Considering Breast Augmentation? 8 Questions To Ask Your Plastic Surgeon

For many of my patients, breast implants successfully help them feel younger, sexier, more attractive...and more feminine. For others, breast implants correct breast misalignment, breasts that never developed, the loss of breasts after surgery, or a number of other issues. For all of them, however, breast augmentation can be a wonderful turning point in their lives, boosting their self-esteem and enabling them to have a positive body image, sometimes for the first time.

If you want larger breasts, I recommend breast augmentation surgery with breast implants as a safe, long-term way to get the breast size you’ve always wanted. To learn about the range of breast procedures I offer, click here. You can also watch my short 2-minute video about breast augmentation by clicking on the button below.

8 questions to ask before having breast augmentation

I feel strongly that the best patient is an informed patient, and that asking the right questions before surgery better prepares you for your procedure. Breast augmentation is a transformative procedure that can truly change your life, which is why it’s important for you to go into it with as much knowledge as possible. If you’re considering this surgery but aren’t sure which questions to ask during your initial consultation with your plastic surgeon, here are some suggestions.

1. Are breast implants safe?

Yes, silicone, saline and gummy breast implants are safe. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a variety of saline and silicone gel implants after years of clinical trials and studies to assure their safety. There is no current evidence to support a link between breast implants and certain tissue diseases. However, like any surgical procedure, breast implant surgery is not without risks. During your consultation with your surgeon, ask him or her to review these potential risks in detail.

2. Are you board certified and if so, by which board(s)?

Before undergoing breast augmentation, it is very important to make sure your plastic surgeon is qualified to perform this highly specialized surgery. He/she should be board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) as well as the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS). I am board certified by ABPS and a member of both organizations.

3. What sort of facility do you operate in?

Almost all cosmetic surgery is performed outside of a hospital. However, not all outpatient facilities are created equal. I perform all of my cosmetic surgery at the Surgical Specialty Center of Westchester, a state-of-the-art 4-operating-room, 11-recovery-bed ambulatory surgery center that meets the New York Department of Health standards for Hospitals under Article 28.

4. How experienced are you in performing breast augmentation?

You do not want your plastic surgeon to be “practicing” on you and your breasts. In my opinion, he/she should have performed hundreds of successful breast augmentation procedures, optimally for 10 years or more. Ask to see untouched “before and after” pictures. I have been performing breast augmentation procedures for over 20 years.

5. Which is the best size implant for me?

The size of a woman’s breast implants depends completely on the individual and her body type. The best size for your friend may not be best for you. You may simply want a subtle cup enlargement or you may envision something much larger. When I consult with my patients before breast implant surgery, I take into consideration their overall build, chest circumference, shoulder width, height, weight and original breast size. Then we discuss in detail the amount of cleavage they are hoping to achieve so they will be satisfied with the results. Here's a highly informative blog on this subject to help you decide.

6. How long does the surgery take?

Breast augmentation is a fairly standard procedure that takes between 30 and 40 minutes. You will be able to go home the same day, although someone else will need to drive you.

7. How long is the recovery?

After breast augmentation, most women return to work and light activity within one week.

8. How long do breast implants last?

It is a common misconception that breast implants need to be replaced every ten years. There is no particular "shelf life" when it comes to breast implants, and you should know that all breast implants made over the last 20 years come with a lifetime warranty. I have had patients whose implants have lasted 20+ years with no issues, but I have also had patients who have experienced implant leakage after only a few years. The important guideline is to get implants checked regularly.

Considering breast implants?

I specialize in the most advanced techniques of breast augmentation surgery and am ready to help you achieve your goals. If you are thinking about having breast implant surgery and would like to schedule a free consultation, please contact me and I will send you additional information prior to your appointment. Then, I will assess the current appearance of your breasts, your reasons for wanting surgery, and your expectations. Then together, we will decide which breast procedure will bring you the results you’re looking for.

Seeing is believing

To see unretouched “before and after” photos of actual patients of mine who have had successful breast augmentation, please visit the Breast Augmentation page in the Photo Gallery section of my website.

If you already have breast implants, please come see me to get them checked

If it has been a few years (or more) since your breast augmentation surgery, it’s important to get them checked. I highly recommend doing this once a year. Please make an appointment to come in and see me so I can check for any problems.

For more information about breast implants, read these 3 blogs

So that you can be fully informed on this important subject, I’ve written several blogs explaining breast implants:

Learn more about all the breast procedures I offer

There is lots of information on my website about the many breast procedures available to you so you can be fully informed prior to your decision:

Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), Samuel J. Beran, MD is a highly accomplished plastic surgeon with offices in Manhattan, Harrison and Mount Kisco, NY. With more than 20 years’ experience and a thorough command of the most advanced techniques and technologies, Dr. Beran consistently provides his patients with the highest level of plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast, face, skin and body. Recently, Dr. Beran was named a “Top Doctor” by RealSelf for his dedication to responding to consumer questions and patient feedback. The “Top Doctor” designation is awarded to less than 10% of the RealSelf physician community.

Harrison & Valhalla: (914) 761-7070