How to Prepare for a Breast Augmentation Consultation
The right breast augmentation plan depends on more than current trends or someone else’s results. During a breast augmentation consultation, your surgeon considers your health, body proportions, lifestyle, future plans, and personal preferences. At North Star Plastic Surgery in Fairbanks, Dr. Erick Martell can explain whether augmentation alone may meet your goals or whether a lift, different implant placement, or another approach deserves consideration. You can also review recovery, safety, pricing, follow-up appointments, and future implant care. This early conversation gives you the information needed to decide whether surgery feels appropriate for your needs and circumstances.
Key Takeaways
- Prepare with personal details and questions
: Bring your health history, medication list, breast records, reference photos, lifestyle information, and concerns about scars, sensation, breastfeeding, or recovery.
- Expect a plan based on your anatomy
: Chest width, tissue coverage, skin elasticity, breast position, and asymmetry help determine implant type, size, placement, incision location, or whether a breast lift may be more suitable.
- Review the full decision before scheduling
: Discuss risks, recovery, pricing, follow-up care, implant monitoring, future pregnancy, weight changes, and possible revision procedures during your consultation.
What Is a Breast Augmentation Consultation?
A breast augmentation consultation is a private appointment where you and your plastic surgeon discuss your goals, review your health history, and determine whether breast augmentation may be appropriate for you. It is also your opportunity to learn about implant options, surgical techniques, recovery, potential risks, and costs before making a decision.
At North Star Plastic Surgery, Dr. Erick Martell evaluates your breast and chest anatomy and explains which options may suit your body, lifestyle, and desired result. No two patients begin with the same anatomy. Breast size, chest width, skin elasticity, tissue coverage, breast position, and natural asymmetry can all influence the recommended approach.
A consultation should feel like an open conversation, not a commitment to surgery. Bring questions, describe what you hope to change, and share concerns about implant visibility, scarring, sensation, breastfeeding, or future pregnancies. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ consultation guidance encourages patients to discuss their expectations and concerns directly with their surgeon.
Align your goals, anatomy, and expectations
Begin by explaining what you would like to change. You may want more upper-breast fullness, improved balance between your breasts, a modest increase in size, or a fuller shape after pregnancy or weight loss. Your surgeon can connect these preferences to practical choices involving implant size, profile, placement, and incision location.
Your anatomy also matters. Chest width, existing breast tissue, skin quality, breast position, and asymmetry can affect which implants and techniques are suitable. An implant that looks proportional on one patient may appear too prominent on another.
The consultation helps you and your surgeon agree on a realistic goal. You can discuss whether you prefer a subtle, natural change or a more noticeable result. Dr. Martell’s breast enhancement services can be tailored to your anatomy and aesthetic preferences.
Review candidacy and alternatives
Your surgeon will review your medical history, medications, allergies, previous operations, and overall health. You may also discuss nicotine use, pregnancy plans, breastfeeding, breast symptoms, and prior imaging. This information helps identify factors that could affect surgical safety, timing, or healing.
Breast augmentation may not be the only option. If you have loose skin or a lower breast position, augmentation alone may not create the shape you want. Your surgeon may discuss a breast lift with implants, a breast lift without implants, fat transfer, or another approach. Waiting until after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or a period of stable weight may also provide more predictable results.
Candidacy involves more than selecting an implant size. It includes understanding the procedure, preparing for recovery, maintaining realistic expectations, and planning for follow-up care. A consultation gives you time to compare options before deciding whether surgery is right for you.
Discuss pain, scars, breastfeeding, and natural results
Ask how much discomfort you may experience, where scars will be located, and how long swelling or changes in sensation may last. Your surgeon can explain the planned incision, implant placement, pain-control plan, activity restrictions, and scar-care instructions. Scars are a normal part of surgery, and their final appearance can vary based on incision location, skin type, healing, and aftercare.
Be open about breastfeeding and future pregnancy plans. Many patients can breastfeed after breast augmentation, but individual experiences differ. Surgery may affect sensation or milk production, while pregnancy and changes in breast size can alter your results over time. Discussing these plans early can help your surgeon recommend appropriate timing and techniques.
If you want a natural appearance, say so clearly. Implant dimensions, placement, existing tissue, and implant type all affect shape and movement. Reviewing implant sizers, photos, and realistic examples can help you describe your preferences. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ breast augmentation overview offers additional information about common considerations and risks.
Learn why a consultation does not commit you to surgery
A consultation is an information-gathering appointment. You do not have to schedule surgery, select an implant, or make a final decision that day. You can take time to review your options, discuss them with people you trust, and decide whether breast augmentation fits your goals and circumstances.
Feeling excited, nervous, or uncertain is normal. Tell your surgeon if you are worried about pain, anesthesia, scars, recovery, or changing your mind. These concerns deserve clear answers, and a qualified surgeon should give you time to ask questions without pressure.
Before leaving, ask about the next steps. You may receive educational materials, a personalized estimate, medical-clearance instructions, or a proposed surgical plan. If you choose to continue, you can schedule a consultation with North Star Plastic Surgery and begin discussing a plan based on your anatomy, preferences, and safety needs.
How Should You Prepare for Your Consultation?
A little preparation can make your breast augmentation consultation more productive and help you feel more comfortable discussing your goals. You do not need to choose an implant or make every decision before your appointment. Your surgeon will evaluate your anatomy, explain the available options, and help you understand which approaches may fit your body, health, and lifestyle.
Before your appointment at North Star Plastic Surgery, gather the information below and write down anything you want to discuss. Clear, honest communication gives your care team the details needed to create a thoughtful treatment plan. It also gives you time to consider your priorities, ask informed questions, and understand what breast augmentation can and cannot change.
Define your preferred size, shape, projection, and feel
Think about the overall result you want rather than focusing only on a specific cup size. You may prefer a subtle change, fuller upper breast volume, more cleavage, or a result that feels proportional to your frame. Consider whether you like a rounder appearance or a gentler slope from the chest to the breast. You can also think about how much projection you prefer when viewed from the side.
