How To Prepare For A Breast Augmentation Consultation

John Diaz, MD Breast Augmentation Specialist

The consultation is a very important step in the process of having a breast augmentation. It is your opportunity to learn as much as possible about the surgeon, the numerous implant options, and the procedure. The better prepared you are for the consultation, the more you will benefit from it. Below is a list of things we recommend you do before your consultation so you can ensure it will be a great experience.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A CONSULTATION

THINK ABOUT YOUR GOALS

Having a breast augmentation can be one of the most exciting and life enhancing decisions you will ever make. Giving this careful thought will help you make great choices. You should spend some time thinking about the kind of result that you would like. For example, do you want to be a "B," "C," or "D," cup after augmentation? If you're not sure, do some research online about what these cup sizes generally look like. If you find pictures of the kind of result you like, save them so you can bring them to your consultation. Some people also ask their friends for help. Having a general idea of what size you want to be before your consultation will help make the consultation more productive.

Once you have decided to have breast augmentation and you have given some thought as to what size you would like to be, it is now a good time to research potential surgeons. Make sure the surgeon or surgeons you are considering have the proper credentials to perform breast augmentation. They should be not only Board Certified, but board certified specifically in Plastic Surgery. You will be surprised by how many surgeons claiming to be "Cosmetic Surgeons" are actually NOT Plastic Surgeons. Some are actually Ear, Nose And Throat (ENT or Otolaryngology) surgeons, Gynecologists, Family Medicine doctors, or Emergency Medicine doctors! Only a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon is qualified to do breast augmentation. Looking at doctor review sites and speaking to friends can also be very helpful.

RESEARCH THE SURGEON

Once you have found a qualified, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, take some time to review his or her website. Review their "Before and After" pictures to make sure they have performed enough breast augmentations. Also, review their pictures to ensure that you like the quality of their work. A good plastic surgeon will have a significant amount of information, pictures and videos about breast augmentation if they perform it frequently.

REVIEW WEBSITES

At this point, you are ready for the consultation. Call the offices of the surgeons you have chosen. When you speak to the staff, make a note of how helpful they are. You want to make sure to go to a surgeon who has a caring and supportive staff because if you decide to have surgery with him or her, you will be forming a long term relationship with that office. It is also a good idea to ask about pricing. The patient coordinator will likely discuss pricing with you after your consultation, so having this information before hand will help make this part of the process easier.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

Many offices are located in busy areas with heavy traffice. Beverly Hills is an example. Parking, sometimes, can also be difficult to find. Make sure to leave early enough to account for traffic and finding parking. Furthermore, every office will require you to fill out some paperwork prior to meeting the doctor. You want to make sure you give yourself enough time to complete all of this before your consultation. This way, you can spend the alloted time in the most productive way by asking questions and reviewing information.

Going through these steps before the consultation will make sure you are on your way to a great experience and beautiful results!

ARRIVE EARLY FOR YOUR CONSULTATION