Is it typical for a PA to order the size of your implants 1 week before surgery?

Your question is a valid question since you are investing quite a bit in time and money for surgery. In my office, your desired size and implant sizes are discussed with me at the time of your consultation after I have taken measurements of your breasts and chest wall. This helps me determine the best size and shape of implant needed to fit what you want. At the pre-operative appointment with the nurse, our patients actually try on different sized implants within the range that was discussed at the consultation, and the implants are ordered with the understanding that there may be a slight change made during surgery (to account for asymmetry that is not noticeable until implant sizers are placed before the actual implants are used). As others have also discussed, each office has a different protocol in how implants are chosen and ordered. I would encourage you to speak honestly with your surgeon and the staff about what your expectations are regarding the size that you ultimately want to be. I hope this helps, and good luck with your upcoming surgery.

We do like to order our implants 1 week before hand so we can be sure we have them in time for our patient's surgery date. It sounds like you are not totally comfortable with your surgeon and his or her office staff, consents, procedures, etc. Make sure you are 100% confident and comfortable in your surgeon prior to undergoing surgery. Just because someone is board certified doesn't mean they are the right surgeon for you! Good luck!

It is critical to feel comfortable with your surgeon, the process of implant selection, and the recovery process before proceeding.  Communication is key to the process, and you should make sure your surgeon understands exactly what your goals are.  It is their job to figure out how to translate that to your frame.  Sometimes it is simply not possible, but they should walk you through everything before the implants are ordered.  I would talk with them and let them know your concerns prior to anything.

Every plastic surgeon's office protocol varies. What is most important when it comes to the success of your operation: careful selection of your plastic surgeon and careful communication of your goals. Generally speaking, patients need to feel comfortable that they and their plastic surgeons are on the “same page” when it comes to the desired outcome achieved with the breast augmentation surgery. If in doubt, request additional time in consultation with your plastic surgeon PRIOR to the date of surgery. If this additional consultation time is not available, you may wish to choose another board-certified plastic surgeon to help you. Best wishes.

Every plastic surgery practice has different protocols. In my experience, my nurse orders the breast implant sizes after the initial consultation and volumetric sizing session. We do like to place the orders about one week before surgery.

Have you met your surgeon? In my practice I take the time to personally meet each new patient on the day of their consultation, develop an understanding of what their concerns and goals are regarding breast enhancement, and then spend time finding a size implant (using a proper sizing system, not 3D imaging or random implants) that gives them the result they desire. On the day of surgery I review the decision with the patient. By owning my own JCAHO accredited Ambulatory Surgery Center with a full consignment library of saline, silicone, and anatomic silicone implants, it is never a problem should there be a last moment change in desired size. A large component of my practice is revising breast augmentations performed by other surgeons with results that aren't which the patient desired. My advice, meet with your surgeon as many times as needed to determine the look you love. This is your body and your money.