When considering breast augmentation, you likely have questions.
One common query is, ‘What is the difference between saline and silicone implants?’
Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water, while silicone implants mimic the feel of natural breast tissue.
Another frequently asked question is about safety: ‘Are breast implants safe?’ Both saline and silicone implants approved by regulatory authorities like the FDA are considered safe when placed by qualified surgeons.
‘How do I choose the right implant size for me?’ The answer involves a collaborative decision with your surgeon, considering factors like body proportions and desired outcomes.
‘What’s the recovery process like?’ Most individuals experience a few days of discomfort and swelling, with specific post-operative care instructions provided.
Lastly, ‘Is a boob job worth it?’ Modern techniques focus on natural-looking results, making breast augmentation a transformative and confidence-boosting journey.
What is a breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation surgery is a common procedure that helps many women boost their self-confidence and improve their body image. If you’re considering breast augmentation surgery in Nashville, you should schedule a breast augmentation consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Robert Garza.
During the breast augmentation consultation, it’s crucial to ask relevant questions to better understand the procedure and your surgeon’s qualifications.
At Garza Plastic Surgery, Dr. Garza will educate you on the pros and cons of the procedure and the different options available to you. He’ll also be happy to answer any questions about the surgery.
If you’re unsure what to ask during your consultation, here are over 19 questions you can ask before a breast augmentation. We’ve also provided reasons why they’re important and a few general answers. Keep in mind that every patient has different needs. So, Dr. Garza can give you more specific answers during your breast implant consultation.
1. What are my breast augmentation options?
Common Breast Reconstruction Procedures
At Garza Plastic Surgery, we provide several options for breast implant surgery. The most common of which is soft tissue implants. We also use silicone breast implants that can be filled with a saline solution or a silicone gel. The gel-filled implants are nicknamed “gummy bear implants” due to their texture.
These implants are teardrop-shaped to provide the most natural look and feel.
However, you will need to think about more than just the type of implants you want. Bring up options to discuss, like shape, size, surface texture, incision site, and incision size.
Beyond just your implant and augmentation options, Dr. Garza will explain the other procedures you might consider with your breast augmentation.
2. Do breast implants need to be replaced?
Because implants are manufactured medical devices, there can be some errors in their design and production. Additionally, implants are typically the most effective for around ten years. However, consider a soft tissue implant if you’d prefer to avoid implant replacement.
3. What is the best method for breast enlargement?
The best method is the one that is best for you. Because everyone’s body responds to surgery and implants differently, a silicone implant may be the way to go, especially if you don’t have time for a lengthy recovery process.
To determine the best method, your plastic surgeon will carefully examine and measure your breast size, shape, skin quality, and the placement of your nipples and areolas. These detailed measurements will help the surgeon determine your best augmentation option.
4. Am I a good candidate?
During the consultation, your plastic surgeon will ask about your medical history to see if you are a good candidate for the procedure. They will ask about your mammography and breast biopsy history, medications you are taking, any allergies, and your overall health.
So long as you’re in overall good health and have reasonable expectations, you should be a good candidate. We also want to make sure that you can heal easily after surgery. So if you smoke or are a little older, you might want to wait before scheduling your surgery.
It’s essential to be open and honest about your medical background. This is to ensure your safety during the surgery.
Additionally, you will discuss your goals and expectations for breast augmentation. Your surgeon will help you set realistic goals and provide guidance on achieving the desired outcome.
5. What augmentation technique would you recommend for me?
The most common implant surgery we perform is a soft tissue implant. For you, it means there’s no medical device and it’s your own tissue. And because it’s your own tissue, it ages with you and you don’t really have to do much to take care of it down the line.
But, a soft tissue implant through DIEP flap surgery does require a much longer recovery period. And if you have small children at home, that might not be the right option for you.
When you come in for a breast augmentation consultation, Dr. Garza will review all of your goals, needs, and health history to help you decide on the best option for you.
6. Can I see before and after photos of patients with similar cases?
Once you discuss the type of implants and the best techniques, you will want to see pictures of the results. Your surgeon should have before and after photos of patients with a similar body type who opted for the kind of surgery you want. Look at their results and ask yourself if that is your desired result.
7. How should I prepare for my breast augmentation surgery?
In recovery, you must wear supportive garments to ensure your breast tissue heals properly. It would be best to take time off to fully heal before you return to work. If you’re getting a simple silicone implant, you should expect to be out for at least two weeks to a month.
Make sure you have a friend or family member ready to drive you to your appointment on the day of your procedure. And if you’re taking any medications that could interfere with your anesthesia, you should work with your doctor to stop taking them.
Dr. Garza and our staff can help you make a more detailed plan after your initial consultation.
