Breast Implants: 40 Questions to Ask Your Doctor

If you’re considering breast implants and cosmetic surgery, it's important to learn about the differences between implants, the procedure itself, recovery, and financial issues. You should also be aware of possible breast implant complications and risks.

First and foremost, find a properly trained, experienced plastic surgeon. With the surge of interest in cosmetic procedures, many doctors are advertising themselves as plastic surgeons -- and any doctor who graduated medical school can make that claim.

Tips to Help You Find the Right Surgeon

1. Start your breast implant research by getting a list of surgeons' names.

Talk to friends who have had breast implant surgery. Talk to your general physician or gynecologist. Ask around your gym and hair salon. A referral from a satisfied patient who has a breast implant is the best recommendation. Once you have a list of potential surgeons, schedule a brief, free-of-charge consultation with each doctor.

2. Ask the following list of questions to help get the best results -- with no surprises.

Take two copies of this list when you meet with each cosmetic surgeon -- one for you, one for your surgeon. Don't be afraid to ask the tough questions. Smart questions let the surgeon know you've done your homework. You'll also learn about your surgeon's qualifications, experience, and demeanor. Getting everything out in the open will increase your comfort level. You'll go into breast implant surgery relaxed and confident that you've made the best choices for you.

Questions to Ask About Breast Implant Surgery

The Initial Interview With Surgeon:

1. Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery? If not, why not?
2. How long have you been performing breast implant surgery?
3. How many breast implant surgeries do you perform a month?
4. How many revisions of your own work, on average, do you perform?
5. Have you been involved in any medical malpractice suits?
6. Do you have hospital privileges in an accredited surgical facility? Which hospitals?

About Surgeon’s Past Work:

7. Can I see your before-and-after photos?
8. Could I speak with some of your past breast implant patients?
9. Is there someone on your staff who has been a patient? Can I speak to her?
10. If I don't like the results of my surgery, what can I do?

 About Breast Implants:

11. Are silicone breast implants or saline implants better for me -- and why?
12. What breast size do you suggest for my body frame?
13. Will I lose any sensation in my nipples or breasts?
14. Will I be able to breastfeed after having implants?
15. Will mammograms be less accurate in detecting breast cancer?
16. Do you have a video I can watch about breast implant surgery?

Breast Implant Complications:

17. What are the possible risks of breast implant surgery?
18. What is the warranty for this breast implant, and what fees do I have to pay if it ruptures?
19. Is it possible to prevent breast implants from rupturing, rippling, or wrinkling?
20. Are there possible breast implant complications that I should be aware of?
21. If I have any breast implant complications, what is your policy? Do you cover expenses?