Over at Refinery29, they collected great advice about how to plan for a breast augmentation. See the best (which we agree with!) below:
First things first: Do a little homework.
While an indiscriminate Google search on boob jobs, lifts, or reductions will probably take you down a rabbit hole of overwhelming (and sometimes dubious) information, focused initial research is crucial.
The two most comprehensive and, more importantly, plastic-surgeon vetted and recommended sites are the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Both these resources break down the different types of breast surgeries available and procedure details, provide info on FDA-approved implants, explain the costs, and give crucial updates on the latest related news and technologies.
Shop around: Find the right doctor.
Selecting the right surgeon is the most important part of this process. First, you need to make sure your doctor is legit, i.e. certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, as Dr. Yee is. Don’t be confused by a certification from the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, which, is not plastic surgery. Plastic surgeons are specifically educated, trained, and certified to perform both cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries of the entire face and body.
Also, beware of any other official-sounding, but totally sketchy “board” or “association.” It’s actually legal for other types of surgeons, and even non-surgeons — ear, nose, and throat doctors; Ob/Gyns; physical therapists; and dermatologists — to perform cosmetic surgery on your breasts, even though it’s not their specialty. It’s also a good idea to verify the surgeon’s hospital privileges, and make sure the surgical facility and office are accredited by a national- or state-recognized agency.
Once you feel safe and secure with your decision, make sure you connect with your doctor. It’s important to try to get a sense of whether or not your aesthetic sense is aligned with the surgeon’s.
Understand the different types of implants.
Once you decide on your aesthetic goal, your surgeon will work with you to decide what implants will help you achieve it. Here’s a primer on the terminology you’ll be hearing:
You may have heard of saline implants, which are filled with sterile salt water (and are FDA-approved for those 18 and up) and silicone implants, which are filled with silicone gel (and are approved for ages 22 and older). Silicone implants are the most common type in the U.S. and internationally, because they’re softer and give a more natural look — plus they’re less likely to break. Saline implants can create an awkward rippling effect under the skin.
Know that implants come in different profiles (i.e., heights) and in round or teardrop shapes, and can be smooth or textured. Talk to your doctor about what you want your breasts to look and feel like.