Key Takeaways
- The decision to pursue breast augmentation should be personal and motivated by your own desires rather than external pressure from others.
- Key considerations include implant type, size, placement, and whether a breast lift may be needed alongside augmentation for the best result.
- Patients should be at a stable weight and ideally finished having children before augmentation to help preserve long-term results.
- NOVA uses 3D imaging tools that allow patients to preview how different implant types and sizes will look on their own body before deciding.
- Board certification, surgical experience, and a trusting patient-surgeon relationship are the most important factors when choosing your surgeon.
The single most important step you can take when considering breast augmentation surgery is doing adequate research. Patients are most satisfied with their results when they make an informed decision and know what to expect prior to scheduling their surgery. Here are the most important things to consider when you explore breast augmentation in Northern Virginia.
#1 – The sky is not the limit
While many women do their research and come to their consultation with their preferences in hand, the volume and profile of your breast implant will depend largely on your anatomy. During your consultation appointment, your surgeon will measure the width of your breast to determine which implant sizes will work for your body. If you have ample breast width, you’ll be given more options and more freedom to choose the volume and shape that works best for you. However, those with narrower breast widths may have as few as 2 implants to choose from. Some surgeons may tell you otherwise, but be cautious about moving forward as additional risks accompany implants that are wider than the existing breast.#2 – It doesn’t have to be painful
Many of our patients express anxiety about pain during recovery, but with the right treatment plan, breast augmentation recovery can be nearly painless. Patients who undergo breast augmentation surgery at Nova Plastic Surgery typically describe their recovery as comfortable and as expected, even when the implant is placed under the muscle. Muscle soreness and tenderness at the incision site are the most common complaints during recovery. However, there’s no guarantee – some patients experience more pain.#3 – Your implants take some time to settle
If you’re seeking breast augmentation surgery prior to a major event – like your wedding or your first modeling gig – give yourself ample time to heal. When you first remove your bandages, your under-the-muscle implants will sit high on your chest in an unnatural position. Over time, your chest muscles relax and the implants drop into a more natural position, usually beginning around 4 weeks after surgery and improving over the next several months.#4 – Bras won’t fit the same
Trying on bras in person, getting fitted by an expert, and seeking out implant-friendly bra-makers are often the new normal for women with breast implants, and even more so for women with higher profile implants. If your incisions are under the breast, underwires may be uncomfortable for a few weeks or even permanently. Plan to take a bra-shopping trip a few months after surgery and do your research to find implant-friendly stores in advance to avoid frustration. Clothes, on the other hand, may fit better than ever before if you had very small breasts and troubles with fit prior to surgery.#5 – The most important factor is the surgeon
Choosing a board-certified surgeon in a well-known and highly recommended practice is critical to achieving the results you’re looking for. Ask for before-and-after photos and try to find someone pictured with a build similar to yours. Ask for references, read online reviews, and check the practice’s Better Business Bureau score and accreditation if possible. Tour the clinic in advance to ensure cleanliness and professionalism.#6 – The most important factor in satisfaction is expectation
As is the case for most surgical procedures, having realistic expectations about your surgical experience, recovery, and the final result will drive your overall satisfaction with your experience. That means it’s critically important that you discuss your goals and expectations with your surgeon prior to scheduling surgery to give him or her the opportunity to explore whether they can help you meet those goals. To learn more or to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation appointment, visit Nova Plastic Surgery & Dermatology online today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important things to consider before breast augmentation?
Key considerations include your personal motivations for surgery, your desired size and appearance, implant type and placement, whether a breast lift is needed, your current and planned lifestyle, and whether you have completed your family. A comprehensive consultation with a board-certified surgeon addresses all of these factors.
Should I wait until after having children to get breast augmentation?
It is generally recommended to complete your family before undergoing breast augmentation. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can significantly alter breast size and shape, which may change the appearance of your implants and potentially require revision surgery to restore your desired results.
What is the difference between saline and silicone breast implants?
Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water and feel firmer. Silicone implants are filled with a cohesive gel that feels more similar to natural breast tissue. Both are FDA-approved options, and your surgeon will help you choose based on your anatomy, goals, and personal preferences.
Can I preview what I will look like with breast implants before surgery?
Yes. NOVA uses advanced 3D imaging technology that creates a personalized model of your body and shows you how different implant types, profiles, and sizes will look on your specific frame. This tool helps you make a well-informed and confident decision before committing to a particular implant choice.
How do I choose the right surgeon for my breast augmentation?
Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive specific experience in breast augmentation, a portfolio of before-and-after photos, and a thorough and unhurried consultation process. Your surgeon should listen carefully to your goals, answer all questions honestly, and make you feel completely comfortable and informed.