For cosmetic breast augmentations, the patient usually initiates the clinical process by seeking out the services of a plastic surgeon. In the case of reconstruction after trauma or mastectomy, the referral is sometimes made by the cancer surgeon.

 

Evaluation for breast augmentation involves an examination of the breast, nipple and surrounding tissue. Photographs will be taken before and after the breast augmentation procedure in order to document the change achieved. At this point there is usually a discussion about size of implant to be used. Depending on the patient’s starting breast size or degree of mastectomy, there may be certain limitations on the degree of breast augmentation that can be performed in a single procedure. A frank and honest discussion about expectations and realistic outcomes should occur prior to surgery. Many surgical offices have computer programs that can simulate possible outcomes of breast augmentation for each patient.