Planning your breast augmentation can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. However, if you do your homework, carefully choose a plastic surgeon and know just what to expect at every step along the way, your breast enhancement procedure will go off without a hitch.
Knowing what not to do before and after your breast augmentation is just as important as understanding what you should do to prepare. Take a look at these breast implant mistakes to steer clear of making.
1. Picking an Unqualified Plastic Surgeon
You’re probably excited to pick a plastic surgeon, schedule your consultation and start planning your procedure. But the slower and more deliberate you are about choosing your plastic surgeon, the better the outcome you can expect.
Take some time to do your research before picking a plastic surgeon or two to schedule a consultation with. You should be able to find a wealth of information online, including:
- Whether or not they are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
- Before and after breast augmentation photos
- Techniques that they prefer or suggest
- Online reviews
2. Not Adding a Breast Lift When You Need One
Your goals and unique anatomy will play a large part in the details of your breast enhancement procedure. While some women ideally would like to get implants alone, foregoing a breast lift could leave you with unsatisfactory results or the need for a revision surgery in the near future.
If your plastic surgeon recommends combining a breast lift with your implants, give this advice some careful consideration. It may save you time, money and a hassle in the long run.
3. Assuming That Bigger Is Always Better
Today’s idea of breast implants is much different than the stereotypical image that might come to mind when you think of breast augmentation. There’s now a much bigger focus on achieving more modest, natural-looking results, rather than simply going as big as you possibly can. Going with implants that are much too large for your frame, for example, can end up appearing unbalanced and unnatural.
Choose an implant size that will complement your natural curves and body proportions.
4. Withholding Information from Your Plastic Surgeon
For your own benefit, your plastic surgeon will need to know about any and all medications, supplements, vitamins, etc. that you’re currently taking. They will also want to know if you’re a smoker and whether or not you plan on quitting smoking before your breast augmentation.
Don’t withhold this type of information from your plastic surgeon, as they have your best interests in mind. Be open and honest so you get the safest and best results possible. And remember, your plastic surgeon is on your side.
5. Rushing Your Recovery
As tempted as you might be to take a dip in the hot tub or get back to the gym, don’t—at least until your plastic surgeon gives you the okay. Rushing your breast augmentation recovery and ignoring your plastic surgeon’s advice is the perfect way to increase the risk of complications and hinder your progress.
Plan to have some help around the house for heavy lifting, and put your workout on hold for a few weeks. When in doubt, play it safe, listen to your body and check with your plastic surgeon first.
Dr. Lee B. Daniel is board certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and General Surgery. He is a member of numerous societies including the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
