Deciding to have cosmetic breast implants surgery is a big step. There are many serious considerations as well as implications, so before making any decision you need to arm yourself with the correct knowledge and be sure that the procedure you plan to undergo is the right one for you. Always remember, the best decision is an informed decision.

Here is a handy guide to helping you get the best possible result:

1 – Know what you want to achieve
If you were planning to renovate your house, you would want to know exactly what kind of modifications you need, and importantly, what you don’t, before spending your money and starting to alter the existing structure. Similarly, with aesthetic breast surgery, like effective breast augmentation, from the outset, you need to be very clear about what result you’re setting out to achieve.
Most importantly, you need to be sure you are having surgery for the right reasons. Never undergo a procedure to make someone else happy – you should be doing it for yourself alone. Also remember that while the goal of your surgery is to enhance your existing breasts, you should be looking to do so in a way that is proportional, looks natural and complements your body. Reversal is complex and costly so you want to make sure you get it right the first time!

2 – Make sure you do your research
As part of deciding which procedure is right for you, you will need to research what it involves, what any complications or possible side-effects may be and what the recovery process is like. You also need to choose the right surgeon. With so much information – of varying quality! – available online and elsewhere, it is important to get the right facts – from qualified, accredited professionals. As above, the best decision is an informed one!

3 – Do it in a safe place
Every surgery carries with it some degree of risk, but you can reduce your risk significantly by ensuring you use a government accredited Specialist Surgeon, an accredited and reputable anaesthetist and having your procedure done at an accredited and reputable facility. We are lucky in Australia to have an excellent, world-class hospital system and many of our day clinics adhere to the highest standards. But there have been sporadic incidents of concern at various day clinics, so make sure you research your choice of facility carefully – you are putting your health in their hands, after all.

4 – Have realistic expectations
Remember that all your surgeon can do is transform your breasts, he/she cannot transform your life. You are doing this to change a physical trait only, albeit one you wish to enhance or improve. But if you have high hopes that other things in your life will magically change or improve, as a result, think carefully whether you are making the right decision. There may be other things in your life you can change that don’t involve surgery that will make you happier. If necessary, you can speak to a mental health professional.

5 – Communicate with your surgeon
We cannot stress how important it is to ensure that you and your surgeon are on exactly the same page when it comes to your procedure. Communication at all stages of the process is essential to getting the best result. In the initial stages, be detailed about the result you are after and make sure the surgeon clearly understands.
Then make sure you ask plenty of questions – about the procedure itself, any potential discomfort and/or side-effects, what the surgeon’s fees cover, what other costs (if any) you need to pay, how best to care for your breast after the procedure and anything else you might want to know. Remember, the only ‘silly’ question is the one you do not ask!

About Dr Michael Yunaev

Dr Michael Yunaev is an Oncoplastic Breast, General and Cosmetic Surgeon and is the Principal Doctor at Breast & Body Clinic. Dr Yunaev is a highly trained Surgeon with extensive experience and passion for the treatment of all aspects of Breast Cancer Surgery, Benign and Congenital Breast Disease and Aesthetic Breast Surgery, as well as General Surgery.