5 Things You Should Know Before Getting Breast Implants

Dr Allen Rezai, shares his insider tips on 5 things you should know before getting breast implants.

Posted on

6 July 2017

| Last updated on 4 June 2018

5 Things You Should Know Before Getting Breast Implants

A thorough consultation with a qualified and experienced Plastic Surgeon, is necessary when you are considering breast augmentation surgery, or any other surgery or procedure for that matter.

You should be able to discuss your concerns and goals with wanting surgery, be fully assessed and be informed of your options, the implications of surgery and whether or not you are a suitable candidate.

Read what the expert in the field has to say about taking this crucial step...

“Making an informed decision about having breast implants is the first step towards figuring out if the procedure is right for you. I strongly believe in educating my patients about all aspects of the procedure including, pros, cons, and possible risks and complications. The more they know about the procedure and how it would impact their life, the more confident, calm and prepared they feel about the big change their body is about to undergo.” Says Dr Allen Rezai, a leading Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon of Harley Street, London, and leader of Elite Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Group in Dubai Healthcare City.

In this article, Dr Allen Rezai, shares his insider tips on 5 things you should know before getting breast implants. Having more information and a clear expectation about what’s next will help you make an informed decision and to better manage your post-op recovery so that you have the best possible experience out of your surgery.

1. Having The Surgery For The Right Reasons

I always start my consultations by asking my patients why they want to have this surgery. It is amazing, how much insight this initial conversation gives me on the person’s mindset and expectations. If you are thinking of having breast surgery, my advice to you is, prior to attending a consultation, take some time to truly consider your reasons for wanting surgery and ask yourself:

Why do I want this procedure?
What is it that I don’t like?
How much does my current situation bother me?
What are my expectations?
How excited am I to go through with this?
How much am I willing to expose myself to certain risks?
Am I prepared to have another surgery sometime in the future?

If you are comfortable with your answers, then make that appointment.

2. Know Your Options

When it comes to breast augmentation surgery, there are various options, in terms of shape, size and projection of implants, incision sites and the placement of implants. It is important that you know ALL your options and why one option may be more suitable for you and your circumstance, than the other. A correct surgical plan including implant size, should be based on patient’s anatomy, height, width of shoulders and hips and detailed chest measurements.

Remember that everyone is different and “One Size Does Not Fit ALL”. Alarm bells should ring if a surgeon tells you that you could have any size, placement, or incision site that you prefer. Consult, 1, 2, 3 or even more experienced and qualified plastic surgeons, until you are satisfied with the reasons why a certain treatment plan is suitable for you. Take your time, do your research and ask questions until everything is clear, it is only then that you can make an informed decision.

3. Further Surgery May Be Required at Some Point in The Future

While implants don’t have an expiration date and some breast implants come with lifetime guarantee, it does not mean that they will last forever or no further surgery is needed. The reality is that no one really knows the lifespan of breast implants and you should be prepared to have further surgery at some point in your life not only to replace the implants, but also to improve the shape of your breasts.

The two brands of implants that I use, have been on the market for 30-35 years with the longest track records in both reconstructive and cosmetic breast surgeries. I advise my patients that further surgery is required only if:

1. They develop implant related complications, such as leakage and rupture, capsular contracture (hardness of the capsule surrounding the implant), wrinkles and rippling etc

2. Lifestyle, pregnancy, gravity and natural ageing change the size and shape of their breasts.

Many of my patients who have breast implants, come and see me for annual check-ups, some will have further surgery after 5 years whereas others come for their 10th -15th annual check and still have no need for surgery to replace the implants or improve the shape. Regular maintenance and checks are a must when you have implants.

4. Optimal Result Happens With Time

5 things you should know before you get breast implants

Recovery after Breast Augmentation is very individual, but generally patients with submuscualr placement of implants, will have slightly longer recovery than those who have subglandular implants.

Many are able to return to work and resume their normal daily routine within 7-10 days post-op. However, strenuous activities, exercising, and heavy lifting should not be resumed until 4-6 weeks post-op, after you have the all clear from your surgeon.

In terms of outcome, I always advise my patients to be prepared for their breasts looking anything but attractive during the first few weeks to couple of months, especially if implants are submuscular.

The tissue needs some time to recover and settle after surgery, your body needs time to heal but day by day you’ll start noticing positive changes, and the final result will become obvious in six to twelve months.

5. Having Realistic Expectations

You’ve probably have seen or even collected images of how you would like your breasts to look like, forget about this dream – your body is unique and so will your new breasts be.

It is important to understand that every woman has a different anatomy and the same size and shape of implants can look completely different on you than how it does on someone who appears to have same anatomy as you. Keep your expectations reasonable and listen to your surgeon and his advice on what to expect, specific to your anatomy and circumstances. If a surgeon promises miracles and tells you that you’ll look exactly as the picture you’ve shown him, you may want to request a second consultation with another surgeon.

Unrealistic expectations will lead to disappointment, even if a surgery is extremely successful.

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To conclude, we asked Dr Allen to provide a list of what he believes to be the most important considerations to be taken into account when contemplating Breast Enhancement Surgery and choosing a surgeon. The following was his reply in the form of a simple but comprehensive check-list:

Think about the change you want to see, then research and find out as much information as possible about the treatment, being precise about what you want and, above all, be open to all your wishes not being achievable.
Find a qualified plastic surgeon experienced in Breast Surgery, making sure that he or she is board certified. Also look for “genuine” reviews and feedback from previous patients.
Have consultations with at least 2 or 3 qualified and experienced plastic surgeons, just to have something to compare and cross-check.
Be honest about your medical history and discuss all aspects of the surgery with the plastic surgeon. Do not be afraid to ask questions, since it is important to know the risks involved and feel comfortable with the person who will be carrying out the surgery.
The plastic surgeon should be able to explain why he/she recommends a certain type of treatment option or technique, as with all cosmetic surgery, the type of technique used depends on many factors involving the patient’s indication for treatment, anatomy and lifestyle, and a treatment plan should be tailored to suit the specific needs of the patient.
Thoroughly research the type of breast implants offered to you. Find out information about the implant manufacturer, how long the implants have been on the market, their track record and what type of guarantees come with the implants.
Find out what type of care is offered Before, During, and especially After the surgery as after-care can be just as important as the surgery itself. So make sure you know who to contact and how you will be looked after, especially if there are any complications or problems following your surgery.
Find out where the surgery will be performed, as this can have major implications on safety during the operation and the occurrence of possible risks and complications.
Last but not least, “COOL OFF” before you commit. Cosmetic Surgery should not be taken lightly, as it is after all surgery. Take your time and reflect on all aspects of the Breast Augmentation procedure, and make sure you understand all the implications involved before you make an informed decision to proceed.

For more information about breast augmentation surgery or any other types of breast surgery please call Elite Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Group on +971 4 431 2396.