In our society, we are bombarded with media images of slim, yet full-figured women. Many women are dissatisfied with their bodies and turn to cosmetic surgery to alter their shape. But is it their breasts that need a boost or is it their self-esteem that needs a lift?
When a woman visits a surgeon about breast augmentation, she may be surprised by how much time the doctor spends discussing her reasons for wanting larger breasts. ‘This procedure has huge psychological implications,’ says Dr. John Semple, Head of the Division of Plastic Surgery at Women’s College Hospital. He takes care to counsel women about why they want the surgery and whether it will meet their expectations.
Women who are vague about their reasons for wanting the surgery and ask their doctor to make their breasts 'better' are less likely to be happy with the results. Dr. Mitchell Brown, Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgeon at Women’s College Hospital, agrees it is essential that patients have appropriate goals with regard to breast augmentation.
'They have to understand that this procedure won't change their social lives, get them a new job or save a failing relationship,' he says. Most doctors would see cautionary flags, and may refuse to perform the surgery.
There are also several medical conditions that make a woman a poor candidate for breast implants. These include being at high risk for breast cancer, having had multiple breast cysts, or having a compromised immune system (due to, for example, AIDS or chemotherapy).
This article comes from women’s health specialists at of the Women’s College Hospital. To know more on women’s health, consult Women's Health Matters. © 2000-2011 Women's College Hospital.
