Usual Protocol for Breast Implant Sizing During Consultation?

asked 2 years ago by neityus in Chicago, IL
Latest answer by Rian Maercks, MD
Question viewed 382 times
Tags: breasts, female, consultation, implant size

I recently went for a consultation with a plastic surgeon for breast implants. Is it normal for the doctor to talk to me about size, but not actually sit with me to view the different breast implant sizes? After the consultation with the doctor, he brought in his assistant to fit me for the implants; however, he was not present. Is this the usual protocol?

8 answers to Usual Protocol for Breast Implant Sizing During Consultation?

Sizing breast augmentations

Everyone has a different protocol. I spend time with the patient and suggest what size range will give them the best result. I remain present for the patient to try the implant I select and one slightly bigger and smaller, then give them ample time with an assistant to switch implants and lookk in the mirror. There is no right or wrong wat to do this as long as all the importnt information is conveyed to the patient and the patient is comfortable with the decision... more

Rian Maercks, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Breasts sizing protocol

The use of sizers in your bra preoperatively does not accurately correlate with the size of breasts achieved with sub muscular implants. I think that it is very important that you communicate clearly with your surgeon to maximize the chances of achieving your desired breast size. In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Implant choices

If the doctor spent tiem reviewing options and implant choices, it is perfectly appropriate for a staff member to show you different implants.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

VIDEO (Click HERE) Usual Protocol for Breast Implant Sizing During Consultation?

In a larger volume practice, it is not uncommon for the assistant to help spend time with the patient and zero in on the desired size while educating the patient .The assistant will then consult with the physician or request further advice if there are any remaining questions or concerns. It is not the job fo rthe surgeon ot choose the size but to guide the patient in selection of a particular size or shape as well as the potential conseqeunces of that decision. more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Protocol for breast implant sizing during consultation

Dear Neityus, As regards "Is it normal for the doctor to talk to me about size, but not actually sit with me to view the different sizes of the implants?". Every Plastic surgeon has evolved his/her own way to go through this process. As you can see from the sheer volume of "WHICH IMPLANT IS BEST FOR ME? type question posted for us on RealSelf.com, a lot of women are STILL not properly educated on what is involved in making the right choice for them. The paramount point is... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Breast implant sizes.

Hi! 1) There are 2 key steps in getting the right breast implant size. First, make sure your surgeon really knows the look you want. Show him pictures. 2) Second, your surgeon needs to put disposable implant SIZERS in your breasts during surgery to see what looks best without any guess work. 3) You may find the breast augmentation page on my web site helpful (link below). 4) It sounds like you did not have a reassuring consultation. Get another opinion.

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast implant consultation and sizing

Your experience sounds appropriate-as long as you felt you received all the information you needed. There is a lot of information to convey and this PROCESS many times is facilitated by several members of the plastic surgeons team. One of the most important parts of this process, in addition to your exam and measurements-is the communication between you, the doctor and the staff. This process may be quite involved and to assure you get as much time as you need, in many plastic surgeons... more

John E. Gross, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Protocol for breast implant sizing

Hi Neityus. This is perfectly appropriate. The important thing is that this was done. Many offices handle it this way because they want the patient to take their time during this process. However, you should feel very comfortable asking your surgeon any questions you have about your surgery, including about the size of your implants. Hope this helps. Tracy M. Pfeifer, MD, MS