What would you like to change about yourself? For many women, it’s their breasts.
More than 18,500 women in 40 countries participated in the Breast Size Satisfaction Survey, the results of which were published earlier this year. It’s believed to be the largest cross-cultural study to examine body image ever undertaken. Nearly half of the women who participated (48%, specifically) said they wanted larger breasts. (The average age of the participants was 34.)
The researchers behind the study also discovered that that dissatisfaction was associated with poorer psychological well-being, including lower levels of self-esteem and happiness, and that those women were more likely to be unhappy with their weight and overall appearance, too.
So, if you’re feeling insecure about your breasts, you’re far from alone. Whether you want to increase your cup size or lift them post-pregnancy or -weight loss, consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon may not only prove informative but it could also help you feel less, well, stuck.
The consultation
A consultation isn’t a purely one-way experience. You should come prepared with some basic background knowledge of what breast augmentation entails, which will enable you to ask more pointed questions about both the procedure and the and the surgeon him- or herself, such as:
- How many breast augmentations did you do last year?
- What was your complication rate?
- What shape, size, surface texturing, incision site and placement site are recommended for me? (More on that in a moment.)
- Where and how will you perform my breast augmentation surgery?
- How can I expect my implanted breasts to look over time? After pregnancy? After breastfeeding?
Also ask to see before-and-after photos specifically of women with your body type.
Meanwhile, the plastic surgeon’s also going to try to get to know you and understand the motivation that brought you to his or her office. They’re also going to ask about your medical background, in case there’s anything that may have relevance to the surgery.
Finally, they’re going to examine you physically. Your anatomy plays an important role in determining the size and shape of your implants.
Size and shape
The plain truth is: Some have more capacity for breast implants than others. But breast augmentation also isn’t purely about the size of the implant. A plastic surgeon who’s experienced in the procedure will be keenly aware of creating the right aesthetic balance of tissue above and below the nipple. Breasts that aren’t slightly fuller below the nipple tend to look noticeably artificial.
The shape of the implant itself is also an important variable. There are two different shapes, generally speaking, round and teardrop. The teardrop offers a slightly more natural look. But, again, it depends on your anatomy. The idea is to work with your body as much as possible, not against it.
In my next post, I’ll discuss what the surgery entails, the difference between breast augmentation and a breast lift, and what the recovery’s like.