Am I a Suitable Candidate for Breast Implants?


Cosmetic Surgery Enquiry

You should think long and hard about undergoing a breast implant operation, as there are many aspects to consider. You will be required to attend a consultation with the surgeon who will potentially perform your breast implant procedure. This consultation will take place some time before the day of your surgery and at this meeting, your suitability will be assessed and the surgeon will determine whether or not it is safe and viable for you to undergo this cosmetic procedure. Below are a number of aspects that will be analysed when contemplating your suitability.

Age

First to consider is age. In the United States you can obtain breast implants at the tender age of 16. However, if you currently reside in the United Kingdom, you should note that the minimum age of being able to get breast implants is 18. The law sets the stated ages and if you are younger than the determined ages in the country, and the surgeon is still willing to do the surgery, you should be aware that is it illegal.

Despite the fact that the legal ages for breast implants in both the UK and USA are in the teens, it is advised that someone wait until they are in their twenties before obtaining breast implants. This is partly because women's breasts continue to develop until some point in their twenties and it is possible that getting breast implants prior to full development may end in tribulations and side effects. Another reason is that getting a breast implant does not simply involve one single procedure; follow up surgeries will be necessary throughout life. Therefore, if someone obtains breast implants in their teens, they will most likely require further surgery in their twenties.

Health

You should also discuss with your surgeon any health problems you have as they may affect the surgery and/or healing process. During your pre-surgery consultation, you should discuss your medical history in detail with your surgeon to ensure that your health will not be an issue. If you are in doubt, you may also wish to consult your doctor or another health professional.

Another health aspect that can affect your suitability for breast implants is if you have previously suffered from any breast tissue damage or deformities. This could cause a problem during the surgery as well as affecting the end result.

Expectations

It is vital that you are realistic in your expectations in regards to the outcome of your surgery. You should seriously think about how your appearance and self-confidence will be affected. This should be reflected in the size of breast implant you choose to have. Your surgeon will offer advice on the best size of implant for you to have to achieve the desired appearance and this should be listened to and considered carefully before you commit yourself to the surgery.

Justification for Breast Implants

If you are being pressurised into obtaining breast implants, for example by a partner who wishes to have a "glamour" girlfriend, then you may not be completely suitable for the surgery. Likewise, if you are not completely committed and 100% sure about having breast implants, you should hold back from undergoing the procedure until you are.

General Guidelines for Suitability

In general, you are considered a suitable candidate for breast implants if you wish to alter the size and shape of your breasts due to:

  • Asymmetrical breasts, where you would class the appearance of the breasts as uneven or odd.
  • A decrease in size or loss of breast shape that resulted from childbirth or losing weight.
  • The lack of confidence and satisfaction with the size of your natural breasts.
  • Feeling the need to correct a deformity that affects your breast(s).
  • Being over the age of 16 (USA) or 18 (UK) and having a justified reason for wanting the surgery.

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