As a double board certified plastic surgeon, it’s my job to educate patients on the ins and outs of breast surgery. While it’s true I generally like to keep these types of conversations reserved for consultations, it doesn’t seem to stop my family and friends from being curious themselves. So I got to thinking – are the questions of my patients so different from those of my inner circle? Honestly, not really; while they may be more candid in discussing their concerns, at the very core they want a straight, honest opinion from a trusted professional. Today, I want to share some of the recent conversations I’ve had and the response that I tell my friends when discussing cosmetic plastic surgery.
{Friend A: Mother of 2 in her mid-30s}
“After both of my kids my boobs sag but I’m not sure if I’m done having kids yet. What can I do?”
As much as I’d like to say there’s a magical elixir to address sagging breasts, there isn’t; and no amount of exercise can help. Until you’re actually done having kids, you’re better off waiting because pregnancy alone can bring a plethora of physical changes to the body, and your breasts. Breast enhancement is your only chance of getting the breasts to look the way you want. Once you’re ready, think about what you want your end result to be – higher position on the chest, bigger size, smaller size, etc., then come see me so we can map out how to get the breast enhancement results you want.
{Friend B: College student – age 18}
“I want to get a breast augmentation but my parents think I should wait.
Why wait when I can legally do it now?”
Not to rain on your parade, but I would have to agree with your parents. Just give it a few more years to really make sure your body is done developing before you get a breast augmentation. You want them to look as natural as possible and when deciding what size will best compliment your body frame. Not all breast implants are FDA-approve for patients under 21, so you’re limiting your options –
ones that you could end up preferring over the others. Why not reduce the possibility of needing a breast revision should your breasts naturally continue to grow or you simply don’t end up liking your limited implant options?
{Friend C: Female – age 61}
“I got my breasts augmented several, several years ago and they’re not as attractive
as I’d like them to be. Am I too old to do something about the girls?”
Have no fear, Dr. Whiteman is here! (Okay, I didn’t really say that, but it has a nice ring to it) As long as you are in good physical and mental health, then there is no reason you can’t explore a breast revision procedure. My Grammy makeover patients range from their 40s and up and breast procedures are one of the top picks during their combination procedure. We can either swap out your implants to a smaller or larger size or remove them completely. Depending on which route you choose, you’ll likely want to combine a breast lift or breast reduction to address any extra skin or breast tissue that may need tending to. So don’t let age deter you from doing what makes you feel most beautiful.
Even if we haven’t known each other for decades or spend holidays and vacations together, I like to treat my patients just as if they were. You get the same candid advice and surgical care because your safety and satisfaction with your breast surgery results are my top priority. If you are considering a procedure or have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to contact Southern Plastic Surgery (SPS) at 770-622-9100. For more plastic surgery news and updates, follow me, Dr. David Whiteman, and the SPS team on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.