Am I a Candidate for Breast Enlargement?

You may be dreaming of having a Breast Augmentation surgery in Miami, Fort Lauderdale or South Florida. Perhaps you are unhappy with your appearance, you want to feel more feminine, or you want to make your body better proportioned. These are all valid reasons. But, beyond the fact that you want the surgery, how do you know if you are a good candidate for Breast Augmentation surgery? Ultimately this is a decision you will make with your physician. But in the meantime you can read this page to learn about important factors that come into play when determining if this is a good surgery for you.

Realistic Expectations

Good candidates for Breast Augmentation surgery have realistic expectations. Going into the procedure they probably feel dissatisfied with their appearance, they probably can see themselves having a well-proportioned body, but they also understand that having bigger breasts is not going to solve all of their life's problems. They understand that normal ups and downs will still happen. In other words they realize that the surgery will change the shape of their body, not the shape of their lives.

Good candidates understand that the shape of their body determines the best shape and size for their breasts. Women who are very petite will not benefit from breasts that are too big. They don't want to swap one disproportionate body for another. They understand that factors such as bone size, body structure, hip, and shoulder dimensions help determine how large or small their breasts should be to look right on their body.

Good candidates take the time to do their homework. They talk with their plastic surgeon about the size of their implants and what type of implant is best for them. Whether they choose saline (salt water-filled) implants or silicone breast implants for their South Florida breast augmentation, candidates for breast enhancement must spend the time to research these important decisions because, ultimately, they will be living with their choices for a very long time.

Good candidates understand that it takes time for a body to heal after surgery. While an operation is completed in one day it can take up to six weeks for the body to heal - and even longer than that for scars to fully mature. They understand that their body will need one week of taking it extra easy. They understand that every week after their surgery they will see more improvement. They understand that they will feel many different emotions in the days that follow the surgery. They understand that healing is a process and they are gentle with themselves while following their physician's instructions.

Emotionally Healthy

Surgery can help to improve people's self-esteem, however, it is important that people who go into surgery are emotionally healthy, including having a healthy body image. If a client suffers from body dismorphic disorder - which is a type of unrealistic view or attitude about one's body - they should seek guidance from a mental health practitioner before going through surgery.

Also, people who suffer from depression, anxiety or other mental disorders such as bipolar disorders should inform the doctor during the consultation appointment. Surgery can interfere with these disorders, perhaps even creating a more severe state. Talk to your physician honestly and explain any mental or emotional problems you may have. These problems don't have to stop you from having surgery, but an informed physician can help you get through them appropriately if you are honest about your condition.

Physically Healthy

It is important that you are in good physical health before you go in for elective surgery. Smokers need to stop smoking two weeks before surgery. Diabetics or people with compromised immune systems should work with their primary care physician to get their diseases under control before surgery.

Steps to Take

• Be honest with yourself. Make sure that the reasons you want Breast Augmentation surgery are realistic.
• Do research about cohesive gel implants and saline implants and decide what size and type of implant is right for you. Discuss your choices with your South Florida plastic surgeon.
• If you are emotionally unstable or have any psychological disorders, discuss the surgery with your mental healthcare provider. Let your surgeon know about any disorder you may have.
• Be healthy. Get your physical health in check. Smokers should stop smoking a minimum of two weeks before surgery. People who suffer from diabetes or immune compromising conditions should make sure that their disorders are under control.

You may be a perfect candidate as you are, or you may need to set realistic expectations and get your health in order. If you suspect that you are not a "good" candidate right now you can work with your doctor to become healthier and thereby a better candidate for surgery.