It helps to consider how you want your breasts to feel, too. Some patients prioritize a soft, natural feel, while others prefer a fuller or firmer result. Your surgeon can explain how implant type, dimensions, placement, and your existing breast tissue may affect the final appearance and feel. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ consultation guidance offers additional questions to consider before your appointment.
Bring reference photos and preference notes
Reference photos can help you communicate your preferences clearly. Choose images that show results you like from the front, side, and three-quarter angles when possible. You can also bring examples of results you do not want, such as very prominent upper fullness or a specific breast shape.
Remember that each photo reflects another person’s anatomy, implant choice, and surgical plan. It cannot guarantee the same result for you. Instead, use images as conversation starters. Ask how your chest width, breast tissue, skin elasticity, and current breast position may affect your options.
Write a short note about what you like in each image. You might mention the amount of fullness, breast position, cleavage, projection, or overall proportion. These details can help your surgeon understand your preferences during the discussion.
Prepare your medical, surgical, and anesthesia history
Your surgeon will need an accurate picture of your health before recommending breast augmentation. Prepare a list of previous surgeries, including breast procedures, and note any complications or concerns you experienced during recovery. Include any history of infection, excessive bleeding, wound-healing problems, or unusual scarring.
Your anesthesia history is important as well. Tell the care team if you have experienced nausea, a difficult intubation, medication reactions, or other anesthesia-related concerns. Share any history of blood clots, heart or lung conditions, diabetes, immune conditions, or other relevant diagnoses.
Being open about your health helps your surgical team plan appropriate precautions. It may also show that you need additional medical clearance, testing, or information from another clinician before surgery.
List medications, supplements, allergies, and health conditions
Bring an up-to-date list of every medication and supplement you take. Include prescriptions, over-the-counter products, vitamins, herbal supplements, and weight-management medications. Write down each dose and how often you take it. If you are unsure of a medication’s name or amount, take photos of the labels.
Tell your surgeon about medication, latex, adhesive, food, or other allergies, including the reaction each one causes. Do not stop a prescribed medication unless your surgeon or another qualified clinician tells you to do so. Some medications and supplements can affect bleeding, blood pressure, healing, or anesthesia, so your care team will explain any changes needed before surgery.
Mention recent illnesses, skin irritation, breast symptoms, and ongoing health conditions, even if they seem unrelated. Complete information helps your team make safer recommendations and coordinate care when needed.
Bring mammograms, biopsies, imaging, and breast procedure records
If you have had mammograms, ultrasounds, MRIs, biopsies, breast surgery, or other breast-related care, ask whether those records should be sent to the practice before your consultation. Bring copies if they are available, including imaging reports and pathology results. Your surgeon may need the actual images, not only the written report.
Share information about breast lumps, nipple discharge, breast pain, previous abnormal imaging, or a personal history of breast disease. Also mention whether you currently have breast implants or tissue expanders, even if another surgeon placed them.
These records provide helpful background when your surgeon evaluates your breast health and plans treatment. They may also show that you need updated imaging or an evaluation by another specialist before proceeding.
Discuss pregnancy, breastfeeding, family history, nicotine, alcohol, and exercise
Tell your surgeon whether you have been pregnant, breastfed, or plan to become pregnant in the future. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and changes in breast size can affect the appearance of augmented breasts. These factors may also influence whether augmentation alone or augmentation with a breast lift is more appropriate.
Share your personal and family history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, clotting conditions, or other significant medical issues. Your surgeon may ask about genetic testing or recommendations from your primary care clinician or breast specialist.
Be honest about nicotine use, including cigarettes, vaping, nicotine pouches, and replacement products. Nicotine can interfere with circulation and wound healing. Discuss alcohol use and your usual exercise routine as well. Your surgeon will provide instructions about pausing nicotine, limiting alcohol, and returning to physical activity.
Write down questions, timing goals, concerns, and support needs
Before your consultation, create a question list and keep it on your phone or bring a printed copy. You may want to ask about implant choices, placement, incision location, scars, recovery, sensation, breastfeeding, and how future pregnancy or weight changes could affect your result. Include concerns about breast asymmetry or the possibility of needing a lift.
Write down your preferred timing, especially if you are planning surgery around work, travel, family responsibilities, or an upcoming event. Recovery requires time for rest and activity restrictions, so your schedule can help determine whether a proposed date is practical.
Think about the support you may need at home, too. Ask how long you may need help, when you can drive, and what assistance is recommended during the first few days. You can review North Star Plastic Surgery’s consultation process before your appointment and contact the office if you need clarification about what to bring.
What Happens During a Consultation?
A breast augmentation consultation gives you time to discuss your goals, learn how your anatomy may affect your options, and decide whether surgery feels right for you. The appointment should feel like an open conversation, not a sales pitch. Bring your questions, describe the result you have in mind, and share any health information that could affect treatment or recovery.
Your surgeon will review your medical history, examine your breast and chest anatomy, and explain potential implant and surgical options. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ consultation guidance recommends discussing your goals, health history, treatment choices, and potential risks before making a decision. You can also ask for time to consider your options after the appointment.
Discuss your goals, lifestyle, health, and expectations
The consultation usually begins with a conversation about what you would like to change. You may want more fullness, improved balance, a different shape, or a result that looks natural in clothing and without support. Explain what matters most to you, including your preferences for cleavage, projection, softness, and overall proportion.
Your lifestyle also plays a role. Tell your surgeon about exercise, work, parenting responsibilities, pregnancy plans, and your preferred recovery timeline. Share your general health, previous procedures, medications, and concerns about pain, scarring, sensation, or breastfeeding. Honest communication helps your surgeon recommend options that fit your body and expectations. Breast augmentation consultation guidance also emphasizes discussing lifestyle and personal goals.
Complete a private breast and chest examination
A private examination allows your surgeon to assess your breast and chest area in person. You will receive instructions about changing into an examination garment and positioning yourself for the assessment. You can ask questions throughout the process, and you may request a chaperone if that would make you more comfortable.
The examination may include an assessment of your breast tissue, chest wall, skin, nipples, and breast position. Your surgeon may also note differences in size, shape, or position between the two sides. These details matter because implants add volume, but they cannot correct every underlying difference. The findings help guide decisions about implant dimensions, placement, incision location, and whether a breast lift may be appropriate.
