How do I choose a reliable surgeon?In order to be sure that the surgeon you approach has the ability and experience you need, you should make sure that the American Board of Plastic Surgeons certifies him or her. This means that the doctor has completed his training at a certified medical school, completed at least 5 years of residency, and passed written and oral exams set by the Board.
You should then talk to your selected surgeon, to make sure you feel entirely comfortable with them, and can trust them. Only then should you go ahead.
What do I need to discuss with my surgeon before the operation?You should discuss with your surgeon why you wish to have this operation, and what your expectations of the results are. Ask about the kinds of implants, what size you would like to achieve, the shape you wish and can expect.
The surgeon will also explain the incisions made, what scarring you can expect, and what the risks of surgery are. You may wish to talk about the surgeon's experience in this area, and how he handles emergencies and cases that are not entirely successful.
How do I choose how big my breasts will be after the operation?You might go to your surgeon with a certain bra size in mind, but it may be more realistic to consider before and after pictures of women with similar body types, to see not only how big the end results will be, but also what shape they will be and how they will look on you. As a guide, each 150 cc of saline in the implant will add a single cup size. Some surgeons suggest that you wear implants in your bra for a few days to see how you will feel with the suggested new size.
Will I experience much pain after breast augmentation surgery and for how long?Everyone experiences pain in a different way, so it is only possible to generalize about pain levels. If the implant is above the muscle, the pain levels are usually counted as mild to moderate discomfort; below the muscle the levels are usually moderate to severe. Doctors usually recommend 1 to 2 weeks of pain medication. There will also be swelling for up to 3 months, and the final results of surgery may not be seen for 4 months or more.
How can I speed up recovery?Ensure lots of rest for the first two weeks after surgery. Avoid exercise, lifting and physically stressful activity for four weeks. Apply ice packs on your chest for the first 24 hours after surgery. Do not sleep on your stomach for the first two weeks after surgery. If you have non-textured implants massage your breasts daily to keep them soft, and keep them in the proper position. Do not do this until after the first 24 hours.
Will there be scars?Yes, there will be the scars of surgery. However, these will fade over the first year or so, and they are positioned so as not to be normally noticeable. This position depends on the type of incision made.
What is the total cost of breast augmentation surgery?You will need to contact your surgeon in order to be able to work this out exactly, but an average cost of all medical expenses is $7000, consisting of a surgeon's fee of approximately $3250, plus anesthesia, facility fees, and other costs including taxes. Further costs might include the loss of earnings associated with taking time off work, paid help in your normal tasks after surgery, and insurance.
How can I finance breast augmentation surgery?There are a number of ways of financing cosmetic surgery, including credit cards, bank loan and finance houses. Some surgeons recommend finance companies, but do investigate them and the terms they offer. You should take almost as much time working out what the best option is for you as working out which surgeon you will use it could take you five years to finish paying for surgery.
Can I use my medical insurance to pay for breast augmentation surgery?In most cases, no. Cosmetic surgery is not an item in the AMA list of approved procedures, unless you have one breast that has entirely failed to develop, or in certain cases, reconstruction after mastectomy.
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