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Top 10 Questions to Ask at Your Consultation: Breast Procedure

Image of Ginger Lizardo, RN
Ginger Lizardo, RN

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, and genetics can all contribute to changes in the appearance of your breasts. Breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast reduction surgery -- alone or as part of a Mommy Makeover -- can correct problems, enlarge and/or reshape your breasts to give you a more youthful bust line with fuller, rounder contours, better symmetry and more obvious cleavage.

Questions for Consultation: Breast ProceduresOnce you’ve done your research, a consultation with your potential cosmetic surgeon(s) is your chance to get detailed, personalized answers to every question before you make a final decision. Your goal is to fully explore your options, to understand what a breast enhancement can realistically do for you. But you also want to learn about the surgeon’s personal approach to cosmetic surgery and determine if you feel completely comfortable with this surgeon and their team.

Here are some important questions to ask at your breast procedure consultation.

Am I a good candidate?

There’s more to breast augmentation than desire for a new-and-improved appearance. Your overall health and medical history, future plans regarding pregnancy, and your breasts themselves all play a role. The consultation is a time for you to honestly discuss your desires and concerns and with your prospective surgeon to assess your physical status and explore your best options according to your goals.

What type of breast procedure is best for me?

This discussion is a fundamental part of your consultation, because this is where your surgeon will make sure you understand your options and the pros and cons of each one, so you can make the best decisions for yourself. Some helpful questions to ask include:

  • Do I need a breast augmentation, a breast lift, or a breast reduction?
  • Will my breast lift look better if I choose to add implants?
  • What are my implant options in terms of style, size and fill material?

I’m a mom…

Women who have younger children or who may become pregnant in the future should ask specific questions such as:

  • Will surgery affect my ability to breastfeed?
  • Can future pregnancy or breastfeeding negatively affect my breast surgery results?
  • What kind of child care restrictions will I have following surgery, and for how long?

Are you a board-certified surgeon?

This is something you can check ahead of time, but if you didn’t, definitely ask. Board certification tells you this surgeon has proven their specialized knowledge through rigorous written and oral testing, that they follow the highest ethical standards, and that they are committed to lifelong continued learning. We are proud to share that Dr. Brady Harris is triple board certified in general surgery, cosmetic surgery, and facial cosmetic surgery.

How much experience do you have performing breast enhancement procedures?

This follows up on the board certification question. Demonstrable knowledge is important, but a surgeon who has repeated, recent and successful experience – along with an obvious dedication to the art of body sculpting – is most capable of producing the results you desire. Ask to review some before and after images with the surgeon so that he or she can explain any anomalies or special circumstances as well as how the images relate to your situation.

Where will the surgery take place?

Will you go to a hospital, or an outpatient surgery center? Ask if the facility is accredited, because this ensures they are fully equipped in case of an emergency, their staff are highly trained, and they follow the strictest sanitation protocols. If you choose Image Surgical Arts, you won’t have to ask this question because your surgery will be performed in our own onsite state-of-the-art, accredited surgical center. This provides you with a degree of privacy, safety, and comfort not always available at a hospital.

What does the procedure involve?

Every woman’s breasts, concerns, and aesthetic goals are different, so every breast surgery is custom-tailored. There are numerous options, and the surgeon should discuss them in detail. Ask them to describe exactly how they will perform your procedure, and why. Surgeons approach their work somewhat differently, and the details in their technique can affect your outcome. When you meet with Dr. Harris, be sure to ask about his Image Surgical Arts Post-Implant Fit Check and how it improves results (for breast lifts only).

Is breast surgery safe?

There are risks involved with any surgery. You can minimize them by choosing a highly qualified cosmetic surgeon who performs procedures in an accredited surgical center and who uses the latest techniques. Nonetheless, the surgeon will discuss possible risks and side effects during your consultation so you can make a fully informed decision about surgery.

How long will my recovery take – and what about results?

You have undoubtedly reviewed many before and after photographs of women who underwent the type of breast procedure you’re considering. During the consultation you should ask to see additional pictures of this surgeon’s work. This is one of your best ways to see what is realistically possible for you, in the hands of this surgeon.

Ask about details of the recovery process, too. How long will you need to be off work or restricted from other activities? What about pain management? Will you be able to exercise? This will help you plan ahead to recover faster and more comfortably. Before you go home from your surgery, you will receive detailed written instructions, but you can get a good idea of those in our blog post about breast augmentation recovery.

Will I have scars?

Incisions always leave scars, and your breast procedure scars will depend on the specifics of your surgery. Ask what steps the surgeon will take to ensure your scars are least likely to be visible. Ask to see drawings of scar patterns or close-up photos of past patients. You can see Dr. Harris’ incision options here.

How much does it cost?

Every surgery is unique and several factors affect the total cost. We will give you an all-inclusive estimate before you leave your consultation. If you’re considering other cosmetic surgeons, be absolutely certain their estimates are also all-inclusive so you aren’t misled by apparent cost differences. Some costs to consider include surgeon’s fees, anesthesia, prescription medications, and post-surgery compression garments.

Before you leave, ask yourself:

  • Did I get complete, satisfactory answers to all my questions?
  • Do I feel confident with this surgeon’s skill, experience and approach?
  • Do the surgeon and other team members treat me as a unique individual, not just the next patient?
  • Does the clinic feel welcoming and comfortable when I visit?

A successful consultation will provide you with all the information you need to confidently decide whether to move forward with breast surgery and which cosmetic surgeon is your best partner in achieving the results you desire.

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