Assess breast position, tissue coverage, skin elasticity, and asymmetry
Your surgeon will evaluate how your breasts sit on your chest and how much natural tissue could cover the implant. Skin elasticity is also important. Skin that has stretched after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight changes may respond differently to added volume than firmer skin.
The examination will include a review of asymmetry, which is common and may involve breast size, nipple position, chest shape, or the fold beneath the breast. Augmentation may improve balance, but perfect symmetry is not always possible. Ask how your anatomy may affect the result and whether different implant sizes or a lift could help. The ASPS breast augmentation overview explains how body proportions and tissue coverage influence implant planning.
Take measurements and review implant sizers or imaging tools
Measurements help your surgeon compare your chest width, breast base, existing tissue, and skin envelope with the dimensions of possible implants. These measurements are more useful than choosing an implant based only on a bra cup size or a photograph. The same implant volume can look different on two people because chest and breast anatomy vary.
Your surgeon may offer implant sizers to place inside a bra or clothing. Some practices may also use imaging tools to illustrate possible changes. These tools support the discussion, but they cannot promise an exact surgical result. Bring reference photos and explain what you like about each one. Point out preferences for shape, fullness, cleavage, or proportion rather than focusing only on a specific implant volume.
Discuss incisions, implant placement, anesthesia, and the surgical facility
Your surgeon will explain possible incision locations, including an incision in the fold beneath the breast or around the edge of the areola. The recommended option may depend on your anatomy, implant choice, previous procedures, and scar preferences. You should also discuss whether the implant would sit above the chest muscle, below it, or in a dual-plane position.
Ask about the type of anesthesia, who provides it, and where the procedure will take place. You can also ask whether the facility is licensed or accredited and what safety protocols are used. Your surgeon should explain what to expect before discharge and who to contact after surgery. At North Star Plastic Surgery, you can review breast enhancement options and discuss which choices may fit your goals.
Review benefits, limitations, risks, and next steps
Before leaving, make sure you understand what breast augmentation may and may not change. Implants can add volume and improve certain differences in size or shape, but they do not prevent changes from aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight fluctuations. If your breasts have significant sagging, augmentation alone may not provide the result you want.
Your surgeon should review potential complications, including infection, bleeding, changes in sensation, asymmetry, capsular contracture, rupture, rippling, and revision surgery. Ask which symptoms are expected during recovery and which require a call to the practice. Discuss the estimated cost, scheduling, follow-up visits, and recovery plan. A consultation does not commit you to surgery, so take the time you need to make a decision that feels informed and comfortable.
How Does a Surgeon Evaluate Your Options?
A breast augmentation consultation involves much more than choosing an implant size. Your surgeon considers your health, breast and chest anatomy, skin quality, lifestyle, and personal goals before recommending a surgical plan. The same implant can produce different results in different patients because every body has its own proportions, tissue coverage, breast position, and natural asymmetry.
Your surgeon may recommend augmentation alone, augmentation with a breast lift, or another approach based on your examination and goals. The purpose of the consultation is to compare these options, explain their benefits and limitations, and help you understand what each one may mean for your results and recovery. Reviewing North Star Plastic Surgery’s breast enhancement procedures before your appointment can help you identify topics you want to discuss.
A thoughtful evaluation should also account for future plans, including pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, and the possibility of revision surgery. It is helpful to share your priorities honestly, even if you are unsure which technique or implant style you prefer. Your surgeon can then explain which options fit your anatomy and which may not.
Review your health, medications, nicotine use, and anesthesia factors
Your surgeon will begin by reviewing your overall health and medical history. Share information about previous operations, chronic conditions, allergies, current medications, vitamins, supplements, and any past reaction to anesthesia. These details can affect surgical planning, bleeding risk, healing, and anesthesia safety.
Nicotine use is especially important because smoking and other nicotine products can reduce blood flow and interfere with wound healing. Tell your surgeon about nicotine, alcohol, and recreational drug use so your care team can provide accurate instructions. You may need to stop nicotine for a specific period before and after surgery.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ consultation guidance recommends discussing medical conditions, medications, allergies, and substance use during your appointment. Depending on your health history, your surgeon may request medical clearance, laboratory testing, or other evaluations before scheduling surgery.
Match implant dimensions and projection to your chest anatomy
Implant selection depends on more than volume. Your surgeon measures breast width, chest wall shape, existing breast tissue, skin quality, breast crease position, and nipple and areola placement. These measurements help determine which implant dimensions can fit your chest without placing excessive tension on your skin.
Projection describes how far an implant extends forward from your chest. A higher profile may create more forward fullness, while a lower profile may produce a gentler change. Your surgeon balances your desired appearance with tissue coverage, skin elasticity, breast width, and long-term support.
During your consultation at North Star Plastic Surgery, implant sizers or imaging tools may help you compare possibilities. These tools support the discussion, but they cannot guarantee an identical surgical result. Your natural breast shape and chest structure will continue to influence the final appearance.
Decide whether you need augmentation alone or a breast lift
Implants add volume, but they do not remove loose skin or raise a breast that sits lower on the chest. If your breasts sag, point downward, or have nipples positioned below the breast crease, your surgeon may discuss a breast lift. A lift removes excess skin and reshapes breast tissue, while implants add volume and upper-breast fullness.
Some patients achieve their goals with augmentation alone. Others may need a lift with implants to create a higher, more supported breast position. In some cases, a lift without implants may provide the most suitable result. Your surgeon will assess skin elasticity, breast position, existing tissue, and the degree of drooping before making a recommendation.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, and aging can all affect this decision. If you are concerned about sagging or a deflated upper breast, bring it up during your breast enhancement evaluation.
Consider pregnancy plans, breastfeeding, weight changes, and timing
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and major weight changes can alter breast size, shape, skin quality, and position. These changes may also affect the appearance of implants. If you plan to become pregnant soon, your surgeon may suggest waiting until your weight and breast shape are more stable.
Breast augmentation does not automatically prevent breastfeeding, but surgery can affect milk production or nipple sensation. The possible effect depends partly on your anatomy, incision location, and surgical technique. Discuss your plans openly so your surgeon can explain the potential tradeoffs and help you choose an appropriate approach.
