Breast implants are big business in the United States, with nearly 300,000 breast augmentation surgeries reported in 2010 and even more performed in 2011, according to the website PlasticSurgery.org. Breast augmentation has been the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure since 2006 and the numbers continue to rise.

Chances are that you or someone you know is considering breast augmentation surgery. One very important aspect of this procedure is determining the desired breast implant size. Several factors may affect the selection of the breast implant size.

Physical Characteristics

During a standard breast augmentation consultation, the doctor will evaluate your breast size, the dimension of the breasts and the characteristics of the overall breast tissue.

Other factors that the doctor will consider include your body type and skin elasticity, as well as the base diameter of each breast. In addition, the doctor will evaluate where the breast implant may be inserted in the breast, as this will affect the overall appearance of the breast after surgery and may play a part in the implant size decision.

These are all factors that will affect how the breast will look after breast implant surgery that may be impacted by breast implants of different sizes. Always ask your doctor’s opinion about the best breast implant size for your body and discuss the approximate size that you are seeking to achieve.

Personal Preferences

Of course, the decision to undergo breast augmentation surgery is a very personal one and chances are very good that if you have chosen to get breast implants, you have a certain idea of how you would like to look. Discuss your goals and the vision of how you would like to look once recovery is over with your doctor and remember that certain sizes may not work with your specific body type.

Overall Appearance

As part of the breast surgery consultation, a staff member will help you try on different breast implant sizes. You will wear a special bra and can insert different types and sizes of breast implants into the bra to see how you would look with each specific size.

Before you decide to move forward with breast implant surgery, it is very important to be realistic about the surgery, any potential complications and how you may look or feel after surgery. Select a physician who is board certified in plastic surgery and remember to ask and listen carefully when it comes to the surgery and your desired breast size.

Colorado Springs Breast Implants
If you want to know more about breast implant sizes, you can schedule a consultation to discuss your breast implants procedure with Colorado Springs plastic surgeon, Dr. Greg Liebscher, Colorado Springs plastic surgeon.

Important Message: When considering plastic surgery, cosmetic or reconstructive, there is no substitute for an ASPS Member plastic surgeon.

»More about: Dr. Greg Liebscher, ASPS Member Plastic Surgeon
»More about procedures for: Breasts • Body • Facial

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Why Is an ASPS Member Surgeon the Best Choice for Me?

Members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons:

• are certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery® or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada®.
• have at least six years or surgical training and experience, with at least three years in plastic surgery.
• operate only in accredited medical facilities.
• adhere to a strict code of ethics.
• fulfill continuing medical education requirements, including standards and innovations in patient safety
• are your partners in cosmetic plastic surgery and reconstructive plastic surgery.

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Form and Function

Plastic surgery is about a lot more than vanity. In reconstructive cases, ASPS Member Surgeons help people get their lives back and feel more comfortable with themselves. ASPS Member Surgeons are trained in the following reconstructive procedures: burn; wound and trauma repair; tumor removal and cancer reconstruction; correction of birth defects and acquired deformities; hand surgery; maxillofacial and craniofacial surgery; and microsurgical reconstruction.

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Looking Good, Feeling Great

The popularity of plastic surgery is soaring and more and more doctors are trying to meet the demand for this specialty that has become an integral part of mainstream medicine. Any licensed physician can call himself or herself a cosmetic surgeon, so the importance of finding a properly trained and certified provider is paramount.

Choosing a doctor who’s a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons® (ASPS) is the first step. Founded in 1931, ASPS is the largest plastic surgery organization in the world. ASPS Member Surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery®, which is the only board dedicated to plastic surgery of the face and entire body. Unlike other specialty organizations, ASPS requires each member surgeon to have a minimum of six years of surgical training, with at least three years of those years specifically in plastic surgery.

Breast enhancement, body contouring, liposuction, facial contouring and nose surgery are among the most popular procedures performed by ASPS Member Surgeons. Plastic surgery procedures like breast reduction and breast reconstruction can improve quality of life by positively impacting self-image and self-esteem. ASPS Member Surgeons also use reconstructive procedures to restore a more natural look and function in cases where the patient has been compromised by disease, accident or disfigurement. Regardless of the reason or motivation for undergoing plastic surgery, ASPS Member Surgeons are your partners in looking and feeling great.

