You’ve made the decision to explore breast augmentation. You’re in good company—it consistently ranks as one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures in the country. Whether you’re looking to restore volume after pregnancy, correct asymmetry, or simply feel more confident, this surgery is a significant personal investment.
The team at Renaissance Plastic Surgery in Plano, Texas, believes an informed patient is a confident one. Your consultation is the most important step in the process. To ensure you get the clarity and results you deserve, here are ten essential questions to bring with you.
1. Which Type of Breast Implant is Best for My Body and Goals?
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. Your surgeon should explain the core options:
Silicone Implants: Filled with a cohesive gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. They require periodic monitoring with an MRI or ultrasound to ensure integrity.
Saline Implants: Filled with sterile saltwater after placement, allowing for a smaller incision. If they leak, the body safely absorbs the saline, making the deflation obvious.
Structured Implants: Like the Ideal Implant®, these use nested saline chambers to offer a natural feel without gel, with a lower risk of silent rupture.
Your surgeon in Plano will consider your body frame, existing breast tissue, and desired outcome to recommend the best fit.
2. What Size and Profile Will Help Me Achieve My Desired Look?
“Bigger” isn’t always better; proportion is key. Your surgeon will have implant sizers for you to try on.
Actionable Step: Wear a form-fitting top to your consultation. Try different sizers and look at yourself in the mirror from multiple angles. Do the proportions complement your hips and waist?
Expert Insight: For a significant size increase, your surgeon may advise a staged approach to ensure your skin and tissues can safely accommodate the new volume.
3. What is the Realistic Recovery Time for Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Planning your downtime is crucial. While individual experiences vary, a general timeline looks like this:
First 5-7 Days: Focus on rest. You’ll need help with daily tasks and will manage discomfort with prescribed medication.
Weeks 2-4: You can typically return to a desk job and light activities. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are prohibited.
Month 6+: Swelling fully subsides, and your final results settle in. Scars continue to fade over the next year.
4. How Do You Minimize Breast Augmentation Surgery Risks?
Safety should be the cornerstone of your discussion. Any qualified surgeon will openly address potential breast augmentation surgery risks, which include:
Capsular contracture (scar tissue hardening)
Infection
Changes in nipple sensation
Implant rupture or leakage
Ask about their specific techniques in the operating room to minimize these risks, such as precise pocket creation and antibiotic irrigation.
5. What Are My Options for Breast Augmentation Without an Implant?
If you desire a modest boost in volume and fullness, a fat transfer breast augmentation might be an option.
How it works: Liposuction harvests fat from your abdomen or thighs, which is then purified and injected into the breasts.
Best for: Patients seeking a subtle enhancement (typically less than one cup size) who also want body contouring in donor areas.
6. Can I See Before and After Photos of Patients with Similar Body Types?
A surgeon’s gallery is their visual resume. Don’t just glance—analyze.
Look for patients with a similar build, breast shape, and starting point as you.
Pay attention to consistency in results. Do the outcomes look natural and balanced?
This gives you a realistic expectation of what is achievable in the hands of your Plano breast augmentation surgeon.
7. How Long Will My Implants Last, and What Does Future Maintenance Involve?
Breast implants are not lifetime devices.
Lifespan: While many implants last 10-20 years, replacement isn’t always mandatory unless a issue arises.
Monitoring: Silicone implants require periodic MRI scans to screen for silent ruptures. Saline implants are monitored with physical exams.
Aging: Remember, your natural breasts will change with time, weight fluctuations, and gravity, which may lead you to consider a revision (like a lift) in the future.
8. Will Breast Augmentation Affect My Ability to Breastfeed?
This is a common concern. Modern surgical techniques aim to preserve function.
Incision Placement: Incisions made in the inframammary fold (under the breast) or through the armpit typically pose the least risk to milk ducts and nerves.
Direct Discussion: Be upfront with your surgeon about your future family plans so they can tailor the surgical plan to protect your breastfeeding potential.
9. What is the Total Cost for Breast Augmentation Surgery?
The cost for breast augmentation surgery is a combination of several fees:
Surgeon’s fee
Anesthesia fees
Facility (hospital or surgical center) costs
Implant costs
Post-operative garments and follow-up visits
Insist on a detailed, all-inclusive quote during your consultation. Reputable practices are transparent about pricing and can discuss patient financing options.
10. What is Your Experience and Certification as a Plastic Surgeon?
This is the most important question you can ask. Your safety and results depend on their expertise.
Board Certification: Verify they are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This is the gold standard.
Procedure Volume: Ask how many breast augmentations they perform annually. An experienced surgeon has refined their technique and problem-solving skills.
Hospital Privileges: Does they have privileges to perform this surgery at an accredited local Dallas or Plano hospital? This is a key vetting step for surgeon competency.
Ready to Find Your Answers?
This list is your starting point for a productive and empowering consultation. The goal is to find a surgeon you trust, who listens to your goals, and has the skill to deliver beautiful, safe results.
Don’t leave your confidence to chance. Schedule your one-on-one consultation with the expert team at Renaissance Plastic Surgery in Plano today. Let’s have a conversation about your future.