The Northwestern Plastic Surgery guidance explains that pregnancy, breastfeeding, gravity, aging, and weight changes can affect breast tissue and implant appearance. These factors may influence both the timing of surgery and your expectations for long-term results.
Discuss cleavage, sensation, scars, symmetry, and natural movement
Describe how you want your breasts to look and feel in clothing, swimwear, and without a bra. You may prefer subtle fullness, more upper-breast volume, closer cleavage, or a shape that looks and feels natural. Your preferences can guide conversations about implant profile, placement, and size, although your anatomy sets important limits.
Ask how surgery may affect nipple and breast sensation, scar location, and movement during exercise, sleep, or physical contact. Temporary numbness, increased sensitivity, or other sensation changes can occur, and some changes may last. Your surgeon should also explain how the breasts may settle and change during healing.
Scars can often be placed in less visible locations, but their length and appearance depend on the technique and your healing. Discuss asymmetry, too. Most people have natural differences between their breasts, and surgery can improve balance without making them perfectly identical.
Explain how your breast and chest features may affect results
Your surgeon evaluates breast width, existing volume, skin elasticity, nipple position, breast crease location, chest wall shape, and natural asymmetry. These features influence which implant size, projection, placement, and incision may create a balanced result.
Thin tissue coverage can make implant edges or rippling more noticeable. Tight skin may limit how much volume can be added safely during one procedure. A broad or uneven chest wall can also affect cleavage and symmetry. Your surgeon should explain these considerations clearly instead of promising an exact cup size or identical match between both breasts.
Use the consultation to describe your priorities and ask how your anatomy may affect the outcome. At North Star Plastic Surgery, you can discuss these details with Dr. Erick Martell during a one-on-one breast surgery consultation in Fairbanks.
Which Implants and Techniques May Suit You?
Breast augmentation is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. The implant and surgical technique that suit one patient may not be right for another. Your surgeon will consider your chest width, existing breast tissue, skin elasticity, breast position, asymmetry, lifestyle, and preferred result before making a recommendation.
During your consultation, you can compare the options below and discuss how each may affect appearance, sensation, recovery, and future breast health. North Star Plastic Surgery offers breast enhancement procedures in Fairbanks, Alaska, with treatment plans tailored to each patient’s anatomy and goals.
Compare saline and silicone gel implants
Saline implants contain sterile saltwater. The empty shell can be placed through a smaller incision and filled during surgery, giving the surgeon some flexibility when adjusting the volume. If a saline implant ruptures, the body generally absorbs the saline, and the affected breast may noticeably deflate.
Silicone gel implants are filled before surgery with a cohesive gel designed to feel and move more like natural breast tissue. Because they arrive pre-filled, they may require a somewhat longer incision. A silicone rupture may not cause an obvious change in breast size, so your surgeon may recommend imaging or other follow-up. The FDA’s breast implant information provides current guidance about implant safety and monitoring.
Neither option is automatically better for every patient. Your surgeon can explain the differences in feel, incision length, rupture detection, monitoring, and expected appearance based on your anatomy.
Review implant size, shape, profile, fill, surface, and projection
Choosing an implant involves more than selecting a cup size. Your surgeon may discuss the implant’s diameter, volume, shape, profile, fill, surface, and projection. Diameter must work with the width of your chest, while projection describes how far the implant extends forward from your chest.
Some patients prefer a subtle change that preserves natural movement. Others want more upper-breast fullness or a noticeable increase in volume. Reference photos can help explain your preferences, but they cannot guarantee a specific result. Your tissue, rib cage, skin, and existing breast shape will also affect the outcome.
A larger implant may stretch the skin, feel heavier, or look less natural if it exceeds your available tissue coverage. Your surgeon may use implant sizers, measurements, or imaging tools to compare options. Share your clothing preferences, activities, and future pregnancy plans, since these details may affect the recommendation.
Compare above-muscle, below-muscle, and dual-plane placement
Implants may be positioned above the pectoral muscle, below the muscle, or in a dual-plane arrangement. Above-muscle placement places the implant directly beneath the breast tissue. This approach may suit patients with enough natural coverage, but implant edges or rippling can be more visible when there is less tissue between the implant and the skin.
Below-muscle placement adds muscle coverage over part of the implant and may create a softer transition in the upper breast. It can also affect how the implant moves when the chest muscles contract. With dual-plane placement, the upper portion receives muscle coverage while the lower portion sits beneath the breast tissue, combining features of both approaches.
The best position depends on your tissue thickness, breast shape, exercise habits, and desired result. Ask how each option may affect muscle movement, cleavage, recovery, and long-term appearance. Your surgeon should also explain whether your breast position requires a lift in addition to augmentation.
Review inframammary, periareolar, and other incision options
The incision location affects scar placement and may also influence the surgical approach. An inframammary incision is made in the crease beneath the breast. It offers direct access for implant placement and places the scar in a natural fold, where it may become less noticeable as it heals.
A periareolar incision follows the border around the nipple and areola. Depending on your anatomy, the scar may blend with the transition in skin tone. Other approaches, including an incision through the armpit, may avoid a scar on the breast itself, but they may not suit every implant or surgical plan.
Your surgeon will consider your anatomy, implant type, previous breast surgery, desired placement, and personal preferences when discussing incision options. Ask where the scar will be, how it may change over time, and whether the incision could affect sensation or breastfeeding. No incision is completely scar-free, and individual healing varies.
Consider tissue coverage, rippling, visibility, and scar location
Your natural breast tissue provides a layer of coverage over the implant. Patients with less tissue may notice implant edges, wrinkling, or rippling more easily, particularly with certain implant types or above-muscle placement. Weight changes, aging, pregnancy, and skin elasticity can also affect how clearly an implant is seen or felt.
Placement beneath the muscle may provide additional coverage in the upper breast, while implant size and profile also influence visibility. Choosing an implant that is larger than your tissue can comfortably support may increase tension on the skin and change the appearance over time. A breast lift may be a better part of the plan when sagging or stretched skin is present.