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Did You Know?

Plastic surgery can slow the aging process and improve the visible signs of aging. ASPS Member Surgeons are trained in cosmetic procedures of the face and all areas of the body to help you look naturally younger.

Among the procedures used to turn back the effects of time:

• surgical rejuvenation of the aging face
• injectable therapies
• laser and light-based rejuvenation
• breast lifts and body lifts

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What Can I Expect?

Before you have plastic surgery, you meet with your ASPS Member Surgeon® for a consultation. During the consultation, you will want to discuss your goals. Your surgeon will examine you and advise the best procedure to achieve your desired goals

Your Plastic Surgeon Should:

• should answer all of your questions thoroughly and clearly.
• ask about your thoughts to recommended treatment
• offer alternatives, where appropriate, without pressuring you to consider unneeded or additional procedures.
• welcome questions about your procedure and his or her professional qualifications, experience, costs and payment policies.
• make clear the risks of surgery and possible outcomes.
• give you information about the procedure you want.
• leave the final decision to you.

Step 1: Questions to Ask When Choosing a Plastic Surgeon

1. Are you an ASPS Member Surgeon? (If he or she answers “yes,” you can rest assured that your surgeon is board-certified in plastic surgery, has hospital privileges and only performs surgery in accredited facilities.)
2. Are you board-certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada?
3. Do you have hospital privileges to perform this procedure? If so, at which hospitals?
4. Is the surgical facility accredited?
5. How many procedures of this type have you performed?

Step 2: Questions to Ask Your ASPS Member Surgeon

It’s important to talk to your ASPS Member Surgeon about your goals and your treatment. Feel confident asking about your doctor’s credentials, experience, outcomes or safety record. It is your body, your safety and your life.

1. Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
2. What will be expected of me to get optimal results?
3. What are the risks involved with my procedure?
4. How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?

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»More about: Dr. Greg Liebscher, ASPS Member Plastic Surgeon
»More about procedures for: Breasts • Body • Facial

[Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons®]

The success and safety of your breast surgery procedure (such as breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reconstructive surgery) depends very much on your being completely candid during your consultation.

By being actively involved in your consultation about breast surgery, problems, concerns and questions you may have can be addressed by your ASPS Member Surgeon®. You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle.

»More about: Dr. Greg Liebscher, ASPS Member Plastic Surgeon
»More about procedures for: Breasts

Be prepared to discuss:

• why you want breast surgery, your expectations and desired outcomes
• medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
• use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
• previous surgeries
• family history of breast cancer and results of any mammograms or previous biopsies

Your surgeon may also:

• evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
• examine your breasts, and may take detailed measurements of their size and shape, skin quality, placement of your nipples
• take photographs for your medical record
• discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
• discuss likely outcomes of breast surgery and any risks or potential complications
• discuss the use of anesthesia during your breast procedure

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»More about: Dr. Greg Liebscher, ASPS Member Plastic Surgeon
»More about procedures for: Breasts

[Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons]

The success and safety of your body plastic surgery procedure (such as liposuction, tummy tuck, reconstructive surgery) depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation.

You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and liefstyle.

» More about: Dr. Greg Liebscher, ASPS Member Plastic Surgeon
» More about procedures for: Body

Be prepared to discuss:

• why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcome
• medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
• use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
• previous surgeries

Your surgeon may also:

• evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions and risk factors
• take photographs for your medical record
• discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
• discuss likely outcomes of body plastic surgery procedures and any risks or potential complications

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» More about: Dr. Greg Liebscher, ASPS Member Plastic Surgeon
» More about procedures for: Body

[Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons]

The success and safety of your facial plastic surgery procedure (eyelid, forehead, nose, face, reconstruction) depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation.

You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle.

» More about: Dr. Greg Liebscher, ASPS Member Plastic Surgeon
» More about procedures for: Facial

Be prapared to discuss:

• why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcomes
• medical conditions, drug allergies and previous medical treatments
• use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
• previous surgeries

Your surgeon may also:

• evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
• take photographs for your medical record
• discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
• discuss likely outcomes of facial plastic surgery and any risks or potential complications

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»More about: Dr. Greg Liebscher, ASPS Member Plastic Surgeon
»More about procedures for: Facial

[Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons]