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Breast Augmentation Before and After Pictures

asked 3 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS
Question viewed 13,567 times
Tags: photos

I'm in the process of deciding whether or not to have breast implants, and I'm looking at all of these - can I have some expert tips on what to look for in the before and after pictures?

Editor tip: See our popular breast implants before and after photos gallery

31 answers to Breast Augmentation Before and After Pictures

+2

Breast Implant Plastic Surgery Before and after photos

Before and after photos are one of the most valuable pieces of information that a potiential patient can gather prior to a consultation. This information includes: Information about the physician. Physicians attention to detail. If the photos are sloppy, caution Physician ethics. If the photos are "photo shopped", caution Physician results. Take this with a grain of salt. Although we would all like to say that all of our pictures represent our average results, most plastic... more
York Jay Yates, MD

Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon
+2

Learning from breast implants before and after galleries

There are a number of things that you can learn from photos. If you find someone that is about the same size breasts, and the same height and weight as you, with the same body habitus, you can get some idea of how your breasts may look with similar size and shape breast implants. Look at differences of profiles of implants to see how rounded you wish to have your implants. You can also tell a lot about the surgeon and his attention to detail by looking at his photos. If they are... more
Dan Mills, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon

www.danmillsmd.com

+2

Breast augmentation before and after photos

Hi Tia, Thank you for your question. Before and after photos can give you a good idea of the plastic surgeon's abilities. It is also a good way to get an idea of what you want from your breast augmentation, which is the most important thing. In order to understand possible realistic results, pay attention to: Body type Implant type Degree of symmetry Condition of breast before and after surgery Every patient is different. However, looking at other patients similar to yourself, may help you... more
Sam Speron, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+2

What to look for depends on what you are trying to learn

I am not a big proponent of pre and post op photos for breast augmentation. I feel that photos, while very interesting, can be potentially misleading. That being said, all of my breast augment patients want to see them. If you are trying to gain some insight into the skills of the surgeon, there are several things to look for. One of the most important things to look for is symmetry in the final result. Look carefully at the pre-operative photos and look at how symmetrical or asymmetrical... more
Phillip H. Nakano, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Augmentation Before and After Pictures

Before and After photos can reflect both the technical skill and the artistic talent of the surgeon. It is best to compare the work of a similar body type to understand the surgeon's sense of balance and harmony. If a similar body type had the same implant size and profile as you are seeking, it will provide a basis to understand how the implants may appear on you. Before and after photos will be able to raise questions in your mind and provide a basis to discuss your expectations... more
Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS

West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon
+1

Before and after pictures for breast augmentation

Every patient is different with different starting points and different goals when it comes to breast augmentation surgery. If you look on the internet and find ten different patients who are your same height, weight, and body frame, they may all have different sized implants and they may all look good. It is not like putting bumpers on Chevrolets!! Each patient is different and therefore must be evaluated individually. While looking at photos may be helpful and video... more
Edwin C. Pound, III, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Pick a photo that shows a similar body frame like yours

Yes it can get a little overwhelming to look at these pictures and try to figure out what is best for you. I am always amazed when new patients bring along to their consult before and after pictures from the web that are completley different than their own body frame and breast appearence and ask to look like "this one." So enjoy seeing what a huge difference breast augmentation can make for women who had it done before you. But pay a lot more attention to those... more
Phillip C. Haeck, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

www.faceliftseattle.com

+1

Judging Size By Before and After Photos for Breast Augmentation

In general, the most important thing in deciding the size of implants that you desire should be based upon a comprehensive evaluation by your plastic surgeon based upon your chest wall diameter, the amount of breast tissue, and the laxity of breast skin that you have. Photos can be helpful, but everybody is different. Imaging techniques are still not where they need to be to accurately determine pre and post operative size which is a work in progress. Certainly, some of the new 3-dimensional... more
Rod J. Rohrich, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast augmentation photos.

