What Should You Look For In Breast Augmentation Before-and-After Photos?

According to West County Plastic Surgeons of Washington University in St. Louis, breast augmentation patients should always ask to see before-and-after photos as part of their research and consultation process before making any decisions.

Breast augmentation remains a popular way to add volume to the breasts—including the tops of the breasts to create cleavage, reshape the breasts, and correct asymmetry. If you’re thinking about having this surgery, you’re not alone: Breast augmentation is one of the most in-demand plastic surgery procedures year after year in the United States.

There are many important decisions to be made when you’re having breast implants, with a key factor being your plastic surgeon. To enjoy a successful surgery, it’s imperative to find a reputable surgeon whom you trust. Before-and-after photos are an important aspect of choosing the right plastic surgeon for you—in addition to the doctor’s credentials, training, and experience.

Many patients have difficulties visualizing what their breasts could look like after augmentation, so they’re not sure if breast augmentation would be the best option for them or if it would make a significant difference to their appearance. Along with allowing you to get a better idea of a surgeon’s work by showing you what they’ve done in the past, seeing before-and-after photos can also give you a first-hand look at what’s possible with the surgery and help you to better visualize your own potential results from breast augmentation. 

You might know that you want your breasts to look different and larger, but be unsure of the specific changes you want to make or how large you want your breasts to be. Viewing before-and-after photos will give you a reference point so you have a better idea of how you can change your breasts—and ultimately help you to make more informed decisions.

Furthermore, these photos prove the experience of the surgeon, who can answer questions about specific photos. You can bring up specific points about the cases you see, and the surgeon can tell you more about the work they’ve done on other people over the years. Remember that it’s not just the breasts, but the entire body shape and proportions that will look different after breast augmentation. Photos of past patients will give you a clearer idea of how your entire body can be transformed with this procedure.

With all of this in mind, it helps to know what to look for when you’re viewing before-and-after photos of breast augmentation (and the same goes for other forms of breast surgery, such as breast lifts and breast reductions).

Look For Images That Are Relevant to You

When you’re browsing a before-and-after photo gallery, search for patients who are similar to you in terms of body type and had similar concerns they wanted to address with breast implants. Although every patient will have unique results, it’s a good idea to look at people whose natural anatomy is similar to yours. These photos can help you understand what’s realistically possible from the surgery and better visualize how different implants could look on your body. 

Find Breasts That Are Proportional to The Body 

Each patient’s desired breast implant size may be different, but an important element in augmentation surgery is making sure that—regardless of size—the results look as natural and proportional as you want them to be. When you’re looking at photos, see whether the breast size, shape, and position are proportionate to the patient’s body. When breast augmentation is performed successfully, the breasts should look like they “belong” on the body. Search for breast implant results you love. There should be improved symmetry and proportion, a pleasing shape and contour, and increased fullness in the breasts.

Remember when you’re viewing these photos that many of them will have been taken a few weeks after surgery, so you may not be seeing the final results. It can take between six months to a year for new implants to settle, so be sure to look for information revealing how long after the procedure the photo was taken.

Contact West County Plastic Surgeons of Washington University for more information about breast augmentation and photo galleries. Call (314) 996-8800 or submit a contact form online.