Scars often begin darker or firmer and gradually mature, but their final appearance varies by genetics and healing. Ask about incision care, sun protection, scar treatment, and the tradeoffs between scar location and implant access. Before-and-after photos of patients with similar anatomy may make the discussion more useful.
Discuss implant safety, monitoring, and future procedures
Breast implants are medical devices, not lifetime devices. They may eventually require removal, replacement, or revision because of rupture, deflation, capsular contracture, changes in breast tissue, or shifting position. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, and aging can also alter the breasts after augmentation.
Ask how your chosen implant should be monitored and which symptoms should prompt a call to the practice. The FDA provides recommendations for implant rupture screening and monitoring, including guidance that may differ for saline and silicone implants. Keep your implant information and operative records for future health care visits.
Discuss mammograms and other breast imaging before surgery. Tell the imaging provider that you have implants so the team can use appropriate techniques. If you are considering pregnancy or breastfeeding, mention it during your consultation. Your surgeon can explain how augmentation may affect future breast changes and whether waiting could better fit your plans.
What Questions Should You Ask?
A breast augmentation consultation should feel like an open conversation, not a sales appointment. Bring a written list of questions, take notes, and ask for clarification whenever something is unclear. You may also bring a trusted support person if that would help you feel more comfortable discussing surgery and recovery.
Your goal is to understand your options, expected results, potential risks, costs, and long-term considerations. A qualified plastic surgeon should explain the reasoning behind each recommendation and give you enough time to decide whether breast augmentation is right for you.
Ask about qualifications, double board certification, and breast surgery experience
Begin by asking about your surgeon’s education, surgical training, board certifications, and experience with breast procedures. You can ask how often they perform breast augmentation and whether they also have experience with breast lifts, reductions, reconstruction, implant revision, and implant removal. This broader experience may be useful if your goals change or if augmentation alone will not address breast sagging.
Dr. Erick Martell is double board-certified in General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. His background includes breast procedures, body contouring, and 21 years of service in the U.S. Army. Review the North Star Plastic Surgery physician profile before your appointment, then ask which parts of his experience are most relevant to your goals.
You can also ask whether the facility is licensed or accredited, who provides anesthesia, and how the surgical team handles follow-up care. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons consultation guidance includes additional questions to consider when evaluating a breast augmentation surgeon.
Ask why your surgeon recommends a specific implant, size, placement, and technique
There is no universally best implant size or surgical technique. Recommendations should reflect your chest width, existing breast tissue, skin elasticity, breast position, lifestyle, and desired appearance. Ask why your surgeon recommends a particular implant volume, shape, profile, fill material, or projection for your anatomy.
Discuss implant placement as well. Above-muscle, below-muscle, and dual-plane placement may affect implant visibility, rippling, cleavage, movement, and recovery. Your surgeon should explain the potential benefits and limitations of each option rather than presenting one choice as right for everyone.
Ask whether augmentation alone is likely to meet your goals or whether a breast lift may also be appropriate. Implants add volume, but they do not correct every type of sagging. Reviewing North Star Plastic Surgery’s breast enhancement procedures can help you prepare for this conversation.
Ask about realistic results, scars, asymmetry, and sensation changes
Explain the look you want, then ask what is realistic for your body. You may prefer a subtle increase, more upper-breast fullness, a rounder shape, or a result that looks natural in clothing and without it. Reference photos can help communicate your preferences, but they cannot guarantee an identical result.
Ask where your incisions will be placed, how noticeable the scars may be, and how they typically change as they heal. Discuss existing asymmetry, nipple position, chest-wall differences, and the possibility that perfect symmetry may not be achievable. Some natural differences may remain after surgery or become more noticeable with implants.
Changes in breast or nipple sensation are also important to discuss. Sensation may increase, decrease, or change temporarily or permanently. Ask how often these changes occur in your surgeon’s experience and which factors may affect them. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons breast augmentation overview offers additional information about results and common considerations.
Ask about anesthesia, facility credentials, safety protocols, and emergencies
Ask what type of anesthesia your procedure will require and who will administer it. Find out how you will be monitored during surgery and whether the anesthesia provider is a physician anesthesiologist, certified registered nurse anesthetist, or another qualified professional.
Ask where the procedure will take place and whether the facility is licensed or accredited. You can also ask how the team prepares for possible complications, such as an allergic reaction, breathing difficulty, bleeding, or an unexpected medical emergency. Find out whether you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you during the first night.
These questions are part of responsible surgical planning. Your consultation should include clear information about the facility, anesthesia plan, preoperative instructions, and who to contact with concerns before surgery. North Star Plastic Surgery can discuss these details during a personal consultation.
Ask about pain control, recovery, restrictions, and returning to work
Ask what discomfort is typical during the first several days and how the practice manages pain. Your surgeon may discuss prescription or nonprescription medication, supportive garments, cold therapy, sleep positions, and ways to limit strain while you heal. Tell the team about medication sensitivities or previous difficulty controlling pain.
Ask when you can shower, drive, lift, sleep comfortably, return to desk work, and resume exercise. Recovery can vary based on implant placement, the type of procedure, your health, and your job. Someone with physically demanding work may need more time away than someone who works from home.
Make a practical recovery plan before surgery. Arrange transportation, prescription pickup, meals, childcare, and help with household tasks. If you live outside Fairbanks, ask how follow-up visits and urgent concerns are handled for patients traveling from nearby communities.
Ask about infection, bleeding, capsular contracture, rupture, and malposition
Every surgery has potential risks, so ask your surgeon to explain them in clear, everyday language. General risks may include infection, bleeding, delayed wound healing, changes in sensation, asymmetry, scarring, and anesthesia-related complications.
Discuss implant-specific concerns as well. Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue around an implant becomes unusually firm or tight. Rupture or deflation can affect silicone and saline implants differently. Malposition means an implant has shifted from its intended location, which may change breast shape or symmetry. Rippling and implant visibility are additional concerns, particularly when there is limited tissue coverage.
Ask how often these issues occur in your surgeon’s experience, which symptoms require a call, and what treatment could involve. The FDA’s breast implant information covers risks, monitoring, and long-term considerations. Your surgeon can explain how that information applies to your anatomy and implant choice.
