June 30, 2023

Questions To Ask at Your Breast Augmentation Consultation (Updated 2023)

Sometimes people feel nervous before their first consultation. Our breast augmentation patients often have questions about breast implants, recovery, and more, but they are unsure of how to start the conversation.

Viewing before-and-after photos and doing research on the procedure are good first steps. But knowing a few more specific details early in the plastic surgery journey is particularly helpful to patients. In this blog post, we’ll outline some useful discussion starters so that you can feel more confident at your initial consultations.

Am I a good candidate for breast augmentation? 

Your surgeon will need to assess your medical history and current health status to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. They will also need to discuss your goals for the surgery and make sure that they are realistic.

How often do you perform breast augmentations?

Plastic surgery is a wide and diverse field. Some surgeons are generalists and perform many different kinds of treatments, while others choose to specialize in a particular category. At our Atlanta-area practice, we often perform breast augmentation surgeries. A facial plastic surgeon, on the other hand, won’t have the same kind of breast enhancement experience.

To find a skilled plastic surgeon, ask your doctor how often they perform breast augmentations in a given day, week, or month. This will give you an idea of how much experience your surgeon has in the procedure.

What are my options for breast implants? 

Breast augmentation is a very customizable procedure. Depending on your specific body shape, bigger isn’t always better. Patients can choose from different implant choices and profile types to create unique and personalized results. Talk to your doctor about which implant materials and sizes would work best for you.

There are two main types of breast implants: saline and silicone. Saline implants are filled with saline solution, while silicone implants are filled with silicone gel. Each type of implant has its own advantages and drawbacks, so it is important to discuss your options with your surgeon to decide which type is right for you.

No matter if you’re seeking a natural appearance or a more dramatic look, your surgeon can help find the implants that suit your shape and your goals. Together, you can find the right combination to create your ideal look.

What can I do to recover as safely as possible?

Any surgery carries some risk of complications, and breast augmentation is no exception. Some of the most common (but rare) complications include infection, bleeding, and scarring. It is important to discuss these risks with your surgeon in detail before making a decision about the surgery.

Recovery isn’t a “fast-track” process. To get the best possible results, you need to take care of your body and follow your surgeon’s advice closely. All patients are excited to see their results after surgery, but the healing process requires some dedicated downtime. Be sure to take it easy during your recovery period, and don’t be too hard on yourself.

Ask your doctor how to make smart, healthy choices after surgery that will benefit your long-term goals. By learning how to best support your body, you can help your results develop as nicely as possible.

More Questions To Consider

In addition to these questions, you may also want to ask about the following:

  • The cost of the surgery
  • The type of anesthesia that will be used
  • The expected results of the surgery
  • The availability of support after surgery

It is important to ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable with the decision to have breast augmentation surgery. Your surgeon should be willing to answer all of your questions in a clear and concise way.

Are you ready for a consultation?

Your first breast augmentation consultation doesn’t have to be an intimidating experience. By researching the procedure beforehand and knowing which questions to ask, you can lay the foundation for a great surgical experience.

Browse our before-and-after gallery to see real results from our own breast augmentation patients. If you would like to learn more, request a consultation online or call (770) 421-1242 .

