Researching Breast Implants Before Your Consultation (Updated 2024)

Research is important before any major purchase, including plastic surgery. Potential breast augmentation patients frequently tell me that with so many breast implant options to choose from, research quickly crosses the line from “helpful” to “overwhelming.” This foray down the rabbit hole of research often leads patients to ask, “What do I really need to know about breast implants before I meet with my plastic surgeon?”

What To Know About Breast Implants Ahead of Your First Visit

It’s important to think of your breast augmentation as more of a work of art than a meal order at a restaurant. You don’t need to have every detail of your procedure nailed down before your first visit. In fact, your initial consultation is the appropriate time to ask questions about implant size, type, incision, and placement.

We’ll discuss your best options using your body type and desired results as our guide. Most patients actually prefer this collaborative process, and I’ve found that approaching breast surgery in this way yields happier patients and more attractive results.

1. Understand the Basic Options

If you are doing upfront research, keep in mind that various types of implants behave differently in individual patients. If you read a testimonial online that mentions a specific implant size, shape, or projection, remember that those specific breast implant features may not create the same results for you. Every woman’s body and situation are unique.

You might also consider the basics of breast augmentation vs a breast lift. Sometimes, women come into my office for breast implants when a breast lift would really give them the look they want. Understanding the differences between breast augmentation and a breast lift and knowing how they can work together for enhanced results is a good starting point.

2. Gather a Few ‘Wish’ Photos

Before your consultation, I recommend focusing more on the overall look you want rather than getting into specific details about the implants themselves. Bring along photos of breasts you like—whether you find them in a plastic surgeon’s photo gallery or simply in a magazine. This can give me an idea of the overall aesthetic you’re looking for, whether it’s subtle and natural or voluptuous and attention-grabbing. Here are a few examples of my patients’ breast augmentation before and after photos:

3. Think About Your Wardrobe

In addition to how you want to look and how big you want your breasts to be, you should also consider the types of clothes you enjoy wearing or want to enjoy wearing.

To illustrate, consider that dressing modestly can be a challenge with bigger breasts. Many women with large breasts say they feel exposed or revealing in something as simple as a V-neck top. For others, even button-up shirts are out of the question because that type of clothing gaps or pulls to reveal skin or undergarments.

Give serious thought to your favorite outfits and the aspirational clothes you’re eyeing for after your surgery, and be honest with yourself. Plastic surgery should help you realize your true self, not create discomfort in your own skin.

4. Plan for Your Long-Term Lifestyle

This segues nicely into another point that’s very important to consider: your lifestyle. Here in Arizona, we’re lucky to have easy access to some of the country’s greatest outdoor spaces and their associated activities. If you like to stay moving, you may take your small breasts for granted.

Be realistic about the type of life you want to live after your surgery and consider how large breasts may affect your lifestyle. I list the some of lifestyle and health issues you should discuss with your breast augmentation surgeon in our related blog post. By communicating clearly with your surgeon—and yourself—you can create a result that’s uniquely you and right for the lifestyle you enjoy.

Schedule Your Consultation

Let’s work together to plan your own breast augmentation. Contact my office at (480) 466-7355 or use our online form to request a consultation. We’re excited about helping you achieve a look that fills you with confidence!