Who is a Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
Published on April 14, 2020 by Andrew Barnett
COVID-19 Notice
As we all move together through these unprecedented times, it’s important to be sensitive to those things that are most important – Health and safety for you and your loved. Social distancing is our best tool now, but with time, effective treatments and a vaccine will certainly be available. Until that time, do your best to avoid exposure. If any of you are ill, or have friends or family that are ill or have passed, our hearts go out to you. We pray for your recovery and safety.
Planning for the future, for when things are back to normal (or the new normal), goes on. While I am not performing any elective cosmetic surgery at this time, I am seeing patients as needed, and performing virtual consultations starting May 4th. Surgery will begin as soon as it is safe and prudent to perform surgery. The information in this blog, and all our communications, are directed to the time when we’ll all be back!
Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions. The office is functioning (mostly remotely) and we return all phone calls and emails.
Be safe and stay healthy.
Dr. Barnett, Laurie and Renee
For the right woman, a breast augmentation can be a life-changing experience. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, I meet with hundreds of women each year who are interested in exploring their options when it comes to implants. While most are suitable candidates, there are issues that are important to consider when deciding on the surgery.
There are several qualifying characteristics that will determine whether you’re a good fit for breast augmentation. While not all of the below are deal breakers, they are all worth considering. During your initial consult, I’ll discuss each of the following in more depth. It is critical that you are well informed before you make the final decision, and I will provide you with all the information you need to know to make the decision that’s right for you.
#1: You Should Be in Good General Health, including Good Mental Health
Having a healthy immune system can go a long way towards facilitating a speedy recovery. Before considering surgery, you should be upfront with your surgeon about any underlying medical conditions you might have. This allows us to ensure an optimal outcome without any surprises.
Let me know any and all medications you are taking – including birth control pills, aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications like Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen, Aleve, Bayer, Bufferin, Excedrin, and anything else.
Let me know if you use any recreational drugs – no judgement here but it’s important because certain recreational drugs can result in problems with anesthesia during the surgery.
Let me know if you’re under a lot of stress, feeling depressed, or feeling out of sorts. Life is stressful for everyone, and I certainly understand that, but if you’re feeling unusually stressed, please let me know. Breast augmentation is a wonderful procedure, and is designed to make your breasts more attractive and your body shape more in line with your desires, but it is not a solution for depression and won’t solve relationship issues.
#2: You are a Non-Smoker or Willing to Temporarily Stop Smoking.
Smoking is a big no-no when it comes to surgery of any kind. It can inhibit the healing process and prolong your overall recovery. If you currently smoke and are considering a breast augmentation, I recommend stopping immediately. You should be a non-smoker at least 2-weeks before surgery and throughout your entire recovery process.
#3: You are Doing It for Yourself
You should never undergo any cosmetic surgery for anyone aside from yourself. If a husband, boyfriend, or partner is the sole reason for your decision to get implants, you might not be a good fit for the surgery. That doesn’t mean that your partner should not be involved with the decision, it means that you and you alone make all final decisions regarding the procedure, including size and deciding to go ahead. On occasions, patients have told me that they are under pressure from a partner – if that’s the case for you, please call me in advance of the consultation, or at any time, and we can discuss appropriate strategies for dealing with the pressure you’re receiving. Remember – you are in control!
Breast Augmentation Consultations Available
#4: You Have Time to Adequately Recover
With our busy lifestyles today, it’s important to ensure you’re taking enough time to recover. Pushing yourself too hard too soon can prolong the healing process and put you at risk for certain complications. I always recommend taking at least 4 days away from work or school, but certainly more if your position entails heavy lifting or strenuous activities. We’ll discuss the appropriate recovery period for you at your consultation. Also keep in mind that while you may be back to work in as little as 4 days, temporary swelling and bruising from the surgery may limit your choices of clothing, and certainly activities including sex and working out/running.
#5: You Have Realistic Expectations
Finally, you must go into the procedure with realistic expectations. Yes, your breasts will be immediately fuller and more shapely. However, it can take a number of months for your new breasts to fully settle into their new position. This can be a frustrating time for many women who are ready to jump into their new bikini-ready body right away. And while I use advanced techniques to minimize scarring, some scarring is inevitable.
If you’re ready to boost your self-image with breast augmentation, and you’ve weighed the pros and cons thoroughly, you’re most likely a good candidate for the procedure.
“I lost about 20 pounds through exercise away went my natural 34B/C breasts, which I had always loved. They were the first to go when I began losing weight, and kept shrinking more and more. 🙁 I lost a bit of self-esteem despite the hard work I put in to shaping my body. I started to consider a breast augmentation procedure but hesitated to take the plunge (so to speak) because I had not found the right doctor. I had the opportunity to see and feel some of Dr. Barnett’s breast work in person before I decided to meet him for my pre-op consultation. I was so surprised by how natural a breast augmentation could look and feel, and my friends had great things to say about Dr. Barnett. It was a no-brainer, and I made my appointment with him!” *
Take the Next Step
Ready to look and feel your best? Schedule a consultation with Andrew Barnett M.D. to discuss your options today. Consultations are available in both our San Francisco and Walnut Creek offices. You may schedule for either location by calling (415) 879-8735. Renee or Laurie will help you and answer any pre-consultation questions you may have!