How Do I Know If I Should Get a Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation remains the most popular cosmetic surgery selected by women, with over 286,000 women electing to have the procedure done in 2012. The decision to have a cosmetic procedure is a serious one- so how do you know if you should join these hundreds of thousands of women who have decided to do so? How do you know if you should get a breast augmentation?

The first thing you should think about is simple: do you want to? Theres no checklist to help you decide if you want breast implants or not. Its a personal decision. Breast implants can improve your self-image, boost your confidence, help you fit into clothes better, and improve your silhouette. If those are things youre interested in, you should pursue a breast augmentation by doing research and scheduling a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.

 

Studies have shown that women with pre-existing psychiatric issues or problems with alcohol abuse might actually experience a drop in self-esteem after breast augmentation. If you fall into these categories, you will want to consult your general physician as well as a plastic surgeon before you pursue the procedure. However, if you generally have a healthy self-image and are pursuing the surgery for your own reasons and not to please anyone else, go for it!

 

Many women want a breast augmentation not just because they want fuller breasts or more volume, but because of a cup size difference between their breasts. Differences as slight as half a cup size between breasts can be noticeable in your clothes or bathing suits, and can be embarrassing to the patient. Some women with asymmetrical breasts feel like they have an actual deformity, and breast augmentation is a simple way to correct that.

 

Another women many women pursue breast implants is that they want to regain their pre-pregnancy body. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can significantly impact the look and feel of the breasts, decreasing their volume and leaving them without their former lift. Breast implants can return the breasts to their previous volume, restoring your body to how it was before you had children.

 

Its important to not approach a breast augmentation as a way to control your life when youre going through a life change. A marriage or divorce, a lost job or other career changes, the loss of a loved one- these are not good reasons to undergo a life-changing surgery. Making dramatic decisions while youre in an emotional situation can lead to potential regret. Get a breast augmentation to feel good about yourself, not better about a situation outside your control.

 

Once youve determined that youre making the decision in a calm place, and for yourself, here are a few things to consider:

 

• Do you understand the risks? You should not get a breast augmentation if you dont understand the risks, possible complications, and possible need for follow-up surgeries. You surgeon should explain all this to you at your initial consultation- if he doesnt, its time to shop for another surgeon (selecting a Board Certified Surgeon will help ensure your surgeon is an ethical and up-to-date on his safety techniques).

• Are you in good shape? Being physically fit will help you in your recovery, and being close to your ideal weight will ensure that future weight gain or loss wont alter the appearance of your post-operative breasts.

• Do you have time for the recovery? Youll need two to three weeks of taking it easy, and about six weeks off from exercise. Can you fit that into your schedule? Do you have the vacation time at work?

• Finally, have you found a good surgeon? Select a Board Certified Surgeon with extensive experience in breast augmentation. You should be able to see before and after photos of the surgeons work.

 

No one can truly tell you if youre ready for a breast augmentation. You have to know for yourself that youre in a good place physically and emotionally, that you have the time and help youll need for the recovery, and that youre doing this to feel great about yourself and not to please anyone else or to pursue an unrealistic ideal of what you should look like.

 

The bottom line is this: if it makes you happy, go for it! Call our Northern Virginia offices to schedule a free breast augmentation today at (703) 574-2588.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I am ready to get breast augmentation?

You are likely ready if you have a stable, positive sense of self and are pursuing the procedure for your own reasons rather than to please anyone else. You should also be in good physical health, near your ideal weight, able to take two to three weeks off from strenuous activity, and have found a board-certified surgeon you trust.

Is it appropriate to get breast augmentation to correct breast asymmetry?

Yes. Noticeable differences between the two breasts, even as small as half a cup size, can cause significant self-consciousness and make bra fitting and swimwear frustrating. Breast augmentation is a straightforward and effective way to even out the two breasts and create a more symmetrical and balanced appearance.

Should I get breast augmentation during or after a major life change?

It is strongly advised not to pursue breast augmentation during periods of significant emotional disruption such as a divorce, job loss, bereavement, or other major life change. Decisions made during emotionally unstable periods can lead to regret. Wait until you are in a calm, stable state of mind.

What health factors should I consider before breast augmentation?

Being in good overall physical health and close to your ideal weight before surgery helps ensure a smoother recovery and better long-term results. Significant weight fluctuations after surgery can alter the appearance of your implants. Your surgeon will review your full medical history during your consultation.

Will breast augmentation improve my life in other ways beyond my appearance?

Breast augmentation can meaningfully boost your confidence and satisfaction with your physical appearance, which many patients report has a positive ripple effect. However, it is not a solution for life challenges unrelated to your physical appearance, and pursuing it with unrealistic expectations is likely to lead to disappointment.