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April 15, 2026
In the high-stakes professional environments of Atlanta—from the boardrooms of Buckhead to the innovative hubs of Midtown—presence is often defined by confidence. For many women, physical proportion plays a significant role in how they carry themselves and how their professional attire fits. However, the modern approach to breast augmentation has shifted away from the pursuit of maximum volume. Today, the focus is on "proportional harmony"—a strategic alignment between your surgical goals and your unique physical frames. At Plastic Surgery Center of The South, we view breast augmentation not as a standalone procedure, but as a corrective and enhancing measure designed to bring the body into balance. Understanding that "size" is a subjective metric is the first step toward achieving a result that looks natural, feels comfortable, and enhances your professional silhouette. Beyond the CC: Understanding the Mechanics of Proportion Many patients begin their journey by researching a specific volume, often measured in cubic centimeters (CCs). However, focusing solely on a numeric value is a common pitfall. A "300cc" implant will look radically different on a tall, athletic frame than it will on a petite, narrow-shouldered individual. As your dedicated partner in aesthetic health, our approach prioritizes your specific anatomy. We evaluate several critical factors: Chest Wall Width: The diameter of your breast tissue and the width of your ribcage dictate the "footprint" of the implant. An implant that is too wide can lead to unnatural contours, while one that is too narrow may not provide the desired cleavage. Existing Breast Tissue: The amount of natural tissue available to cover the implant affects the final aesthetic. This is a critical consideration when discussing the nuances of silicone vs saline options. Torso Length: A longer torso can often accommodate more projection without appearing "top-heavy," whereas a shorter torso requires a more subtle profile to maintain a balanced midsection. Selecting the Right Catalyst: Silicone vs. Saline The choice of material is often a matter of tactile preference and long-term maintenance. Both silicone and saline implants have distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall proportion and feel of the breast. Silicone Gel Implants - Silicone is frequently the preferred choice for patients seeking the most natural mimicry of human fat and breast tissue. Modern "form-stable" or cohesive gel implants maintain their shape exceptionally well, which is vital for maintaining a consistent profile under professional garments. They are particularly beneficial for patients with less natural breast tissue, as they are less prone to "rippling." Saline Implants - Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater and offer the benefit of a smaller incision, as they are filled after insertion. While they can feel slightly firmer than silicone, they allow for precise, intraoperative adjustments to volume, ensuring that symmetry is achieved to the milliliter. During your consultation at Plastic Surgery Center of The South, we provide a comprehensive breast augmentation size guide through physical "sizers" and expert assessment, helping you feel the weight and see the projection of each option before your procedure. The Professional Silhouette: Symmetry and Clothing Fit For many of our patients in the business community, the primary motivation for surgery is the "proportional fit" of professional attire. When the bust is out of proportion with the hips and shoulders, blazers, sheath dresses, and tailored button-downs rarely fit off-the-rack. A successful augmentation achieves "The Balanced Profile": Shoulder Alignment: The bust should complement the width of the shoulders, creating a classic hourglass or athletic V-taper. The Lateral View: Proper projection ensures that the profile is feminine yet understated, avoiding an aggressive appearance that may feel out of place in a conservative corporate setting. Upper Pole Fullness: We focus on a natural slope rather than an artificial roundness, ensuring the results are indistinguishable from natural anatomy. Establishing Expertise: Why Local Specialization Matters At Plastic Surgery Center of The South, Dr. Corey Harkins, MD, who is a board-certified plastic surgeon in greater Atlanta is committed to his core values of ethics, integrity, honesty and education. His practice draws patients from Atlanta and across the U.S. The geographic context of his practice allows him to understand the lifestyle of his patients. Whether you are prepping for a keynote presentation or maintaining an active lifestyle your results must be durable, comfortable, and visually seamless. Long-Term Considerations for the Executive Lifestyle Breast augmentation is a long-term investment in your self-image. It is important to consider how your results will evolve over time. Longevity: While implants are not lifetime devices, choosing the right size and weight initially can prevent premature sagging or the need for a lift (mastopexy) later in life. Overly large implants can strain the skin envelope over time; choosing a proportional size ensures longevity. Recovery Management: For the busy professional, we utilize recovery protocols designed to minimize downtime, allowing you to return to your leadership role with minimal disruption. Health and Wellness: We prioritize your systemic health, ensuring that your implants do not interfere with mammographies or physical fitness routines. Actionable Takeaways for Your Transformation If you are considering breast augmentation, keep these strategic points in mind: Prioritize Dimensions Over CCs: Focus on how the breast will look in relation to your shoulder and hip width. Test Your Wardrobe: Bring a favorite professional blazer or dress to your consultation to see how different "sizer" volumes change the garment's fit. Consult the Experts: Avoid "template" surgeries. Ensure your surgeon provides a customized plan based on your unique chest wall measurements. Understand the Material: Weigh the benefits of silicone's natural feel against saline's adjustable volume and smaller incision. Your Path to Proportional Balance At Plastic Surgery Center of The South, we believe that aesthetic procedures should empower you to feel more like yourself. By moving beyond the simple metric of size and embracing the philosophy of proportion, you can achieve a result that enhances your confidence both in your personal life and your professional career. Our practice is dedicated to providing an executive-grade experience, from your initial private consultation to your final post-operative milestone. We invite you to explore how a tailored approach to breast augmentation can refine your silhouette and bolster your professional presence. To schedule an expert consultation and develop your personalized surgical plan, contact Plastic Surgery Center of The South today. Call us at (770) 421-1242 and let us help you find the perfect balance for your frame!
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