Countless women today are choosing to undergo breast augmentation. Before undergoing this procedure, a woman should meet with a minimum of three surgeons to discuss the procedure and what they should know. When meeting with the surgeons, what questions should a woman ask?
Is This Procedure Right for Me?
Any woman planning to have breast augmentation should ensure they are a good candidate for the procedure. A woman suffering from body dysmorphic disorder should not undergo this procedure, and women who smoke shouldn’t. Consult with the doctor to determine the necessary steps to achieve optimal results. Ditching unhealthy habits is essential, and your doctor will likely have additional recommendations on how to achieve the best outcome.
Are You Board-Certified?
Every woman should undergo this procedure with a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The certification demonstrates that they possess the necessary knowledge and skills to operate effectively. Certification requires them to undergo a minimum of three years of general surgery in addition to two years of plastic surgery training. Upon completing this training, surgeons must pass both a written and an oral examination. All certified surgeons are required to adhere to a strict code of medical ethics and professional conduct.
Where Will the Procedure Take Place?
Many women assume their surgery will take place in a hospital, but the surgeon may choose to use an accredited outpatient surgery center instead. Ensure the surgery center is certified by the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities or the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. However, many women prefer to have the procedures done in the hospital because this demonstrates that other doctors have researched the surgeon’s training and credentials.
What Type of Anesthesia Will Be Used?
Doctors use three types of anesthesia during this procedure. Most patients have general anesthesia to put them to sleep, but local anesthesia may be used to ensure the surgical site remains numb. IV sedation is also known as twilight anesthesia, and the patient’s level of consciousness is altered. Speak with each surgeon to see which type of anesthesia they use and why. Furthermore, ensure the anesthesia will be administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist who will remain present throughout the procedure and during the recovery process.
Are There Risks Associated With Breast Augmentation?
Every surgery carries risks, and a woman must be aware of what to look for after undergoing this procedure. Complications may arise as a result of the way the woman’s body heals, which is unrelated to the surgeon’s skills. However, the surgeon must know how to treat each complication for the best outcome. For