If you're considering undergoing breast augmentation surgery, there are some questions you should answer for yourself before taking the plunge.
Women choose to get breast implants for many reasons, but are these the right ones? And are you prepared for the changes you will experience after surgery? Here are some questions to consider.
* Are you prepared for people's reactions? Your friends and family as well as strangers will have their own opinions and reactions to your breast augmentation.
Some may be supportive or apathetic, while others may strongly oppose your decision.
Strangers can even be outspoken when they spot a woman with breast implants.
You must be prepared for the possibility of criticism and negativity by some people.
Some women may also find they attract more unwanted sexual advances and male attention.
Subsequently, you might find yourself dressing more conservatively than before in order to detract attention from your breast augmentation.
Consider how other people's reaction and views might affect you emotionally.
* Will breast implants markedly improve your confidence and self-esteem? If the answer to this is no, then why are you really undergoing the surgery? Ultimately, breast augmentation should provide you with some form of peace or contentment with yourself and your self image.
Choosing to get the implants for a partner or to reflect society's aesthetic tastes will only increase insecurity.
* Can you accept the risks and potential complications? Although it is rare to suffer from complications, there is always the possibility.
Potential risks include infection, bleeding, skin necrosis, capsular contracture, and breast implant rupture and leaking.
Not only can these risks physically harm you, but they can cause severe emotional stress and be a major financial strain.
Research carefully all risks and complications before submitting to the procedure.
* Are you financially prepared? No plastic surgery procedure is worth going into debt.
Although there are many affordable loan programs to help you finance your dream, be sure that you can comfortably make payments and have at least a small down payment available.
It's also wise to have a small emergency fund in case your recovery takes longer than anticipated and you must take more time off work, or if any complications arise.
* Can you make the time investment required for a proper recovery? Recovery from breast augmentation can take two to three weeks of bed rest and abstinence from normal activities.
Even if you feel you can return to work or exercise sooner than your surgeon recommends, you need to refrain and allow your body to fully heal.
If you don't have enough vacation days saved up or can't bear to be away from the job, you may need to wait until recovery is a priority.
* Is the procedure worth the time, discomfort, and money? The end results may seem ideal, but it will be a long process that exhausts some people.
Breast augmentation is a big commitment, but if you think you can handle all of the hurdles, then it may be one of the best decisions you can make.