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Breast augmentation is an amazing procedure that has helped transform the lives of millions of women. It can restore self-confidence, help improve social opportunities, and ultimately make you feel young again.

However, there are a few reasons why you shouldn’t undergo the procedure. Poor health, advanced age, and drug/alcohol abuse are just a few of the many things that can prevent your surgery from being a success—and in some cases can cause life-threatening complications.

If you’re considering breast augmentation surgery, we want to share with you a few important reasons why you shouldn’t get the surgery—or at the very least, seek the advice of a respected Board-Certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Adams.

Pre-Existing Medical Problems Making Surgical Risk Unacceptable

At some point in your life, your body will be too old to heal up properly from a breast augmentation procedure. Whether that reasoning comes from age itself or from a pre-existing medical condition that may put you at higher risk during an operation.

While many women in their late 40s and 50s have successfully undergone the procedure, it’s usually performed on a case-by-case basis, so it’s important to be open with your doctor about anything that may cause issues during surgery.

During your consultation, your surgeon will want to know not only your medical history but, in some cases, the history of your immediate family members. This will give them a good indication of whether or not your body is able to properly handle the stress of the procedure itself, as well as the healing process that comes afterwards.

In addition to scheduling a consultation with a Board-Certified plastic surgeon, it’s often advised that women over the age of 40 get a physical and clearance from their family doctor. While it’s not a requirement, it will give you peace of mind knowing that a doctor thinks your body can successfully heal itself after the procedure.

Poor Health

As with pre-existing medical conditions, if you’re not healthy, in general, your body will have a very difficult time healing up from a breast augmentation procedure. Women who are in poor health and have the procedure done anyways face an increased risk of complications.

Even women in their 20s who aren’t in good health should avoid getting any elective surgery performed. Being healthy is not determined by your age. While we do tend to associate some health problems with becoming older, younger people can be affected by an unhealthy lifestyle just as much as someone older.

What is “poor health” exactly? This is something that only your family doctor and surgeon can tell you. They’re the ones who know your medical history and whether or not your body can successfully heal itself after the surgery.

It’s always important to consult with your doctor, as well as the surgeon, to determine if you are healthy enough to undergo any type of surgery.

Drugs/Smoking/Alcohol

If you’re addicted to drugs, tobacco, alcohol, or you use them regularly, it’s often advised that you stop completely before you undergo breast augmentation. They will drastically increase the amount of time your body needs to heal and can cause complications.

This sage advice especially holds true if you have had a history of addiction to pain killers of any sort. Even though you successfully conquered your addiction, it could come right back if you request certain pain medications from your doctor.

If you have a history of addiction, it’s best to inform your doctor as there are certain things he can do for you. For example, Dr. Adams has pioneered the “24-hour recovery” breast implant procedure that only requires the patient to take over-the-counter Motrin to deal with any pain.

Haven’t Done Your Research

One of the biggest reasons why women who undergo a 2nd breast augmentation procedure is due to them not performing their research before the surgery. There are a lot of things to take into consideration, such as what cup size you’re looking for and having realistic expectations.

While a specific style of breasts may look great on a Hollywood celebrity, they may not look as good on you. This is often due to the body of the star being much different than yours. The best way to perform your research is to speak with a plastic surgeon.

You Only Consulted “Dr. Google”

While the internet has a ton of helpful information, when it comes to taking medical advice, you should only listen to a Board-Certified plastic surgeon. They are the utmost authority and your best friend when it comes to telling you the honest truth. Many of the so-called medical websites or Facebook groups are full of well-meaning, but uninformed people. Take what you read online with a grain of salt.

One of the best ways to perform online research is to keep a written log of questions that you have. If you find something online, be sure to ask your plastic surgeon for their opinion during your initial consultation. Don’t automatically believe whatever your friend on Facebook is telling you—no matter how “common sense” it may seem.

The internet is a great way to get initial information and come up with a list of questions to ask your surgeon.

Is Breast Augmentation Right for You?

Due to the complicated nature of breast implant surgery, it’s best to seek advice from a trusted Board-Certified surgeon. Dr. Adams is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has undergone extensive training and education. He’s one of the foremost experts on breast augmentation in America and was instrumental in developing the 24-hour recovery procedure.

If you’re ready to schedule a consultation with Dr. Adams, give us a call at (214) 965-9885 or contact us via our website. We’re currently accepting new patients—no matter where in the country you live. We’re located just 30-minutes from Dallas/Fort Worth airport in Dallas, Texas.