Hello, The key is to find women with before photos similar to your body and breasts and after photos with similar body and breast of what you would like to accomplish. They should show front view and side view. You should also pick out photos of breasts that you do no like as these can be used to help communicate what you would like to avoid with your pastic surgeon. All the best, Dr Repta
Remus Repta, MD

Phoenix Plastic Surgeon

www.aaaplasticsurgery.com

+1

Breast Augmentation Photos

I made the decision long ago to not show patient before and after photos on my website. I feel it is my responsibility as a surgeon to sit down and view my work with my patients so that they have an understanding of the end results. I would recommend to anyone review this to contact the surgeon you are interested in and schedule an appointment to view photos with your surgeon.
Christine Sullivan, MD

Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+1

Evaluating or judging breast implant augmentation surgery photos

Consistency in photos is very useful in determining the accuracy as well as the attached pertinent information that may allow you to select someone of your height, weight, cup size, anatomy, skin tone, child bearing status, etc, are all reasonable cirteria to look for when evaluating breast implant augmentation surgery photos. Furthermore looking for complex breast conditions, rather than simple A to C cup augmentations may also give clues to a surgeon's skills.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Augmentation photos

This is an insightful question.  In order to evaluate the quality of results, its most important to see multiple views of the breasts before and after surgery.  A single view can look excellent for many results, but only multiple views will demonstrate subtle assymetries or flaws.  High resolution photos are important.  When photo quality or resolution are poor, scars and other flaws are made less visible.  Also, both before and after pictures should be shot with... more
Jason R. Hess, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

What to look for in before and after pictures.

As you go to different web sites you see all kinds of before and afters. It is important to find a web site where the pictures are shown in the three standard views on all patiens. It is also important that you see different types on breasts. Because each one requires a different approach. It is easy to get a good result in an ideal candidate for breast augmentation.
Farhad Rafizadeh, MD

Morristown Plastic Surgeon
+1

Look for pre-op pictures that look like you

When reviewing pre- and post-op photos of breast augmentation surgery (or any procedure for that matter), try to find a picture that is similar to your "before" picture to give you an idea of what your "after" picture will look like.  This will help you develop expectations that are reasonable for your body type.  Once you've found some preop pictures that are similar to your body, compare the pictures in terms of the appearance with regard to implant... more
Amy M. Sprole, MD

Wichita Plastic Surgeon
+1

Make sure that the pictures are shot from the same angle

I see many photos of patients who have procedures done and the postoperative pictures are shot from a different angle, lighting, or distance. This makes it more difficult to assess the result compared to preop. Also ,remember that a photograph is only two-dimensional and that there are some subtle changes that can only be seen three-dimensionally.it's good to look at websites that allow you to match your own height and weight and brassiere size, with other patients photos ,so that she... more
Joseph M. Perlman, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Pre and post op photos of breast augmentation are for education and selection of implant size.

Patients use pictures to make judgments about implant size in consultation with their plastic surgeon.  Other issues with the operation can be demonstrate such as capsular contracture, rippling, and malposition which educates patients as to the potential negative results.
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Before and after breast augmentation, what to look for?

The issue is first and foremost what is an attractive breast to you.  Most of my patients want to look better but, not look like, "I have implants."  A more natural appearance in front view as well as profile.  Others want the upper pole fullness.  That said you have to decide what looks best to you and let that be your guide.
Roger J. Friedman, MD

Bethesda Plastic Surgeon
+1

What is a "habitus"

I agree with Dr Dan Mills but am not sure about this "habitus" thing.............   You will know it when you see it...............  like alot of things in life.  Good luck and always use a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and member of ASAPS for the very best results!  gs
Grant Stevens, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Look at pre-op photos that look like you

Many patients interested in breast augmentation bring in photos from magazines, or photos from my and other plastic surgeons' websites showing results that they would like to have. The problem is, if the woman in the photograph had pre-op ("before") photos showing a breast shape or size, or even a body shape, that is very different from the patient's, the post-op ("after") photos will be meaningless. Find photos of women who look like you to begin with. You have to be... more
Douglas J. Mackenzie, MD

Santa Barbara Plastic Surgeon

www.pacificplasticsurgery.com

+1

Evaluating Breast Augmentation Photos

I made a video related to this topic: When you look at breast augmentation photos, pay attention to the nipple position on the side view pictures in relation to the overall breast on both the pre and post op shots. Make sure the surgeon displays photos that look good to you. (I prefer natural looking breasts, while some patients want a "fake" look - make sure your taste matches that of the surgeon.) From a technical standpoint, the photos should be uniform in appearance and... more
Michael A. Bogdan, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Augmentation before and after Photos need to be consistent

There is no denying the fact that 'before and after' images are the most powerful and effective means for a surgeon to communicate their aesthetic sensibility. They give the prospective patient an immediate sense of what that surgeon envisions as a favorable postoperative result, and thus allow an individual to make a relatively quick decision as to whether or not that surgical practice is one that they should investigate further. It also has become challenging for us to manage the... more
Michael Law, MD

Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon

michaellawmd.com

+1

Breast pictures like you

I think one of the most helpful things that patients should focus on when looking at photos for breast augmentation patients is to seek out BEFORE photos which resemble your own appearance! The before photo is always the starting point and if you look different from the before photo then it would be difficult to extrapolate that results to what you may look like. So start with before photos that look like you and THEN find pictures of sizes you like. This is a very individualized... more
Brian S. Glatt, MD

Morristown Plastic Surgeon
+1

Photos of highly selected breast enhancement results

When you look at before and after photos remember that the results have probably been selected out of hundreds of patients. Every surgeon has results that he or she will not publish but they want to present their best work. It isn't always the best way to "shop" for a surgeon. Look at the photos with an understanding that you can not exactly reproduce the results of any one photo but can get close. There are some appearances with implants that are due to the type, silicone vs... more
Marcus L. Peterson, MD

Saint George Plastic Surgeon
+1

Look for a natural appearance in breast implant gallery photos

The most important thing for any plastic surgery procedure is for the result to be natural. So find some pictures that approximate yourself and look at the after pictures. Are the breasts symmetrical and hang naturally? Are the implants a good size for the patient's body type? Keep in mind that you should certainly see some good pictures because the best pictures usually go online or into photo albums. Finally, discuss your expectations with your surgeon and how certain pictures may relate... more
Shain A. Cuber, MD

Marlboro Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast enlagement photos are an educational tool

Before and after photos are meant as an educational tool to let you see what someone looks like after they have a certain procedure - in your case a breast augmentation. The photos let you see the dramatic difference and give you an idea of whether or not the outcome is what you expected. Look for consistency in the photos - same background and lighting, same poses and magnification, same arm positioning and angle. Some before photos are taken in a completely different setting than the... more
Bahram Ghaderi, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Watch for only best breast augmentation results in the photo albums

First thing is to know what it is that you don't like, what you want to change, and what your goals are. After that, be sure to go to a plastic surgeon certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. Look at the photos before and after. Do you like what you see, and would you like to look similar? Also check to see if there are less than perfect patients on the site- if they are all perfect, then perhaps the doctor is only showing the best results, and this may not be representative. sek more
Scott E. Kasden, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Look at breast implant photos that look like yours before surgery

It is helpful to find a woman whose breasts most closely look like yours to start with and then see if you like the end results. Not every plastic surgeon will have a good before and after section to their website because it can be very hard to keep it up. I take of all of my own before and after photos to include taking them and getting them to my webmaster for posting. I think you should look at the before and after photos as a reflection of what the surgeon feels are their better results... more
Michael C. Edwards, MD

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

www.medwardsmd.com

+1

Look for someone who has your body characteristics

Hello You should evaluate before and afters on two levels: 1. obviously you want someone who does a good job and has photos that reflect quality work 2. you need to look at photos of women who look like you do to get an idea of what your result may be. No use looking at pictures of 20 year-old women who have not had kids if you are 40 years old and have had a couple of kids. Make sure you are comfortable with the surgeon as well as the staff. Having surgery is not a one day process and... more
Francisco Canales, MD

Santa Rosa Plastic Surgeon
+1

Try to see yourself in breast augmenation photos

Breast augmentation photos are very helpful when exploring what you could look like and what augmentation can do in breast enhancement. There are so many examples on the Internet today, literally hundreds to judge and view. When you are reviewing breast augmentation photos remember that you are looking at other peoples choices, not necessarily what is right for you. Try to find, objectively, breasts that may be similar to your own, and what another chose with her augmentation. You may... more
Peter E. Johnson, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

www.peterejohnsonmd.com

+1

What not to look for in B&A photos also important

This is a very good question. I think there is a tendency to overinterpret before and after photos, by trying to predetermine the size and implant type you want. This just isn't realistic but what you should focus on is just do they look right. In other words, the surgeon will post pictures of what he or she feels represents their work, and so you can decide if that is the kind of result you are looking for interms of overall aesthetics. Look at hings like the space between the breasts, the... more
Richard Baxter, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Shape, symmetry, and balance with the rest of the body

A good breast augmentation is one that first and foremost fits the goals of the patient, is performed in a safe and confidential environment, and is without complication. In terms of the final result, the goals are as much symmetry between the two breasts as possible (no 2 breasts are identical, but we can aim for maximum symmetry), nice shape of each breast in particular along the cleavage line, and finally an overall size that is in balance with the rest of the body. If these goals are... more
Shahram Salemy, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

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