When considering breast implants, the process is not taken lightly by most patients. Patients who are considering breast augmentation have several questions and may even consult several plastic surgeons before making their final decision. With the extensive amount of information on the internet, the decisions to make about your implants, and finding the right plastic surgeon... it can be an overwhelming process.
You may feel unsure of what to ask a plastic surgeon during your one-on-one consultation. Asking the right questions better prepares you for your breast implant surgery, so the experts and board-certified plastic surgeons at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery in Huntington, NY want to help. Here is a general guideline on what questions you need to ask a plastic surgeon before your breast augmentation surgery.
Why is a consultation with a plastic surgeon important?
You may have been thinking about getting breast implants for a while. The only way for women in the Long Island area to determine if breast augmentation is right for them is to meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon like the doctors at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery. A personal one-on-one meeting and examination can let patients discuss their concerns and determine if breast implants are right for them. Discussing your aesthetic needs, goals, and more with a qualified plastic surgeon can help you choose the right implant and get the look you want.
Top 5 questions to ask a breast augmentation surgeon
Is your plastic surgeon board-certified?
Patients should only put their trust in an experienced, reputable plastic surgeon. Plastic surgeons should be board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Board-certification ensures patients that their plastic surgeon is current with the most aesthetic techniques and has extensive surgical training. Additionally, the plastic surgeon you choose should have years of experience with breast augmentation procedures, along with the patient results to prove it. Ask to see before and after breast augmentation results, ask what percentage of their procedures are dedicated to breast augmentation surgeries, and what type of implants they generally use.
Are they affiliated with a local hospital?
It is not only essential to check a plastic surgeon’s credentials, it is also imperative they are affiliated with an accredited surgical facility. The board-certified plastic surgeons at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery are an accredited surgical center, which is an added convenience and benefit to Long Island patients. Breast augmentation is surgery. Although rare, medical complications can occur in any type of surgical procedure. Patients should consider a plastic surgeon who has hospital privileges in case something out of the ordinary happens and to ensure their overall safety.
Are you the right candidate for breast implants? If so, what do they recommend, and why?
During the consultation, your plastic surgeon should listen to your aesthetic concerns, discuss your medical history, and perform a thorough examination. Putting all these elements together can allow a reputable, experienced surgeon to determine if you are the right candidate for breast implants. Once that factor has been decided, your plastic surgeon will work with you on what implant size, type, and shape will create the look that works for you.
What surgical technique do they use or recommend?
Implants can be placed below or above the chest muscle. Implant placement is best determined by your surgeon. It is based on the amount of natural breast tissue present and what type of implant is chosen. The most popular incision location is along the natural breast crease and around the nipple. Less popular are incisions located underneath the arm. Scarring is generally mild and will fade over time, but ask your surgeon on what to expect and make sure you understand their surgical technique for your procedure.
How long will implants last? Can I breastfeed? What if my breasts begin to sag with age?
These are all common questions asked by patients and ones to discuss with your plastic surgeon. Breast implants can withstand many changes that occur with the body, including pregnancy. Only rarely do breast implants impede breastfeeding. Today’s breast implant devices generally are lasting longer and are safer than implants from a decade ago or longer. However, gravity, the natural process of aging, and additional pregnancies can cause breasts to sag, even with implants. If that happens, a breast lift procedure can raise sagging breast tissue and restore a more youthful appearance.
How do I know if I choose the right plastic surgeon?
Doing your research, getting referrals, and asking the right questions during your consultation will help you make the right choice for your plastic surgeon. By the end of your meeting, you should have a better understanding of their surgical experience and qualifications, see previous patient results, and receive a customized plan for your breast augmentation procedure. Patients in the Long Island area, who come fully prepared for their breast augmentation surgery, will only feel more confident and more at ease before the procedure.
Patients selecting the right breast augmentation surgeon have an important task to tackle. Dr. James Romanelli and Dr. John Layliev are board-certified plastic surgeons at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery in Huntington, NY. Both are extremely experienced and qualified plastic surgeons with breast augmentation procedures. Their professional staff at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery is dedicated to providing each patient with exceptional care before and after their breast augmentation procedure.
If you are interested in breast implants, then we invite you to schedule a one-on-one consultation with one of our plastic surgeons and start your journey of transforming the way you look.
