Questions You Should Ask Your Doctor During Your First Visit
Once you schedule your first visit with a breast augmentation surgeon, you'll want to make the most of it. Below is a list of must-ask questions for your doctor. If you are planning to schedule a few first visits with different breast enlargement doctors, then you should print out multiple copies of the questionnaire.
21 Questions
1.
Do you generally place the breast implants above or below the muscle, and why?
2.
Do you recommend MY implants be placed above or below the muscle? (If you exercise frequently be sure to mention this to the doctor.)
3.
What type and style of implants do you recommend for me? Smooth or Textured? Round or Anatomical? High Profile or Standard Profile? Other? (If you have a preference for a particular implant or implant manufacturer, this would be a good time to mention it.)
4.
With respect to deflations, what is the "replacement policy" for the implants you use?
5.
(Only if you will be receiving saline implants) Would you "over-inflate" my implants? If so, by how much? What are the benefits of this, and what are potential problems associated with over-filling?
6.
What is the best way for me to determine the size implant I will need to go from where I am to where I want to be?
7.
What size breast implants would you recommend for me to achieve this size and look?
8.
Is there a good way for me to measure different sizes, and "try them out" when I am at home?
9.
Where would you make my incision, and how much of a scar should I expect to remain visible over time? Possible incision locations include periareolar (around the nipple), inframammary (in the fold beneath the breast), transaxillary (in the hollow of the armpit), and transumbilical (through the belly button). *NOTE - The transumbilical approach may void the replacement policy of some implant manufacturers.
10.
What is the risk for decrease or absence of nipple sensation after surgery?
11.
Can having breast augmentation affect my ability to breast-feed in the future? Is breastfeeding safe for women who have breast implants?
12.
What are additional considerations regarding mammograms and breast cancer detection for women with breast implants?
13.
What are the potential complications of this procedure, given my individual circumstances, and what can be done to minimize these (i.e., infection, capsular contracture, implant rippling or wrinkling, implant deflation, hematoma, seroma)?
14.
Are there any other adverse, long-term effects of having breast implants?
15.
When can I resume normal activities? What about exercise?
16.
Is there anything I absolutely should not do?
17.
How long does the breast augmentation procedure itself take?
18.
How much do you charge for this procedure?
19.
Is that an all-inclusive price for everything? (It should include everything except medications, which will be your responsibility.)
20.
How long before having breast enlargement surgery would I have to schedule with you?
21.
Are there any special instructions I should follow before and/or immediately after the surgery?
