While it’s one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures, breast augmentation isn’t for everyone. There are both physical and psychological factors that all doctors must consider before they accept a new patient. As an experienced plastic surgeon who has performed many of these procedures, I always take the time to evaluate prospective patients. Here are a few of the things I look for in good candidates for augmentation surgery.
Realistic Expectations
Because so many celebrities have had it done, some women have unrealistic expectations about the results that can be achieved with breast augmentation. It cannot, for example, transform the average woman into a supermodel overnight. With that said, the procedure can be a great benefit to patients with the right mindset. For those who simply want to feel more confident about their appearance, both in and out of their clothes, the surgery can work wonders.
Good General Health
While there is no age requirement for adult patients, the best candidates tend to be young women who are in good overall health. Those who smoke or have chronic health conditions may not be accepted because of the increased risk of complications during and after surgery. While women who require reconstructive surgery because of breast cancer are accepted by plastic surgeons, those who’ve had radiation treatment may not be ideal candidates. The reason? Radiation can cause skin tissue to become thinner and tighter, which may not work with implants.
Specific Areas Of Concern
Contrary to popular belief, most women who seek breast augmentation surgery aren’t looking to break into acting or modeling. The overwhelming majority are ordinary women who are dissatisfied with the shape, size, or look of their breasts. In fact, many are simply looking to regain their figure after pregnancy or significant weight loss. Still others have never been comfortable with their breasts because of asymmetry, i.e. one is larger than the other. Doctors usually consider these specific areas of concern to be good reasons for surgery. It also helps that most of those problems can be addressed with a single procedure.
If you meet these basic criteria, odds are you are an excellent candidate for breast augmentation surgery.
