Having plastic surgery is a personal choice that can have a great positive impact on you aesthetically and emotionally. There is a wide variety of surgical procedures available to help you achieve your desired look, especially concerning breast enhancement. Understanding the general steps of plastic surgery can help in your decision making process.

The general steps of having plastic surgery

Plastic surgery is a large medical specialty and procedures vary significantly, but they usually follow these general steps:

• Research—it’s important to research surgeons and procedures so you can be well informed in your decisions. It’s recommended that you seek a highly experienced, board-certified surgeon that you are comfortable with.
• Consultation—you will meet with your surgeon to discuss your surgery goals and the best options to achieve them. Here you can learn more about how your surgery will be performed, and what kind of results and recovery to expect.
• Anesthesia—you will be given anesthesia on the day of your surgery to ensure that you feel no pain or discomfort. Your doctor will choose the best anesthesia option for you.
• Surgery—for breast enhancement, you can expect small incisions to be made near your breasts. Breast augmentation involves the placement of implants behind your breast tissue. A breast lift or reduction involves removing skin and breast tissue in targeted areas. Your incisions will be stitched closed at the end.
• Recovery—the length and difficulty of your recovery will vary, but you can expect some pain, swelling, and down-time. You will usually have to avoid strenuous activity until you are healed.
• Follow-up—you will usually meet with your surgeon at least once after surgery to gauge how you are healing and address any other issues. Multiple follow-ups are not uncommon.

Costs

Your costs depend on many factors including your area, surgeon, and health insurance coverage. Some plastic surgery, especially reconstructive surgery, may be covered by your health insurance plan. Elective cosmetic surgery is not generally covered. You can discuss costs with your surgeon and health insurance provider for detailed information.