Ask what happens if you need revision, removal, or a different result
Ask what options may be available if your result changes over time or does not match your expectations. Revision surgery could involve an implant exchange, repositioning, a breast lift, scar treatment, or implant removal. Find out when your surgeon would consider revision and how long you may need to wait before another procedure.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, weight changes, and changes in skin elasticity can also affect your breasts after augmentation. Implants do not prevent the natural changes that occur over time, so ask how these factors may influence your result.
Discuss financial responsibility for future procedures, including revisions related to complications, implant concerns, or personal preference. You can also ask whether the practice helps coordinate care if you move or need treatment from another specialist. This conversation helps you view augmentation as a long-term decision.
Request complete pricing, financing, follow-up, and after-hours contact details
Ask for an itemized estimate that includes the surgeon’s fee, facility fee, anesthesia, implants, medications, surgical garments, medical testing, and follow-up visits. Confirm which services are included and which may result in additional charges. If you may need a breast lift or another procedure, ask how combining procedures affects the total cost.
Discuss financing options, deposits, cancellation policies, and the potential cost of implant removal or revision. These services may not be included in the original estimate and are not always covered by insurance.
Before leaving, request written postoperative instructions and an after-hours phone number. Ask whom to contact for severe pain, fever, increasing redness, drainage, shortness of breath, or other urgent symptoms. North Star Plastic Surgery can explain consultation, scheduling, and follow-up details when you contact the practice.
What Risks and Long-Term Issues Should You Discuss?
A breast augmentation consultation should cover much more than implant size and incision location. Use the appointment to understand what recovery may feel like, which complications are possible, and how implants may affect your future breast health. Your surgeon should also explain how pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, and weight changes could affect your results.
Before your appointment, write down your concerns and bring a list of medications, supplements, allergies, previous surgeries, and health conditions. Be open about nicotine use, alcohol consumption, exercise, and plans for pregnancy. These details can affect surgical planning, anesthesia, healing, and the timing of your procedure.
At North Star Plastic Surgery, you can discuss your goals and concerns during a personalized breast enhancement consultation. Bring questions about both short-term recovery and long-term care so you can make a decision based on clear, realistic expectations.
Distinguish normal swelling, bruising, discomfort, and temporary changes from warning signs
Swelling, bruising, tightness, soreness, and changes in breast position are common during early recovery. One breast may appear higher or feel firmer than the other while your tissues heal. Temporary changes in sensation, including numbness or increased sensitivity, may also occur. Your surgeon can explain how these symptoms should progress and when your breasts may begin to settle.
Ask which symptoms are expected and which require a call to the practice. Increasing pain, spreading redness, warmth, drainage, fever, sudden swelling, shortness of breath, or chest pain should receive prompt medical attention. Follow your written aftercare instructions, and contact your surgical team rather than trying to diagnose a problem yourself.
Review infection, bleeding, wound-healing issues, asymmetry, and anesthesia complications
Every operation carries risks, including infection, bleeding, delayed wound healing, scarring, and reactions to anesthesia. Breast augmentation may also result in persistent asymmetry, changes in nipple or breast sensation, implant malposition, or the need for additional surgery. Your health, medications, nicotine use, and previous operations may affect your individual risk.
Ask how the practice reduces complications before, during, and after surgery. Discuss the surgical facility, anesthesia provider, medical clearance, prescriptions, and after-hours contact process. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ breast augmentation safety guidance offers general information, but your surgeon should explain how these concerns apply to you.
Discuss capsular contracture, rupture, deflation, rippling, and implant movement
After an implant is placed, the body naturally forms scar tissue around it. In some cases, that capsule becomes unusually firm and tight. This is called capsular contracture, and it may cause hardness, discomfort, visible distortion, or a change in breast shape.
Other concerns include saline implant deflation, silicone implant rupture, rippling, rotation, shifting, or movement out of the preferred position. Ask how your surgeon evaluates these issues and what treatment may involve if one develops. A change in size, shape, firmness, or comfort does not always indicate an emergency, but it deserves medical review. The FDA’s breast implant information explains recognized complications and monitoring considerations.
Understand why implants do not last a lifetime
Breast implants are durable medical devices, but they are not designed to last forever. Some patients never need another operation, while others may eventually choose or require removal, replacement, or revision because of rupture, capsular contracture, shifting, pain, or changes in breast tissue.
Aging, pregnancy, and weight changes can also alter the appearance of augmented breasts without a problem with the implant itself. Ask what follow-up your surgeon recommends and whether you should expect imaging for silicone implants. Discuss the possible costs of future procedures, including surgeon, facility, anesthesia, implant, and recovery expenses. Planning for this possibility does not mean revision is certain. It helps you understand the long-term commitment before choosing surgery.
Discuss mammograms, breast monitoring, breastfeeding, pregnancy, and weight changes
Breast implants can affect how breast tissue appears on mammograms, so tell the imaging facility about your implants when scheduling an appointment. Specialized views may help technicians examine as much breast tissue as possible. Continue recommended breast cancer screening, and ask your surgeon or primary care clinician how your regular monitoring should be handled. The American Cancer Society’s breast cancer screening guidance can help you prepare for that conversation.
Many patients can breastfeed after augmentation, but results vary based on the incision, implant placement, breast anatomy, and other factors. Pregnancy and weight changes may stretch breast skin or change breast volume, which can affect your result. If you plan to become pregnant or lose significant weight, ask whether waiting would make sense.
Review rare implant-associated conditions and warning symptoms
Some rare conditions have been reported in people with breast implants. These include breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, or BIA-ALCL, a type of lymphoma, along with other uncommon implant-associated cancers. The overall risk is low, but understanding possible warning signs can help you seek appropriate care.
Contact your surgeon or another qualified clinician if you develop persistent swelling, a new lump, ongoing pain, or a sudden change in breast size or shape, especially years after surgery. These symptoms can have many causes and do not automatically indicate cancer. The FDA’s information on BIA-ALCL explains reported symptoms, evaluation, and current safety information.
