February 2024

4 Tips For Planning For 
Your Breast Augmentation

Reasons You Might Be Thinking About Breast Implants

Breast Changes After Pregnancy and Weight Loss

Pregnancy and significant weight loss are transformative experiences for many women, yet they can cause less desirable changes, particularly in the breasts. Post-pregnancy and weight loss leaves many women grappling with breasts that lack volume, appear deflated, and exhibit sagging due to stretched skin. In such cases, breast augmentation provides a viable solution that restores both physical and emotional well-being by addressing these specific concerns. We’re often told by new moms and weight loss patients that getting breast implants restores their body confidence, both in and out of the bedroom. They love having a younger looking and more feminine aesthetic.

For these breast augmentation patients, an actual breast lift with augmentation might sometimes be necessary, but some women can experience significant lifting and filling of the breast tissue by simply opting for breast implants.

Breast Augmentation
After Weight Loss

Mommy Makeover
Breast Augmentation

Breast Lift
with Implants

Learn more:
Teardrop Breast Augmentation

You Want Better Breast Shape

The spectrum of breast shapes is vast, and women may find themselves with unique characteristics such as little cleavage, wide-set breasts, tuberous breast tissue, or overall misshapenness. These variations can impact body confidence, leaving some women yearning for a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing appearance. By carefully selecting the appropriate implant size, profile, and shape, your plastic surgeon can create the natural contours of more symmetrical breast tissue resulting in a fuller appearance that boosts both volume and cleavage.

You've Had Breast Augmentation Before, And Want A Revision

Some patients have had a bad experience with a prior breast augmentation and need augmentation revision. They might want to increase the breast volume with a larger implant, or remove scar capsules that have caused hardening and malformation called capsular contracture. Following some breast surgery cases, implants "bottom out" by migrating down and even laterally to the sides of the chest. There can be implant failures, deflations, or just the wrong-sized implant: too big or too small.

Choosing Your Plastic Surgeon

Breast augmentation is the most popular procedure done by plastic surgeons. The satisfaction rates of the procedure are very good and most report  >94% satisfaction rate. Due to its popularity among patients, many surgeons will advertise the surgery, and it's important that you know where to start with who you can trust to perform your procedure.

Why Board Certification Matters

In choosing a plastic surgeon it is important to remember that not all surgeons are the same. Many surgeons that advertise plastic surgery procedures come from specialties outside of plastic surgeons like OB/GYN, ENT/otolaryngology (facial plastic surgeons), or general surgeons. Many of these surgeons may have certifications that on the surface appear legitimate but in reality, are not.

One example is the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery which is not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialities (ABMS). Only Boards recognized by ABMS have met the strictest criterias and are legitimate. The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is the only legitimate accrediting Board for plastic surgeons. Make sure your surgeon is certified by the ABPS.

A list of ABPS accredited physicians can be found here

Experience Is A Must

Photos Speak Louder Than Anything

You should review examples of your surgeon's final outcomes to see if you like their results. Make sure they show you examples of their work where the photographs are standardized rather than photos that are on-table or otherwise taken. For more on this, review what The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has to say here.

Make sure the surgeon has a lot of examples and photos to review. In reviewing photos look for BEFORE photos of patients that look similar to you so that you can see appropriate examples. If you are tall and lean then look for similar cases or if you are short and heavier then look for those examples to get a realistic idea of the results you might expect.

Procedure Reviews

Ask for references from former patients or read procedure-specific reviews online. The best is to ask a family, friend, or associate who has had a breast augmentation for a reference to their doctor. If they had a positive experience then you will likely as well.

Surgery Center Accreditation

Make sure the doctor you choose operates in a fully accredited surgery Center (or Medicare approved) or hospital. AAAASF-certified centers diligently follow a structured process to assess outpatient surgery facilities across various domains, including:

• General Environment
• Operating Room Environment, Policies, and Procedures
• Recovery Room Environment, Policies, and Procedures
• General Safety within the Facility
• Handling of Blood and Medications
• Management of Medical Records
• Quality Assessment and Improvement
• Administration of Anesthesia

AAAASF aims to standardize and enhance the quality of medical and surgical care in outpatient settings. Its accreditation assures the public that accredited facilities prioritize patient safety, AAAASF is the "gold standard" in ensuring quality patient care.

Board-certified Anesthesiologist

Make certain that your plastic surgeon uses a Board-certified anesthesiologist to administer your anesthesia. Anesthesiologists collaborate with surgeons and medical professionals to manage patients throughout the entire anesthesia process—before, during, and after procedures. Their expertise is often applied to more intricate and surgical cases within extensive hospital systems.

These professionals undergo rigorous education, including medical school and a four-year residency, culminating in a medical degree (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) degree. Anesthesiologists take on the responsibility of overseeing anesthesia assistants and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs).

Finally, make sure your surgeon has hospital privileges at a nearby hospital in case you need to be admitted.

Choosing The Perfect Size For You

Choosing the perfect-sized implant is another confusing task and is not always fully explained by most plastics. Most patients communicate size with a “cup size:” A, B, C, or D. While these sizes are useful, they are not very precise. In the past, both patients and surgeons have tried many sizing options. Some measured cups of rice were placed into plastic bags as an implant substitute. A more sophisticated method is to "try on" implants in the plastic surgeon's office. The problem with these methods is that they tend to overestimate the size as there is a lot of space around the implant and the bra adds volume as well. 

Accuracy with Visualization

Modern technology in the form of 3D implant simulation is the most precise and accurate way of choosing implants. Photos are taken of your breasts and a 3D image is generated. The computer can then simulate any implant size, shape, or profile so that you can see exactly what you will look like after the procedure with any implant. This is Dr. Burns' preferred method of sizing.

Following these recovery tips can contribute to a smoother recuperation process and optimize the results of the mommy makeover. In your pre-op appointment and follow up surgical care, our registered nurse will communicate graduated clearance based on your unique procedures to. ensure a safe and successful recovery.

Goal Photos Are A Great Help

Another good idea is to bring “goal photos” of what you would like to look like after the procedure. This gives Dr. Burns a good idea of what shape and size you like best. In almost all cases, Dr. Burns prefers the newest generation of silicone gummy bear implants. These are the most popular implants for a variety of reasons: durability, feel, look, and warranty. 

Perfect Timing

With busy lives, it can be a challenge to find the time for any type of procedure. Fortunately, breast augmentation is a quick recovery. Dr. Burns practices Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation with a quick return to normal activity and work. When planning breast augmentation take into account any major life events such as travel, events such as parties or a wedding, work duties, etc. The first few days can be uncomfortable so give yourself plenty of time to fully heal before attempting your full, regular schedule. Keep in mind the initial recovery is not intense and can easily fit into a busy schedule.

We're Here When You're Ready

We always stress the important of selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon for your procedure.

Dr. John Burns in Dallas, TX, employs both artistry and skill in using advanced techniques that go beyond mere surgery – we specialize in creating results that are as natural yet transforming. Our team is curated to provide you with passionate and compassionate care throughout your journey. We are your advocates for a beautiful outcome that you will enjoy for years.

Dr. Burns offers complimentary consultations for women considering breast augmentation and breast revision surgery throughout the United States and the world.  

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