Is a breast augmentation selfish?

Thank you for your question. It is always a difficult decision to have any elective procedure. Many women who undergo breast augmentation are  mothers with young children. This procedure is frequently done to correct the post-pregnancy changes in the breast. For most patients, the initial recovery is pretty short. For my patients, I start them with early motion exercises the day of surgery and they are back to light activity in 3-5 days. Of course you will need some help at home for the first few days following surgery.

Complications from breast augmentation are very rare, but any surgery has its risks. You should discuss your concerns with your surgeon and make sure that he/she uses DVT (deep vein thrombosis) prevention therapy, since this is the biggest risk of any surgery. This is basically the use of a sequential compression device used during surgery that helps prevent blood clots.   DVT is extremely rare during breast augmentation. I've been performing breast augmentation for 30  years and have never had a patient experience DVT.  

There is nothing selfish about wanting to look and feel your best.  For most women, the benefits far outweigh any potential risks.  

Cosmetic surgery, especially breast augmentation after having children, is really to help restore your breasts to the normal shape and appearance before having children. I think that is good for self esteem and overall can help the patient psychologically and is not a selfish maneuver.

Dear Biddy

Thank you for your question - it is a big decision to go through with any form of aesthetic surgery, especially when you have the responsibilities of being a mother, and the fear of a complication resulting in the inability for you to care for your children. 

A big proportion of breast augmentation patients are mothers of young children, and fortunately complications are uncommon. At the end of the day, your decision to undergo the surgery will most likely be linked to your feelings about yourself, your self confidence and your own body image. The majority of people are so happy post-operatively (saying things like "the old me is back") that this permeates to their everyday lives and has a positive effect on others, including their children.

At the end of the day, only you can decide whether this is the right thing for you, and I completely understand your dilemma.

Good luck with your decision!