By plastic surgeon Dr Dirk Kremer. 

The choice of plastic surgeons willing and ready to perform breast augmentation surgery for you may seem a little overwhelming at first. A quick search online will bring up a vast number of options, and from here I’d recommend delving a little deeper than the first page of search results by researching further into the plastic surgeons that take your fancy. Don’t allow pictures of fancy waiting rooms or questionably cheap prices fool you into a bad decision. It takes an experienced and skilled plastic surgeon to safely execute breast surgery, and all surgeries for that matter, with the results you want to achieve.

During your initial consultation with a plastic surgeon, I’d recommend you include these 5 questions I’ve highlighted below. They will help you gain a better understanding of their expertise and the ensuing conversation surrounding each question should help make the process of selecting your surgeon of choice a little easier. However, don’t feel limited to these 5 - do fire away during the consultation with every question or concern you may have, no matter how trivial it may seem or how embarrassed you might feel to ask.

Are you a board-certified plastic surgeon?

If you want to make sure you’re in the safest hands possible then it’s important you choose a board-certified plastic surgeon. This is because a surgeon that is board-certified in plastic surgery will have undertaken the years of hands-on training that is necessary for achieving safe and optimal breast surgery results. A board-certified plastic surgeon will have demonstrated their skill and knowledge in the field of cosmetic surgery by passing rigorous oral and written examinations. They must also continue to improve their knowledge by remaining up to date with the latest industry innovations and are involved with ongoing education and examinations.

Where will the plastic surgery procedure be performed?

All plastic surgery procedures should be performed within an accredited ambulatory surgery center, accredited surgical facility or hospital surgical suite. Your safety is of paramount importance, so make sure your breast augmentation procedure would be taking place at a state-of-the-art facility that’s readily equipped to tackle any complications that may arise.

What size breast implants would you recommend for me?

During your breast augmentation consultation your plastic surgeon will take accurate measurements of your chest anatomy to determine the correct implant size that they would recommend personally for you and your body type. You also want to learn more about what type of implant is safest for you and which implant is most likely to decrease the risk of post-op complications.

Take time to research many before and after photographs of breast augmentation procedures that your plastic surgeon has undertaken, as this will help you understand more about available breast shapes and sizes as well as see the unique style and skill of your particular surgeon.

How can I ensure the best surgical result?

Make sure you question your plastic surgeon on what sort of instructions will be in place for you to follow before and after your breast surgery. Following the correct instructions is vital as this will ensure the safest and best quality results after your recovery. Protocol may differ slightly between plastic surgeons, but most post-op breast augmentation instructions should include no ibuprofen or aspirin before or after your surgery, no smoking for several weeks before or after, no heavy lifting or exercise for four to six weeks, no sleeping on your front until your plastic surgeon gives you the go-ahead and wear recommended supportive post-surgery garments for the time specified by your surgeon.

What scarring should I expect?

Everyone heals a little differently following breast augmentation surgery, but all women can expect a small scar. Many surgeons make an inframammary incision which results in a scar running along the bottom of the breast, while a periareolar incision may also be used instead (around the areola) or an axillary incision (at the underarm). A skilled and experienced plastic surgeon will ensure you scar is well-concealed and as inconspicuous as possible, regardless of the location.

Contact Harley St Aesthetics today to learn more about my signature Split Muscle Breast Augmentation procedure, or to discuss the wide range of other surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures that I offer. Book your initial consultation by calling 0845 519 7232, e-mailing info@harleystreetaesthetics.com or by completing the online contact form.