8. Can I switch the implants for fat grafting?
Well, it depends on your health and the condition of the implant when you want to get it removed. In most cases, we can remove the implant cleanly and then fill it with soft tissue.
9. What certifications do you have?
It’s always important to ask for the credentials and certifications of a surgeon before receiving an operation from them. Dr. Robert Garza has been certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, so you can rest assured knowing he will give you the highest quality of care.
In addition to certifications, ask your surgeon about their experience. Bring up questions like,
- Were you specifically trained in breast surgery?
- How many years of training and experience do you have?
- Do you have hospital privileges, and if so, where?
10. Will I be given general anesthesia for my surgery?
As with any invasive procedure, you can go under general anesthesia for your surgery.
11. Will my breasts still feel the same after implants?
Silicone and saline breast implants tend to give fairly natural-feeling results. Silicone gel-filled implants provide more natural results than saline-filled implants. However, the most realistic results will be with soft tissue implants.
12. What will my recovery look like?
Once again, every patient’s experience is different. But you need at least two weeks of downtime to recover.
13. What steps will I have to take after my surgery?
The steps you must take will depend mostly on the type of procedure you receive. You must limit your physical activity, dress the incisions, and wear supportive clothing to heal properly.
13. What can I do to have the best results?
While your surgeon will do their best to achieve your desired results, the final results depend on how you handle your recovery. If you don’t take your surgeon’s advice for recovery, you may not like the final results. Be sure to ask as many questions about your lifestyle during recovery to ensure the best augmentation results.
Additional questions to ask about your results include:
- What options do I have if I am unsatisfied with the results?
- What if I decide to have my implants removed in the future?
14.What are the potential side effects and complications?
Sometimes, a patient’s body may respond to the implant and form dense breast and scar tissue around the implant. You must carefully follow the instructions for your recovery to prevent scar tissue from developing.
15. What can I do if there are complications down the road?
If you experience any complications from your implants, you do have options. If the implant breaks, we can always remove it. Or even if you don’t like your results from one type of implant, we can change that as well.
In some cases, fluid build-up, a rash, or infections may result from your surgery. Contact your surgeon as soon as you notice unwanted side-effects.
16. What can I expect for long-term results, especially after pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Most augmentation surgeries allow you to breastfeed if you choose to get pregnant. However, your body will change during and after pregnancy. So, your breasts will likely also change.
17. When will I schedule the surgery?
The timing of your breast augmentation surgery will depend on various factors, including your surgeon’s availability and your personal schedule. You can often schedule the augmentation surgery within a few weeks of the consultation.
However, consider factors such as taking time off work, arranging a caregiver for yourself and your children (if you have kids), and checking that you are financially prepared for the procedure. Your surgeon will provide you with a quote for the surgery and may offer financing options to help you manage the costs.
18. Can Breast Implants Make You Sick?
While rare, some patients develop an autoimmune or allergic response to breast implants. Commonly, people refer to this response as breast implant illness. How and who manifests implant illness is not well understood; however, the current train of thought suggests it may relate to unrecognized conditions or autoimmune diseases.
You can rest assured that all breast implant devices are designed to be safe. And we at Garza Surgery in Nashville do everything we can to place them properly to minimize your risks down the road.
19. How do I prepare for the Consultation?
So you can make the most out of your breast augmentation consultation, it is important to prepare in advance. In addition to all the above questions to ask your plastic surgeon before breast augmentation, here are more practical tips to help you:
- Create a list of questions: Write down any concerns or questions regarding the procedure or recovery. This will ensure that you address all your concerns during the consultation.
- Outline your desired results: Take some time to think about your desired breast appearance and outline your goals. This will help you communicate your expectations clearly to your surgeon.
- Bring examples: If you have specific goals, bring pictures of desired breast shapes or sizes. You can also bring your bikini tops or corsets you want to fill out. This will help your surgeon better understand your aesthetic goals.
- Bring your personal calendar: It’s important to have your personal calendar with you during the consultation. You will discuss scheduling and recovery timeframes with your surgeon to find a suitable date for the surgery.
- Dress comfortably: Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to slip in and out of. You may be required to change into a gown for the examination.
- Consider bringing a friend for support: If you feel more comfortable, you can bring a trusted family member or friend to the breast enlargement consultation. They can help you ask questions and offer support during the decision-making process.
Call Now for a Consultation
We hope these breast augmentation consultation questions and answers have helped you better understand breast augmentation surgery. So, if you’re considering breast implants and need a plastic surgeon in Nashville, visit Garza Plastic Surgery.
If you did not find the answers you need here, please schedule a consultation, and we will be happy to help you. We also offer many other services, such as breast lifts, tummy tucks, facelifts, Botox injections, and more.
