How common is it for people to have a breast augmentation without telling anyone?

Question

I’m not sure if doctors will be able to weigh in on this for sure, but I’m curious… do you often see patients who try to do very small breast augmentations secretly? I plan to tell my partner but don’t want to tell anyone else because, ideally, I’ll just get the size I’m at when I wear my padded bralettes naturally.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It’s probably more common than you think. Since you’ll be getting a modest increase, it probably will remain unnoticed to others. It’s really your choice whether you’d like to keep it a secret or not. After all it’s nobody else’s business.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, it is not uncommon for patients to mention that they want a subtle result from their breast augmentation procedure.  I find that there is a wide range of desired outcomes for this procedure, so it is critical to consider each patient's unique goals in addition to their physical features when helping them select breast implants.   I hope your procedure goes well and you achieve your desired look.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hi & thanks for your question!
It is absolutely up to you if you want people to know you have had a breast augmentation. Many patients choose to keep the information to themselves. Good luck & enjoy!!

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I recommend an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and be measured. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

- I commonly see patients here in the Pacific Northwest who desire breast implants but do not want to be very large. In fact, they will tell me that they don't want their friends or co-workers to notice that any operation was performed.
-So, yes, it is possible to undergo breast augmentation and not go really large, and you can still be super happy with the results!
-Best of luck to you!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  No one needs to know about your augmentation if you do not wish to share it with them.  As the recovery is typically easy to handle, you will not draw significant attention.  Hope this helps.

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Unfortunately over augmentation is far too common and it is quite apparent both in clothing and In the nude that this particular woman probably has undergone augmentation. Your aesthetic needs to align with that of your surgeon, based on his or her Before and After gallery. In my own practice the majority of my patients request a natural appearance and that is what I strive to achieve. I recommend you use photos of your “ideal” and share those with your surgeon. Best of luck to you.

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. This is common and many patients want a natural look so as to disguise the possibility of easing those questions.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is completely up to you whether you tell people you had a breast augmentation.  You do not need to tell them- even if they ask!  For those electing a conservative augmentation, the results could be hidden based on clothing choices.  Your medical privacy is protected by HIPAA laws.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Many ladies only tell the person that needs to be with them about the procedure. After the procedure, some become very vocal about their new look, and some never do.