What To Expect at a Breast Augmentation Consultation (Updated September 2024)

Woman's hands on table with doctor in a white coat holding a piece of paper. (MODELS)

When you’re considering breast augmentation, your consultation with your plastic surgeon is an important step toward achieving your desired outcome. That’s because understanding all the aspects of your procedure empowers you to have a more positive and successful aesthetic journey. With this in mind, let’s explore what you can expect at a breast augmentation consultation, including trying on breast implant sizers and navigating your implant options and decisions.

Discussing Your Medical History and Aesthetic Goals

A breast augmentation consultation usually begins with reviewing your medical history. Be prepared to discuss:

  • Your overall health
  • Any past surgeries
  • Existing medical conditions
  • Allergies
  • Current medications

This is also the time to share your breast augmentation goals with your surgeon. We’ll thoroughly answer your questions about the procedure and explain your options in detail. This includes presenting you with a detailed treatment plan and pricing and sharing your financing options.

Trying on Breast Implant Sizers

One of the most exciting parts of your consultation is sampling breast implant sizers. These are pre-filled saline implants in various sizes and shapes that we place in a special bra. It makes the implant selection process easier for you by:

  • Helping you visualize how different implant sizes and shapes look in proportion to your body
  • Allowing you to picture how implants enhance your silhouette under clothing
  • Identifying implants that complement your body frame and lifestyle

My goal is always to guide and empower you to make aesthetic decisions that align with your vision, lifestyle, and budget.

Navigating Your Breast Implant Options

In addition to size and shape, I’ll assist you with several other important implant decisions, including implant material, profile, placement, and the location of your incisions.

Implant material

Your choice includes two main types of breast implants available today:

  • Saline implants: filled with a sterile saltwater solution
  • Silicone implants: filled with a cohesive silicone gel

Both types have an outer shell made of silicone and each has its advantages. Saline implants can be inserted into the breast pocket empty, then filled with saline once in place. This allows your surgeon to make minor adjustments in size during the surgery. However, saline implants can make breasts feel unnaturally firm and are more prone to rippling or wrinkling than silicone implants.

Silicone implants are a popular choice because they tend to feel more like natural breast tissue than saline implants. Form-stable or “gummy bear” implants are a type of silicone implant with a denser filling and a higher silicone concentration than traditional silicone gel implants.

I’ll advise you about the advantages and disadvantages of each type to help you make an informed decision.

Implant profile

We’ll discuss several profile types used in our practice, including:

  • Low profile: implants with a broader base and less projection (ideal for patients with a wider chest or who want a subtle increase in breast size)
  • Moderate profile: implants with a slightly narrower base and more projection than low-profile implants (ideal for patients seeking a modest increase in breast size and a natural-looking shape)
  • Moderate plus profile: implants that fall between moderate and high profile in terms of projection
  • High profile: implants with a narrower base and more projection than moderate or moderate plus profile implants (ideal for patients seeking a significant increase in breast size and a more noticeable curve)

Your surgeon will explain how each profile affects your results and recommend options based on your body type and desired outcome.

Implant placement

Two traditional placement options are available:

  • Subglandular: above the chest muscle
  • Submuscular: beneath the pectoral muscle

Subglandular placement positions the implant behind the breast tissue in front of the chest muscle. This option typically provides a more noticeable increase in breast size and may be suitable for patients with sufficient natural breast tissue. Alternatively, submuscular placement usually provides a more natural-looking result by reducing the risk of visible implant edges, rippling, or wrinkling. It can also offer better support for the implant and reduce the risk of capsular contracture, a complication that occurs when scar tissue forms around the implant, causing it to harden.

Sub-facial placement is another innovative option we offer that involves inserting the implant into a pocket created underneath the fascia of the pectorbio-resorbable mesh that functions as an “internal bra.” It’s naturally absorbed by the body over time and replaced by your own collagen. It’s a good option for our patients who lead very active lifestyles and want a quicker recovery.

We typically prefer submuscular or sub-fascial placement because we feel these options provide you with the best results.

Incision location

During the procedure, your surgeon will place incisions strategically to minimize the appearance of scars. The types of breast augmentation incisions are:

  • Inframammary: in the breast crease
  • Periareolar: around the edge of the nipple
  • Transaxillary: in the armpit
  • Transumbilical: through the bellybutton area

At our practice, we favor inframammary and periareolar incisions. However, everyone’s needs are unique, and we’ll help you determine which location is likely to give you the best results.

If you decide to proceed with the surgery, the next step is to schedule your procedure. Our friendly and caring staff will work with you to find a convenient date and time.

Browse my breast augmentation before-and-after gallery to see the results I’ve achieved for previous patients and get an idea of what to expect.

Request a Consultation

Ready to take the next step toward enhancing your breasts and self-confidence? If you’re interested in speaking with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon about breast augmentation, call our Scottsdale, AZ, office today at (480) 423-1973 or request a consultation online.

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