General Breast Augmentation Frequently Asked Questions

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Should I wait to get my implants until after having children?

Although you may wish to get your implants at any time, if you are considering having children within the next year or two, it is advisable to wait since the effects of weight and breast tissue gain and loss will affect the appearance of your breasts. It is up to you and if you plan on waiting on having children, why not enjoy them now? Just know that a postpartum lift is possible.

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How big should I go?

This question is probably one of the most often-asked. This is totally up to you! If you are asking what is the average size - C and D's are pretty common. If you are asking what size would help balance YOUR figure, try the hip-bust ratio. Say for instance if your hips are 36 inches, your breasts can be 34 to 36 inches and up (around) and you will look more like an hourglass as opposed to a pear. It is entirely up to you. You will have to "wear" them from here on out. Just remember that most women say, "I wish I would have gone bigger."

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What age do I have to be to have breast augmentation? Am I too old/too young?

Although there is no set age, it is best to wait until your breasts have finished developing. You can better determine this with your OBGYN if you are a longstanding patient of his or hers. This can vary and although you may think you have finished maturing by 18 or 19, your breasts will continue to go through changes well into your early twenties.

The youngest is usually 18 although in special cases of pronounced asymmetry and reconstruction, prostheses can be used on persons younger than 18. These younger cases are very specific. On the other side of the spectrum, I have known women in their late 60's who have gotten breast implants. When we are older the only thing that may stop us from having breast augmentation surgery is general health so be sure to have a physical to see if you are in good health to properly heal and handle the anesthesia factor.

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My spouse or boyfriend is acting like a jerk, he says he will leave me if I get breast implants! What can I do?

This is pretty common as the men in our lives can become threatened and intimidated by our desire for larger breasts. They may become jealous (obviously in advance) that other men may look at you. They may begin to suspect that you are wanting other men to look at you or that you will leave them for another person. Things like this are commonly argued about before a breast augmentation surgery. You may even receive threats of "I will leave you if you get breast implants", "I will not take care of you if you get breast implants," "You are going to look like a freak (or be fake) if you get breast implants," etc.

Rest assured, the majority, and I mean 99%, of the men absolutely adore their significant other's new breasts and cannot wait to see, touch, etc. Just be aware that if you show them soon after surgery when they look their most unpleasant that they may slip up with a negative comment or two. Don't take it to heart, in fact have your man

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How can I tell my family?

How you tell (or if you choose to tell at all) is up to you. All families will react differently so there is no one-size fits all way to tell them. You can begin to tell them how you feel regarding your appearance, about your lack in breast size making you feel less feminine, etc. Make a list of the reasons you want breast augmentation, go over these reasons in your head. Are they all because of what YOU want and no one else? Let your family know how you feel, they may not be completely supportive (or supportive at all) at first, but they usually come around.

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Should I tell people at work? Will I get fired for taking this time off to recover?

If you choose to tell people at work, it is your business. Do not feel that you must, it is none of their business. However, if you choose to tell your boss (or coworkers) you are having female surgery, or whatever pops into your head, do know you have to stick with that story. PLUS if you are found to be lying, you can be held accountable.

Many women tell their bosses or take their deserved and vacation time off and tell them absolutely nothing upon return. If you are worried about them being able to tell, work up to it with padded bras and Curves or have it during winter when big, bulky sweaters are common. If you wear suits it is easier to hide, although if you were significantly flat-chested be advised that hiding C's or D's or anything significantly more than you had before is going to be difficult.

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What type of anesthesia should I choose? Which is safest?

Unfortunately, the type of anesthesia is usually not YOUR choice, it is often the surgeon's preference. While Light Sleep IV Sedation with Local is my preference, it may not be yours or your surgeon's.

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Do birth control pills cause breast tissue growth?

An increase in estrogen/progesterone, be it from the normal onset of puberty, supplements, contraception products, pregnancy, etc. all cause a subsequent increase in breast size. If you are planning on taking birth control pills or receiving the "shot", be advised that there ARE other side effects than simple breast growth. If you smoke you shouldn't take the pill, if you have circulation problems or high blood pressure, you shouldn't take the pill. There are many contraindications and considerations involved with this. Please see your OBGYN for more information and a complete exam before you take any type of hormonal "supplement."

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Will my areolae stretch after augmentation?

Stretching of the areolae (plural of areola, the disc of darkened skin around the nipple in the center of the breasts) is very common and sometimes unavoidable. This can create more sag in breasts that are already saggy although the usually stretching is from the pressure of a tight breast envelope. If you have less tightness, you will usually experience less stretching. it may not happen over night, but it will happen over time.

In persons with peri-areolar lifts and areolar reductions, some surgeons use permanent sutures which are usually made from Prolene, Mersilene (like I have) or even Gore-Tex (although Gore-Tex sutures can stretch) around the areolae to keep them from stretching again.

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I went on several consultations and every doctor had a different opinion of what would be best for me. Now I am confused! What should I do?

All surgeons are different, hence different opinions. You will notice that many great surgeons will have about the same ideas but many will have some off the wall (or so it seems) remark that doesn't seem to fit. That is where your own research, comparison. word of mouth and a few consultations come in handy. Don't expect every surgeon to agree, but do expect to have to do your own research as well to better understand what techniques and options can get you what you want. Just remember that YOU are not the doctor and to listen with your ears, not your voice. It pays to listen, to take notes at your consultations and reflect upon each surgeon's recommendations. But remember, all surgeons are NOT created equal.