Here’s what you need to consider when having breast implants
The choice to have breast implants is a significant change for you now and in the long term - they are not there forever and will need review and later surgery.
You need to express your concerns and desires in order to develop a relationship of trust with your surgeon and to achieve your goals - this takes time.
Surgeon training and experience is paramount, but they must always convey caring and safety in your journey, not just now but in the future.
Your surgeon must decide on the correct implant and size for you, based on factors like your build, soft tissues and the long term behaviour of particular implants based on the surgeon’s own extensive experience.
Most surgeons will select a smaller implant, to avoid larger implant problems. The extra volume achieved with fat transfer will get you to your sizing goals.
Breast implants are about improving shape. Implant shape and projection are important decisions for your desired final shape. You may require combined breast lifting techniques, mastopexy or targeted fat transfer.
Longer term issues need to be discussed at this time, such as implant complications, breast tissue changes, chronic fatigue, ALCL and future breast implant surgery.
There are also the initial and future financial costs to consider. When comparing costs, do all surgeons offer this level of comprehensive care?
Six important questions to ask your surgeon
1. What are your qualifications as a surgeon?
Did you know that any doctor in Australia can use the title “surgeon”, and there are no legal safeguards to protect you as a consumer? They may be a cosmetic surgeon, general surgeon or a highly experienced plastic surgeon - it’s important for you to ask.
2. How many operations of this type have you done?
Experience is paramount, and you are well within your rights to ask about the extent of your surgeon’s experience performing the procedure you are seeking to have.
3. Where will my operation be done?
You should only consider having surgery at a registered hospital, with all the necessary facilities to keep you safe.
4. What sort of anaesthetic are you proposing to use?
Breast implant surgery is not the sort of procedure that lends itself to twilight sedation, and its attendant risks. Only consider having this surgery under a general anaesthetic.
5. What if I am not happy post-surgery - and who pays?
If your surgeon is caring and reputable they will likely not charge for any revisionary surgery if things have not gone according to plan. If you have health insurance this can assist in covering hospital costs.
6. Should I consider going interstate or overseas for surgery?
Absolutely not. Are you well prepared? Has it been rushed through? Who is there to care for you post-operation? What happens if you are not happy or suffer a complication after returning home? Who will pay?
A final word....
The decision to get breast implants is not to be taken lightly, and it’s important not to dive into that boob job without first consulting a reputable and highly experienced plastic surgeon. The golden rule is to ask as many questions as possible!
A good surgeon will not only listen to your concerns and advise you on the best way to achieve your desired outcomes, they will also support you on your recovery and maintenance moving forward.
This is our approach at Bendigo Plastic Surgery.
