Women may consider going under the knife for a variety of reasons, not limited to the lack of breast symmetry, a preference for larger breasts, to rectify droopy breasts, to add breast mass after losing it due to weight loss, or to tweak the breast shape after breast removal. When deciding whether or not to go for breast augmentation surgeries, there is always a concern of candidate suitability.

Specifically, there are key defining traits that can determine whether a woman is suitable for breast augmentation. Such traits may restrict what the surgeon can work with.

Healthy lifestyle
The ideal candidate should have led a healthy lifestyle. On top of not smoking, the weight, blood pressure, as well as overall health should be well. This enables the body to recover faster post-surgery.

Existing health conditions
It is important to consider one’s past history or allergic reactions to general anesthesia. It is also preferable to be free of any breast-related diseases. If there is a strong family history of breast cancer, especially when it stems from the maternal side, please sound it out to the doctor. Women who are having an active infection may also face a complicated healing process.

Existing breasts conditions
Surgical results not only depend on the skill of the surgeon, but also on the candidate’s existing breast conditions. This includes current differences in breast sizes, shape of the breast, as well as its position on the chest. Rib cage symmetry is another factor as well. If the candidate has overstretched breast tissues from either pregnancy or weight loss, it can make the surgery a lot easier as the surgeon will have more skin to accommodate the breast implants. This prevents overstretching, and allows the skin and tissues to adapt better.

Age
Women under the age of 18 are not good candidates for breast augmentation surgery. As a teenager, their breasts can continue to grow well into your 20s. Breast augmentation should only be considered after breasts are fully developed. Otherwise, the enhanced breasts can become deformed and revision surgeries may have to be considered.

Pregnancy and breast feeding
It is advisable for pregnant woman to avoid any unnecessary surgeries. Breast augmentation can cause hormonal changes as well as alter the milk-secreting breast tissues. As such, it is best to wait for at least six weeks after pregnancy or breast feeding before considering the surgery. Since milk-secreting breast tissues may be affected, women who are keen to give birth and breast feed in the near future should also engage in parenthood planning before considering breast augmentation. There is a likelihood that milk production will be affected.

Other things to take note:

Post-surgery activities
Most patients can resume less strenuous daily activities within 24 hours after the surgery. Taking a shower, applying cosmetics, dressing up, and eating regular meals is not an issue. However, it is important to avoid stretching or repetitive activities that may raise one’s pulse or blood pressure for two full weeks, as it can up the risk of bleeding.

In the event of bleeding, reoperation will be needed to remove the blood, cauterize or suture the source, and re-suture the incision. As such, the lesser you engage in strenuous activities, the better tissues can heal. This way, one can avoid worsening bruises, discomfort, and capsular contracture as well.

Time off work
For many patients who are working adults, time off work will be a factor when considering a breast augmentation surgery. If one’s job does not involve excessive lifting or straining, the candidate can return to work in as short as two to three days post-surgery. However, taking a week off is definitely a safer option to allow both the physical and mental state to recover. This is especially so given that the risk of bleeding is at its highest 10 to 27 days after surgery. It is also important to factor in the risk of complications and revision surgeries, which may require more time off work. Having a proper handover during the period can ease the recovery process. Being able to take one’s mind off work can better allow one to concentrate on healing and feeling better.

Expectations management
Altering how the body looks can result in dramatic changes to one’s life. Knowing that the surgery is done for your own sake to feel good in one’s own skin, and not to fulfil someone else’s demands, is crucial in instilling confidence in the long-run. Feeling happy about how one will look is crucial in maintaining a sound and good mental health. However, managing expectations about possible repercussions should not be neglected. Not all surgeries will have a positive result, and all surgeries definitely come with a risk. The final look of the augmented breasts may differ, sometimes even drastically, from what was originally anticipated. It is important to recognise that some surgeries can result in irreversible, permanent impacts too. With all these points in mind, one will be better able to have a more realistic expectation of the surgical results.

Conclusion
Breast augmentation surgery is a huge, lifelong commitment. It is of utmost importance to speak to a reputable and certified surgeon. On top of doing research and due diligence, getting an honest and professional feedback from a trusted and proven surgeon is most important. A thorough physical examination of not only the breasts, but also the nipple-areola position, measurements, skin and muscle tone all play a part in determining the candidate’s suitability.

If you would like to know more about how a Breast Augmentation consultation process would be like, here’s a video of a Singaporean who have uploaded a video of her journey on her Instagram account.