According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a breast augmentation was the most requested surgical in 2015. Here is a list of 10 things to know before undergoing cosmetic breast surgery. 1. Your first breast surgery probably won’t be your last: Implants aren’t infinite devices…they don’t last forever! 25 percent of women will usually require an implant exchange or revision after 10 years. In some occasions, over a long period of time, a “scar shell” also know as a capsular contracture might form around the implant, warping the shape requiring a need for new ones. Weight loss, pregnancy and change in personal preference are also reasons why there might be a need for an additional surgery. 2. It will cost you about $5,000. Remember…this amount is variable. This does not include the cost of anesthesia, the facility fee or the materials used. Everyone has a different body. One person might believe they only require implants, when they also need a lift to obtain the results they are seeking. The most important thing to remember is…NEVER BARGAIN SHOP FOR COSMETIC SURGERY. A CHEAPER PRICE MAY LOOK NICE, BUT ONLY IF YOU ARE PREPARED FOR BARGAIN RESULTS. Surgery is not the right time to wager your body for a cheaper price. Do it the right way, not the cheaper way. 3. A Breast Augmentation does not require much downtime! After surgery, most people take four to seven DAYS off. At Statesboro Plastic Surgery, our surgical days are Tuesday and Wednesday. For example, we’ve had many breast aug patients undergo surgery on a Wednesday and return back to work that upcoming Monday. (Assuming your job does not require strenuous duties) But remember…pain is subjective. Some people are ready to jump out of a plane and some hate the recovery period. Many people experience more discomfort when the implant is placed behind the muscle. Many women prefer this placement for a more natural look and to reduce the chances of a capsular contracture. 4. You can try on different breast sizes before deciding on one. During your consultation, we fit you with a surgical bra that has pockets to accommodate various sized implants. Some people say they want a very small implant and end up choosing a larger implant than expected. BUT…. you can’t go from being flat chested to Pamela Anderson all at once. Your body needs to be absolutely able to safely accommodate the implant. At Statesboro Plastic Surgery, we are all about pleasing our clients, but would never jeopardize the health or safety of our patients. Sizing helps us gauge what kind of look you are shooting for. 5. A Breast Augmentation could possibly affect your ability to breastfeed. The possibility of this happening drops significantly when opting for the implant to go under the muscle because we do not have to disturb the breast tissue. It also depends on the type of incision. The most popular incision is at the inframammary fold, but if you choose a peri-areolar incision there is a chance that minor ducts could be damaged resulting in the inability to breastfeed. Remember…its already hard for a female that’s never had any breast surgery to breastfeed. 6. Nipple sensation may change. This solely depends on the breast shaped and surgical plan required for that specific individual. Even if the sensation changes, it could go back to normal after your body has the appropriate time to heal. Regardless, the nipple will still be able to temperature changes and stimulation. 7. Smoking Sucks: If you smoke, you greatly increase the chance of surgical complications...maybe not during the surgery, but surely afterwards… Let us tell you why! Smoking decreases blood flow to tissues, which can cause healing tissues to kick the bucket. Help us, help you, get the best results ever…Quit Smoking. 8. Not all Plastic Surgeons are Board Certified. Do a background check on your Plastic Surgeon. Make sure your surgeon is certified; like Dr. Bisseck, by “The American Board of Plastic Surgeons”, also known as “ABMS”. Plastic Surgeons that are part of the ABMS must meet very hard credentials and perform routine maintenance requirements, in order to maintain their certification. Be weary of other certifications that are misleading. A plaque looks pretty, but make sure that the certification doesn’t just require a simple quiz asking them for the sum of 2+2. 9. Exercise is restricted after surgery…but not for too long. Push-ups, pull-ups, crossfit, weight lifting…. yeah we think this is self explanatory. Don’t compromise your surgery. Restrictions are lifted on a weekly basis, depending on how quick you recover. Don’t worry; most people go back to their normal exercise regimen after 5 to 10 weeks. 10. Don’t be upset about the consultation fee. You want a dedicated surgeon and we want dedicated patients! There is a lot that is involved in a cosmetic consultation. There are no two people in this entire world that have the same body. For a consultation we block off a portion of our schedule entirely for YOU. During that time we go over every tiny detail, which includes what to expect pre-operatively and post-operatively. We encourage patients to bring pictures, a list of questions, or a family member. This is an important time to gather information, understand you as an individual, and answer any questions you or your family might have. It gives us an opportunity to be prepared as possible in giving you exactly what you desire from your surgery. We strive to exceed your expectations. Wouldn’t you want a surgeon and staff that made you such big priority? Well you are to us… and that’s why a consultation fee isn’t a bad thing. We don’t let you in and move you out like cattle…you’re special to us.