Breast augmentation, also know as breast enlargement surgery (or even a “boob job”) has been and continues to be one of the most popular elective surgeries. Women of all ages consider how genetics wrote their breasts and think, “Wouldn’t it be nice if they were a bit fuller or looked liked they once did before children and breastfeeding?”
Dr. Michael Beasley of Charlotte Plastic Surgery helps women achieve their goals on a daily basis, and thus has a great wealth of information as to what women are truly asking for. While superficially it may appear that these patients just want to be more busty, but there is always more to the story.
By: Michael E. Beasley, MD
and Adam McMillon
The Plastic Surgery Channel
The desire to look and feel better
One way to look at plastic surgery and any elective procedure is to consider the core thought: people trying to better themselves. Breast augmentation is one of the most popular avenues for this with more than 300,000 procedures performed last year alone. Even though it is routinely requested and performed, it is still surgery. Patients need to know that the conversation with your surgeon before the procedure is the most important part of the whole process.
The three questions you need answered…
Excellent planning and organization before the surgery is what provides the foundation for a fabulous result. Dr. Beasley shares the top 3 questions a patient needs to answer with their surgeon in order to achieve a great breast augmentation:
Size
“To be accurate, we rely on technology. 3D imaging technology has proven to be very helpful. We can take a picture of a woman’s torso and do a 3D simulation of different types and sizes of breast implants, which show on her body on the screen. It’s proven to give us greater than 90% accuracy, so we have a visual feedback from what the patient is thinking.”
Implant Type
“The second thing we need to consider is the implant. We’ve had several advancements in implant technology through the years. Patients have a choice between saline implants and silicone gel implants. Each have been proven to be safe and effective, and come in different sizes, shapes, and surface characteristics which can have advantages for certain woman.”
Incision Location
“The third is where they want the incision placed,” says Beasley. “There are a few different locations where we can put the incision, and each might be more or less beneficial to a patient depending on their lifestyle. This is something we discuss, but the final decision is up to the patient.”
Accurate consultation, excellent surgery, confidence-boosting results
It can not be emphasized enough how important surgeon selection is when considering elective cosmetic surgery. Choosing a board certified plastic surgeon who will walk you through the above questions makes patients more comfortable, but also allows for a fantastic result. When planned and performed correctly, breast augmentation can inspire patients to more than just looking better in a swim suit.
“Woman who undergo breast augmentation are some of our happiest patients,” says Dr. Beasley. “It seems to make them feel more confident with their bodies and the way they fit in clothes. I think that is also relayed in their personality that they project to other people moving forward.”