Clarify misconceptions about cancer risk, pain, scars, natural results, and replacement
Breast augmentation does not produce one universal result. Implants can look and feel natural when their size, shape, placement, and profile suit your anatomy, but outcomes also depend on skin quality, breast tissue, muscle structure, and existing asymmetry. Some discomfort is expected during recovery, while persistent or worsening pain requires evaluation. Scars usually fade with time but remain permanent.
Ask how augmentation may affect your specific concerns, including cancer screening, sensation, breastfeeding, and future surgery. You can also ask whether a breast lift, fat grafting, or another approach may better match your goals. A consultation with North Star Plastic Surgery gives you an opportunity to compare options without assuming implants are the only solution.
How Much Does Augmentation Cost, and What Is Recovery Like?
Breast augmentation costs vary from patient to patient. The implants are only one part of the overall expense. Your estimate may also include the surgeon’s fee, surgical facility, anesthesia, medications, support garments, and preoperative testing. The final amount may change if you need a breast lift, correction of significant asymmetry, or another procedure to achieve your desired result.
Recovery also requires planning beyond taking time away from work. You will need a safe ride home, help with certain daily activities, a comfortable place to rest, and a clear medication schedule. Before choosing a surgery date, consider your work responsibilities, childcare, household tasks, and access to follow-up care. At a consultation with North Star Plastic Surgery, you can discuss your goals, surgical options, estimated costs, and recovery expectations with Dr. Erick Martell.
Because costs and recovery needs depend on your anatomy, implant preferences, health history, and surgical plan, online estimates may not reflect your care in Fairbanks. Use your consultation to ask specific questions and request written information you can review at home.
Break down surgeon, facility, anesthesia, implant, medication, garment, and testing fees
A breast augmentation estimate usually combines several charges. The surgeon’s fee covers the operation and related surgical care. Facility fees may include the operating room, supplies, equipment, and clinical staff. Anesthesia fees cover the anesthesia professional’s services and monitoring during surgery.
The estimate may also include the implants, prescription medications, surgical bra or other support garment, and laboratory testing. If Dr. Martell recommends a breast lift with augmentation, the additional procedure may increase surgical time and change the total cost. You can review the available breast enhancement procedures before your appointment, then ask how your recommended plan affects the estimate.
Request an itemized estimate that identifies each charge. This makes it easier to compare plans and see whether services are bundled together or billed separately.
Confirm what the estimate includes, excludes, and may cost later
Before scheduling surgery, ask whether your estimate includes preoperative appointments, implant costs, anesthesia, facility fees, postoperative visits, medications, garments, laboratory work, and imaging. Also ask whether the practice charges separately for additional appointments or treatment if a concern develops during recovery.
Discuss how the practice handles issues such as infection, bleeding, wound-healing problems, fluid collection, or significant asymmetry. Ask whether any follow-up care or revision surgery is included, and for how long. Policies differ, so it is best to receive the details in writing rather than rely on verbal assumptions.
Breast implants are not lifetime devices. Future costs may include imaging, implant removal, replacement, or revision surgery. The US Food and Drug Administration’s breast implant guidance explains why patients should understand long-term monitoring and potential complications before surgery.
Review financing, revision costs, implant removal, and insurance coverage
Cosmetic breast augmentation is generally not covered by health insurance because it is considered elective. Coverage may be different when breast surgery is part of reconstruction after cancer treatment or addresses another medically necessary condition. Contact your insurance company directly if reconstruction or another covered procedure is part of your care.
Ask North Star Plastic Surgery whether financing options are available, what deposit is required, and when payments are due. You should also request information about the potential cost of revision surgery, implant removal, implant replacement, or treatment for a complication. These services may involve separate surgeon, facility, anesthesia, implant, medication, and testing fees.
Avoid comparing prices based only on the total number. An estimate with a lower price may leave out services that another practice includes. An itemized estimate gives you a clearer basis for comparing care, planning your budget, and deciding whether the procedure fits your goals.
Plan transportation, caregiving, prescriptions, sleep, showering, and driving
Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after surgery and stay with you as directed by your surgical team. You should not drive yourself home, and you should avoid driving while taking prescription pain medication or any medicine that affects your alertness, coordination, or reaction time.
Prepare a comfortable recovery space before surgery. Keep water, snacks, medications, your phone, and other frequently used items nearby. Many patients prefer to rest with their upper body slightly elevated during the first several nights, but follow Dr. Martell’s instructions about sleeping position.
Ask when you may shower, wash your hair, change dressings, and wear a regular bra. You may need help with bathing, dressing, meals, childcare, lifting, and household tasks. Fill prescriptions before surgery when possible, and make sure you understand the dose, timing, and purpose of each medication.
Discuss work, lifting, exercise, and other activity limits
Your return to work depends on the procedure, your comfort, your healing progress, and the physical demands of your job. A person with a desk-based role may return sooner than someone who lifts, reaches, pushes, or performs strenuous work. Ask for instructions based on your actual responsibilities.
During early recovery, you will likely need to avoid heavy lifting and vigorous exercise. Your restrictions may include limiting overhead reaching, pushing, pulling, chest-focused movements, and activities that place pressure on the breasts. Gentle walking may be encouraged when your surgeon says it is safe.
Do not treat a general recovery timeline as permission to resume every activity. Your surgeon will consider your incisions, swelling, pain, and healing at follow-up visits. Ask when you can lift children, return to strength training, sleep in your usual position, and resume sexual activity.
Review testing, imaging, and medical clearance requirements
Your preoperative evaluation may include a review of your health history, medications, allergies, prior surgeries, and previous anesthesia experiences. Depending on your age, medical history, and surgical facility requirements, you may need blood tests, other laboratory work, or medical clearance from your primary care clinician.
Ask whether you need a current mammogram or other breast imaging before surgery. Bring prior mammograms, biopsies, imaging reports, and breast procedure records to your appointment when available. These records can help your surgeon understand your breast health and plan your care.
Tell your surgeon about all nicotine use, including cigarettes, vaping, and nicotine replacement products. Nicotine can interfere with healing, so you may receive specific instructions about stopping before and after surgery. Provide a complete list of prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements. Do not stop a prescribed medication without guidance from the clinician who manages it.
