, post-op pain, and what emotional mood swings may come. Everyone’s experience will differ, but the most important thing you can do is listen to your surgeon’s instructions and recommendations. Your breasts may take a few weeks to settle into place and for the swelling to reduce. Do not expect to engage in any vigorous activity until you are cleared by your surgeon. You should also be aware of emotional mood swings you may experience, and know they are normal after a procedure such as breast lift surgery. Talking to a friend who has had the procedure or finding an online message board can help you cope with any of these situations. Realself has a forum where you can learn and connect with others in the breast augmentation community. If you find yourself in a large amount of pain or experience moods you are not used to, don’t hesitate to contact your surgeon.

Get Started On Your Journey Today!

Now that you know more about how to prepare for breast enlargement or breast lift surgery, get started on your journey today. Find a doctor who offers the IDEAL IMPLANT® Structured Breast Implant through the IDEAL IMPLANT surgeon finder. Learn more FDA statistics about breast implants. Join a breast augmentation forum. And learn more about the IDEAL IMPLANT® Structured Breast Implant and how it is revolutionizing the breast implant industry.