Plastic surgery is becoming more and more common today — and not just for celebrities you see walking the red carpet. “Regular” people, including men and women who are single, married, mothers, fathers, professionals and everyone in between from all cultures and walks of life are now undergoing plastic surgery to look and feel their best. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, plastic surgery procedures have risen a whopping 115 percent since the year 2000. And among the fastest growing of those procedures is breast augmentation. Here in Michigan, the statistics appear to be trending close to the national average. Breast augmentation was the leading plastic surgery procedure in 2015, with the number of breast lifts increasing 89 percent since the year 2000. This procedure is becoming more common for women in their 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond. This statistic is very telling. It indicates that women, in particular, are choosing to take control of their self-image. For many women, choosing to undergo breast augmentation can truly be life-changing. However, it can also generate fear and anxiety. After all, any type of surgery is serious. Therefore, you should be well-prepared before making the right decision for yourself. Here are several things to keep in mind when considering breast augmentation.

It’s Okay To Be Nervous

Like any major life or health decision, particularly one involving surgery, it’s completely natural to feel some anxiety mixed with anticipation. It’s important to have a solid support system, both in your personal life and at the plastic surgeon’s office. A doctor and staff who are empathetic and reassuring are key to making the process easier. Further, having family and friends who can support you before, during and after your procedure is also vital, especially during the recovery process.

Do Your Due Diligence

It’s key to be prepared for your breast augmentation consultation. Prior to the consultation, you should prepare a list of questions that you have about the procedure. And the meeting should always be a two-way conversation between you and the surgeon. Some good questions to ask during a consultation include: Am I a good candidate for breast implants? Can I see some of your work? Where and how will my surgery be performed? How many years of training and experience have you had? What is expected of the patient in order to get the best results? Are they a plastic surgeon in Michigan? How are breast implants affected during pregnancy (if you wish to become pregnant in the future)? Are there any alternative procedures that you’d recommend to accomplish my goals? What are the risks and what is the recovery process like? Remember, your surgeon should always take the time to answer all of your questions and address any concerns you may have, while being sensitive to your unique situation and goals.

You Must Feel Comfortable

Above all, it is perhaps most important to choose a surgeon with whom you feel comfortable. You should be at ease with both their level of education and experience, as well as their personality and bedside manner. Dr. Mariam Awada’s years of extensive training and experience in state-of-the-art plastic surgery techniques has made her a breast augmentation leader here in Michigan. Having performed hundreds of breast augmentations for highly satisfied patients, Dr. Awada takes particular pride in understanding and addressing the needs, concerns and insecurities of women. A tireless advocate for patient education and safety, she is known for her gracious and kind nature, in addition to the fantastic results she delivers for her patients. Overall, deciding to undergo breast augmentation is a decision that should not be taken lightly. And not only should you completely trust the knowledge and skill of your surgeon, you should also feel comfortable on a personal level with the surgeon you choose. Because that is something you can’t put a price on. For more information or to set up a free consultation, call Dr. Mariam Awada at Michigan Cosmetic Surgery; located in Oakland County Michigan.