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Essential Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before Having a Breast Augmentation

Use this patient-first checklist to get clear on sizing, implant choice, incisions, safety, recovery, cost, and long-term maintenance—so your plan fits your body and goals.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tim Neavin • Updated

Goals & Sizing

If you’re starting to get a sense of what’s possible for your frame, you can also explore augmentation options tailored to your body to better understand how technique and implant selection work together.

  1. What look am I a candidate for based on my tissue and frame? (Subtle/athletic vs. fuller upper-pole.)
  2. How do you size—ccs, base-width, and profile? Will we test sizers and review measurements?
  3. What are realistic size ranges for me? What happens if we overshoot?

Want a primer first? See the Breast Augmentation Guide.

Implant Choice

  1. Saline vs silicone—pros/cons for my body? (Feel, rippling, rupture handling.) See Saline vs Silicone.
  2. Which profile makes sense for my chest? (Low/Moderate/High.)
  3. Do you recommend smooth surface implants? How do you discuss surface type and modern safety context?

Incisions & Placement

  1. Which incision is best for my plan and why? Inframammary vs periareolar vs transaxillary. Read the Incisions Guide.
  2. Placement: submuscular, dual-plane, or subfascial—what do you recommend and how will it affect motion/shape?
  3. How do you manage asymmetry? Will pocket adjustments or different implant sizes be needed?

Safety, Facility & Anesthesia

  1. Where is surgery performed? Is the OR accredited? Who provides anesthesia?
  2. What is your infection-prevention and pain-control protocol?
  3. Same-day discharge: what does the first night look like and who needs to be with me?

Recovery & Activity

  1. What is the typical recovery timeline? When can I drive, work, fly, and train?
  2. Which bras/garments do you prefer—and for how long?
  3. Scar care: taping/silicone schedule and sun protection guidelines.

See the full Recovery Timeline.

Risks, Revisions & Warranty

  1. What risks are most relevant for me? (Bleeding, infection, malposition, capsular contracture.)
  2. What is your revision policy? What’s covered vs. not—and for how long?
  3. Device warranty: what does it include and how do claims work?

Costs & Financing

  1. What does your quote include? (Surgeon, OR, anesthesia, implants, routine follow-ups.)
  2. What might be extra? (Medications, garments, extended recovery, travel.)
  3. Do you offer financing? See financing options.

Photos & Expectations

  1. Can we review before/after photos that match my frame and goals? How do you set expectations for “drop & fluff” and scar maturation?

Long-Term Maintenance

Silicone imaging: discuss ultrasound/MRI intervals for silent rupture screening. Lifestyle: sports bra for impact, weight stability, and when to see you for checks.

Quick FAQ

How many consults should I book?

Two or three is common. Compare scope (OR/anesthesia), implant choices, and revision policy—not just price.

How soon can surgery happen after consult?

Often within a few weeks depending on pre-op steps and scheduling.