Consulting with your surgeon is an essential step in deciding whether to move forward with breast augmentation surgery. During your breast augmentation consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss important information about the operation and, if you decide to proceed with it, you will learn about the steps you need to take to make sure your treatment goes smoothly.

A typical breast augmentation consultation will usually consist of an overview of your medical history, a physical examination and information about the procedure. Learning about a typical consultation will allow you to go into it feeling confident and prepared to ask questions.

What to Expect During a Breast Augmentation Consultation

There are several important points that every surgeon covers during breast augmentation consultations.

Backstory and Medical History

To make sure your operation is a success, your surgeon will need a complete and accurate understanding of your medical history. No breast augmentation consultation is complete without a thorough discussion of your prior procedures, your pre-existing conditions, medications you are currently taking, health-related habits like smoking and drinking, family history of disease and any other relevant medical information. You may find it useful to gather this information in advance so it’s accessible on the day of the consultation.

Your surgeon will likely also ask about your motivations for breast augmentation surgery. By asking you about your motivations and your desired outcome, your surgeon will be able to tailor the treatment to your needs and help you set appropriate postoperative expectations.

Examination

Another essential part of a breast augmentation consultation is a physical examination. Preoperative physical examinations are essential for making sure you are a healthy candidate for surgery. A comprehensive breast exam is also necessary to ensure there are no physical issues that may affect the outcome of your surgery. For example, a sagging breast may require a lift as well as an implant to achieve the best result.

Information About Procedure

During your breast augmentation consultation, your surgeon will provide information about the procedure itself, about the type of implants used, as well as the risks and benefits of the procedure. There will be instructions you should follow and details about the surgical center where the operation will take place.

You will also have the opportunity to speak with office managers and nurses during the consultation. They are good resources in case you have questions about any other aspects of the procedure, such as payment and other logistics.

Preparations for Procedure

After your breast augmentation consultation, you will have some time to decide whether the procedure is right for you. If you decide to move forward with it, your next step will be to schedule a preoperative visit to make some final preparations for the operation.

During the preoperative visit, which usually takes place about three or four days before the operation, members of your surgical team will take pictures and measurements of your breasts. You will have another opportunity to discuss with the surgeon your thoughts about the size you hope to achieve, and even will be able to try some sizes out! They will also give you instructions to follow that will help the surgery go smoothly. Preoperative instructions are similar for most surgeries, and they usually include recommendations to stop taking certain medications and to avoid smoking and drinking in the time leading up to the operation. Talk with your surgeon to understand exactly what he or she would like you to do before the surgery.

Questions to Ask During Your Consultation

It’s understandable to be nervous about your breast augmentation, whether it’s the excitement of a change in your look or stress about the surgery itself. The good news is that your breast augmentation consultation is not just for the surgical team, but also for you. You should share concerns you have about your procedure with your surgeon, even if it is just preoperative nerves.

You should use your breast augmentation consultation not only as time to share concerns, but also as an opportunity to ask questions about the procedure. You shouldn’t schedule the operation until you are fully confident that both the procedure and the surgeon are right for you. Asking the right questions is a great way to do just that.

Once you’ve learned about the procedure itself and the results you should expect afterwards, you should ask about your surgeon. It’s important to ensure that your treatment is coming from a qualified and experienced medical professional. To this end, you can ask about their past work, such as how long they have been performing breast augmentations and how many per week they perform.

It’s also important to ask about the risks and complications of the operation, and the extent to which they can be avoided. Furthermore, you should find out what recovery from the surgery is like, as this will help you make postoperative preparations. Finally, you should ask about your financial obligations. Sorting out the financial side of the procedure in advance will help you reduce stress and focus on your recovery.

Final Thoughts

Your breast augmentation consultation is an important step in your treatment. It’s a great way to learn about the procedure and the surgeon performing it, as well as a great way to resolve any concerns you may have. By researching breast augmentation and asking the right questions at your consultation, you can feel more confident about your treatment.

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Dr. Cohen

About Dr. Cohen

Dr. Cohen specializes in breast lifts, augmentations, revisions and reductions as well as breast cancer reconstructions. A long time dream of Dr. Cohen’s was to travel to developing countries and provide expert surgical care to those who have no other possible access to medical care. This became a reality in 2007 when she became a founding member and Vice President of ISMS Operation Kids.