Understand follow-up visits, implant monitoring, and when to contact the practice
Follow-up visits allow your surgeon to check your incisions, swelling, breast position, comfort, and overall healing. During the early recovery period, your breasts may look uneven or feel tight as swelling decreases and the implants settle. Ask how often visits are expected and who you should contact with questions between appointments.
Contact the practice promptly if you notice increasing pain, spreading redness, drainage, fever, sudden swelling, shortness of breath, or a noticeable change in breast size. Seek emergency care for severe breathing problems, chest pain, or other serious symptoms.
Long-term implant care may include routine breast screening and imaging based on your implant type and personal health needs. Ask how to monitor your implants and which symptoms require an appointment. The FDA offers information about breast implant risks, complications, and follow-up. Keep your implant details and operative records for future appointments, especially if you later see another breast specialist.
What Happens at a North Star Plastic Surgery Consultation?
A breast augmentation consultation at North Star Plastic Surgery is a private conversation about your goals, anatomy, health, and available options. You will have time to explain what you hope to change, ask questions, and learn whether augmentation alone may suit you. Depending on your breast position, skin elasticity, and amount of existing tissue, Dr. Martell may also discuss whether a breast lift could help you reach your desired result.
The appointment also gives you an opportunity to understand the full care process before making a decision. You can review implant choices, surgical techniques, anesthesia, recovery, potential risks, follow-up care, and estimated costs. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends asking detailed questions and sharing complete medical information during your consultation.
Learn about Dr. Erick Martell’s double board certification
Dr. Erick Martell is double board certified in General Surgery and Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. This training includes broad surgical care as well as specialized knowledge in plastic, reconstructive, breast, and body-contouring procedures. During your appointment, ask about his education, certifications, surgical experience, and approach to breast augmentation.
Board certification is one factor to consider when choosing a plastic surgeon. You can ask how Dr. Martell evaluates candidates, develops an individualized surgical plan, and manages follow-up care. It is also reasonable to discuss the facility where surgery takes place, anesthesia services, safety protocols, and how the practice handles questions after your procedure. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons explains the importance of board certification as part of the surgeon selection process.
Consider his breast and body-contouring experience and 21 years of U.S. Army service
Dr. Martell brings extensive experience in breast and body-contouring procedures, along with 21 years of service in the U.S. Army. His surgical work included combat and humanitarian missions across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. That background gave him experience caring for patients with varied needs and working in complex surgical environments.
Ask how his experience relates to your goals. Breast augmentation involves more than choosing an implant size. Your chest width, breast tissue, skin quality, asymmetry, and overall proportions all influence the plan. Experience with body contouring may also be helpful if you are considering breast surgery after pregnancy or significant weight loss. Review North Star Plastic Surgery’s breast enhancement services before your appointment to become familiar with the procedures offered.
Bring your goals, questions, health history, and breast records to your Fairbanks appointment
Before your Fairbanks appointment, write down what you would like to change and how you want your breasts to look and feel. Bring reference photos if they help explain your preferences, but remember that your anatomy may limit how closely your results resemble another person’s. Note your preferred timing, work demands, exercise routine, and concerns about scars, breastfeeding, sensation, or recovery.
Prepare a complete list of medications, vitamins, supplements, allergies, health conditions, previous operations, and anesthesia experiences. Be open about nicotine use, alcohol, and other substances because these details can affect healing and surgical safety. Bring mammograms, biopsies, imaging, or records from previous breast procedures if you have them. The practice’s consultation page provides additional information about preparing for your visit.
Review personalized implant, technique, risk, cost, and recovery options
Your consultation should address the details that make your surgical plan specific to you. Dr. Martell may discuss saline and silicone gel implants, implant size, shape, profile, projection, and placement above or below the chest muscle. You can also review incision options, including locations in the breast crease or around the areola, and discuss how each choice may affect scars and access during surgery.
Your anatomy and tissue coverage can affect rippling, implant visibility, cleavage, movement, and the likelihood that you may need a breast lift. Ask about potential risks, recovery milestones, activity restrictions, follow-up visits, and long-term implant care. Request an itemized estimate that explains whether surgeon, facility, anesthesia, implant, medication, garment, testing, and follow-up fees are included.
Take the time you need to make an informed care decision
You do not need to schedule surgery during your first consultation. Give yourself time to review what you learned, consider the alternatives, and discuss practical details with anyone who may help during recovery. If questions arise afterward, contact the practice or keep a written list for a follow-up conversation.
A well-informed decision includes realistic expectations about what breast augmentation can and cannot change. It also means understanding that implants are not lifetime devices and may require monitoring, removal, replacement, or revision in the future. Ask about appearance, sensation, scars, recovery, future pregnancies, weight changes, and what happens if your preferences change. The goal of the consultation is to give you clear information so you can decide on the next step with confidence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to a breast augmentation consultation? Bring a list of medications, supplements, allergies, health conditions, previous surgeries, and anesthesia experiences. Mammograms, biopsies, imaging reports, and records from earlier breast procedures may also be helpful. Reference photos and a written list of questions can make it easier to explain your preferred size, shape, fullness, and overall appearance.
Will I need a breast lift along with augmentation? Not always. Implants add volume, but they do not remove loose skin or significantly raise breasts that have begun to sag. Dr. Erick Martell will assess your breast position, skin elasticity, tissue coverage, and goals to determine whether augmentation alone, a lift with implants, or another option may be more suitable.
How do I choose between saline and silicone implants? Saline and silicone implants differ in feel, incision requirements, rupture detection, and appearance. Your surgeon will consider your anatomy, available breast tissue, desired result, and preferences when discussing both options. Implant volume, profile, projection, and placement also affect the final outcome.
What should I ask about recovery and long-term care? Ask when you can return to work, drive, lift, exercise, shower, and care for children or household responsibilities. You should also discuss warning signs, follow-up visits, breast imaging, breastfeeding, pregnancy, weight changes, and the possibility of future implant removal, replacement, or revision.
Do I have to schedule surgery during my consultation? No. The consultation is an opportunity to gather information and decide whether breast augmentation fits your goals, health, timing, and budget. You can take time to review the recommendations, compare your options, and contact North Star Plastic Surgery when you are ready to discuss the next step.
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