What To Ask Your Friends, Relatives, and Plastic Surgeon.

Sometimes it's hard to know what questions to ask, and who to ask them of. Here are some of the questions you may want to ask the people who are closest to you. And, important questions to ask a plastic surgeon if you are seriously considering breast implants.


Questions for your friends:

     • Do you think implants look real?

     • Will other people notice if I get implants?

     • Do you think it would affect my reputation or how people think of me?

     • Are implants worth it - the money and additional surgeries?

     • Will I look better with implants?

     • Do you know anyone else who has implants?

     • Could you help me come up with other ways to help me feel better about myself?


What to ask your friend who has implants:

     • What was the surgery like?

     • What exactly did you have done?

     • Did your doctor show you pictures of what can happen if things go wrong?

     • Were there any complications?

     • How much did it cost? Have you had to pay more after the surgery?

     • Were you satisfied with the result? Has that satisfaction changed over time?

     • If you could, would you do it again? Would you have gotten bigger, smaller,
       or the same size implants if you did it over again?

     • Do they hurt? Did it influence how sensitive your breasts or nipples are?

     • How long have you had implants? Have you experienced any side effects yet?

     • How has your daily life been affected by the implants?


If you want to get a true picture of how implants can affect your life, and still want that personal contact and advice, you should talk to a woman who has had her implants for more than ten years. If you don't know anyone, read some personal stories about girls and women who got implants in their teens.

It's probably going to be scary asking your parents either for or about breast implants, but it's best to have their advice before you either ask them to pay for it, or pay for it yourself. Even though they may seem out of date on a lot of things that are important to you, they still have had the experience of growing up and could be helpful to you.

     • What do you think about me getting breast implants?

     • How could I pay for them? Would you help pay for any problems that might happen?

     • Do you think that is a good choice for me?

     • If you do not want me to get implants, can you suggest any alternatives to feel better
       about myself and how I look?


What to ask your mom specifically

     • Did you want to get breast implants when you were my age?

     • If yes…Now that you are older, do you regret not getting implants,
       or are you happy with your decision?

     • How did you feel about your breast size growing up?
       Did this feeling change at different ages?


What to ask your doctor

When you visit your doctor for the first time to talk about implants, here are some things to ask about:

     • If you decide to get breast implants, make sure you only use
       a board-certified plastic surgeon.

     • If your doctor shows photographs of patients, ask if they were his or her own patients.

     • Ask to see photographs of how the women looked a few years later
       and ask to see photos of what they would look like if there are complications.

     • Ask if you can speak to any patients who have had implants for at least 7-10 years,
       preferably one who had implants at a young age.

     • Ask your doctor for written information about the risks of breast implants
       and read that information at least one week before surgery,
       so you have time to ask questions or gather more information.

     • Any woman who considers silicone gel implants should ask for
       the informed consent form at least one week before surgery.

     • Ask the doctor how many breast implant surgeries he has performed on girls your age.

     • If there is a paid warrantee on the implants, what exactly is included in that warrantee?
       What isn't included?

     • Will the doctor remove them for free if you have any serious problems?
       What if you want them removed but the doctor doesn't think it is necessary?
       Will the services of the nurses and anesthesiologist and other costs also be free?