Tips for Maximizing Your Breast Augmentation

The choice to get a breast augmentation is only the first decision of many, and those decisions will impact your results.

That’s why Frederick H. Watkins, MD, a renowned board-certified plastic surgeon with locations in McLean, Virginia, and Rockville, Maryland, works closely with you from the moment you walk in asking questions about plastic surgery to the day you reach full recovery and beyond. 

Dr. Watkins believes successful breast augmentations require comprehensive care well before and long after your surgery — and much of the outcome relies largely on you.

To help you navigate the process and set yourself up for fabulous results, Dr. Watkins has compiled a list of tips for getting the most out of your breast augmentation.

Choose your plastic surgeon wisely

When looking for the right plastic surgeon to perform your procedure, rule out any physicians not certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. 

This guarantees that your surgeon has completed at least six years of surgical training and three years of plastic surgery residency beyond medical school, has passed rigorous exams, participates in continuing education, and performs surgery in an accredited facility.

However, proper credentials are only a starting point. The next step is interviewing plastic surgeons and choosing one whose personality, vision, and practices match your own. Undergoing breast augmentation is a deeply personal experience, and you’ll be working closely with your surgeon throughout the process, so find one you like and trust.

Make decisions that are right for you

During your consultation, Dr. Watkins asks many questions to get a complete picture of what you want from your breast augmentation. The more he understands your goals and ideal vision, the closer your results will match your expectations. 

Now is the time to ask questions and talk with Dr. Watkins about concerns. Communication is critical to your breast augmentation, so don’t hesitate to say what’s on your mind. 

In addition to general procedure information, you’ll need to make specific surgical decisions, such as:

• Location of your incision
• Position of your implant
• Type of implant
• Size of implant

You can also choose to combine your breast augmentation surgery with other procedures, such as a tummy tuck or liposuction. Dr. Watkins explains each option carefully, including the benefits and risks. He also guides you toward decisions considering your body type, age, health history, and personal goals. 

Prepare for post-surgery before surgery

During your breast augmentation surgery, you’re in great hands with Dr. Watkins, but once you get home, the responsibility for a full recovery rests on your shoulders. We recommend preparing for your post-surgical healing well before your surgery date. 

You’ll need help around the house the first couple of days after surgery. It’s best to avoid lifting and carrying things for about two weeks, so enlist a friend or family member to do the grocery shopping. Prepare a comfortable place to relax as you heal, and stock your fridge with premade meals so you don’t have to cook. 

Maximize and maintain your results

Whether you have your breasts enlarged, repositioned, or proportioned, you want to keep your new look going for as long as possible. Even surgically augmented breasts will succumb to gravity over time, so give them the support they need.

Wear comfortable, supportive bras, and resist the urge to use push-up bras that could weaken your muscles and ligaments with regular wear. 

Stand up straight. Good posture prevents your breast from falling forward and sagging.

Sleeping on your side can lead to lopsided breasts, and sleeping on your stomach can flatten them. Back sleeping is best for augmented breasts, so prop a few pillows along each side to help you stay in that position all night.

Gaining and losing weight can affect your breast tissue, causing stretching and sagging. You can preserve your breast augmentation results by eating well, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 

To schedule a breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Watkins, call us at either Frederick H. Watkins, MD, location, or book an appointment online today.