Health Is Everything: A Medical Blog

How to Decide if a Breast Augmentation Is Right for You

Breast augmentation is done for a variety of reasons. In some cases, it's done as a reconstructive measure to restore breast tissue that was lost due to a mastectomy. In other cases, women simply want to augment their natural breasts for personal reasons. Many women choose breast augmentation as a way to feel better about their bodies and increase their self-confidence. There is no wrong reason to get a breast augmentation as long as you make a thoughtful decision after considering all the information. Here are four things you can do to decide if a breast augmentation is right for you:

1. Decide if you'd be happier with larger breasts.

The first question you need to ask yourself is whether you'd be happier and more confident with your body with larger breasts. Answering yes to this question doesn't necessarily mean you aren't happy with your body already; breast augmentation can be a way to improve the body you already like.

2. Schedule a consultation.

Getting a consultation with a plastic surgeon is the first step in any cosmetic surgery. Plastic surgeons can answer any questions you have about the procedure itself or what you can expect afterward. You can talk with your surgeon about your goals for the procedure and they can give you their professional opinion about what level of augmentation is ideal for your body type. The decision is ultimately yours, but they can use their expertise to suggest an implant size that would be most flattering on you.

3. Try on various bra sizes.

In your plastic surgeon's office, you will have the opportunity to try out different sizes of bras stuffed with material to mimic the look of larger breasts. Seeing larger breasts on your own frame can help you decide if you like the look better than looking at photos of other people. You can adjust the look by sizing up or down to find the level of augmentation that is most pleasing to you.

4. Make sure you're committed to the change.

After a breast augmentation, you will need to buy a new wardrobe. Many of the shirts and dresses that fit you before may no longer fit you, and you will need to buy new bras as well. Even clothing that does still fit you may hang differently when you have larger breasts. Take these changes into account when you're making your decision. Many women find it fun to shop for new clothes that flatter their new body type after a breast augmentation.