Is Breast Augmentation Right for Me? Questions To Ask Yourself Before Deciding on Surgery

Breast enlargements are reported as the most popular cosmetic surgery for women in the UK, with around 7,000 augmentation operations being performed each year.

However, deciding to undergo breast augmentation is a big decision and a very personal choice. Breast surgery is about much more than just having larger breasts; it’s about confidence, how you feel about your body and how you will feel after the surgery has been done. Before even booking a consultation, it’s important to take a step back and ask yourself a few honest questions. As one of the UK’s top plastic surgeons, Sherif Wilson has spent years guiding patients through this journey and will always ensure patients don’t rush into anything without careful consideration. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before deciding on breast enlargement surgery:

What Are My Goals?

This is always the best question to start with. Are you looking to restore volume after pregnancy or weight loss? Do you want to balance your propositions? Or are you simply seeking a boost in confidence? Be specific about what you hope to achieve. Visualising your ideal outcome is helpful, but it’s important to be realistic with your goals. Breast augmentation can do a lot for confidence, but it won’t fundamentally change who you are or solve unrelated self-esteem issues.

Take some time to think about whether your goals align with your personality and lifestyle. For example, do you want a subtle enhancement that looks natural, or are you leaning towards a more dramatic transformation? These are all valid reasons, and it’s about what feels right for you.

Am I Doing This for Myself?

This might sound obvious, but it’s something that can be surprisingly easy to lose sight of. Cosmetic surgery should always be something you want, not something you feel pressured into by a partner, friends, or social media trends. Why not think about if you’d still want the procedure even if no one else ever noticed the change? If the answer is yes, then you’re most likely making the decision for the right reasons.

Is My Physical Health Up to Scratch?

Don’t forget that your physical health needs to play a huge role in determining whether you’re a good candidate for breast enlargement surgery. Do you have any chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease? Are you a smoker? Smoking and vaping can interfere with healing and increase the risk of complications, so you’ll need to be prepared to stop well in advance of surgery.

It’s also really important to maintain a stable weight after surgery, as significant weight fluctuations will affect your results. If weight is something you struggle with, then it is worth addressing beforehand. If you’re not sure about your health status, schedule a general check-up with your GP to see if there is anything you may need to address before your surgery.

Can I Commit to the Recovery Process?

Breast augmentation is not a quick fix, it’s a good idea to think of it as a journey. The recovery process takes time, and while most patients feel well enough to resume light activities after a week or so, full healing can take months. Are you prepared to take time off work, arrange help with daily tasks, and follow post-operative care instructions? Skipping these steps can impact your results, so it’s always important to consider whether your schedule and support system can handle the downtime.

Can I Afford This Surgery?

Make sure you consider the financial aspect. Breast augmentation is an investment, not just in terms of money but also in terms of time and energy. Beyond the upfront cost of the surgery, make sure you account for any other potential expenses like follow-up appointments (Mr Wilson does not charge for follow-ups but always check this with our surgeon). It’s always worth asking yourself if you’re ready to commit financially without stretching yourself unrealistically. Breast surgery is likely to cost anywhere from around £6,000. Many hospitals can offer payment plans that can help spread the cost, but always ensure you are able to afford the monthly payments without putting your finances at risk.

Have I Done My Homework?

Knowledge is always power; make sure you have researched the different types of implants, surgical techniques, and potential risks? Always thoroughly research any potential plastic surgeon, ensure they have extensive experience in breast augmentation. Always read reviews, look at before and after images, and ensure you have found someone who makes you feel comfortable, listens to your concerns, and isn’t afraid to set realistic expectations.

Breast augmentation can be transformative, but it’s not a decision to rush into. Take your time, reflect on these questions, and trust your instincts. When done for the right reasons, and with the right preparation, it can have life changing results. If you’re ready to explore your options or just want to talk it over, Sherif Wilson would welcome you for a consultation to talk through the process and set realistic expectations. Mr Wilson offers breast enlargement surgery in Bristol, Bath, Gloucester and Newport and is considered one of the top breast surgeons in the UK. When considering surgery, don’t forget that breast augmentation isn’t just about how you look, it’s about how you feel. And that matters more than anything else.