What to Know Before Breast Augmentation

Considering breast augmentation? You’re not alone — it remains one of the most requested procedures among women in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and for good reason. 

“It’s a relatively straightforward procedure,” Dr. Derek Rapp, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with Regional Plastic Surgery Center, shares in a video on Instagram. “Basically, you’re trying to increase the size of the breast. We put a prosthetic of some sort in—usually a silicone or saline-filled breast implant. Either is very reasonable,” he says.  

Whether you’re hoping to restore volume after pregnancy, achieve better proportion, or simply feel more confident in your own skin, breast augmentation can be a deeply personal and rewarding decision. Before you book your consultation, here’s what you should know.

Are You a Good Breast Augmentation Candidate?

In general, you may be a good breast augmentation candidate if:

• You’re in good overall health, with no medical conditions that would complicate surgery or recovery
• You have realistic expectations about what augmentation can and can’t achieve
• You’re pursuing the procedure for yourself, not to meet someone else’s standard of beauty
• You’re hoping to correct asymmetry, restore lost volume, or enhance your natural shape

While this list gives an idea, an in-person consultation is the best way to determine whether augmentation is right for you. Your surgeon will review your health history, discuss your goals, and help you understand what results are realistically achievable given your body type and anatomy.

Common Questions to Ask Before Your Consult

Every patient arrives with questions, and that’s exactly how it should be. Here are a few worth bringing to your first visit:

Breast implant types: Silicone, saline, or “gummy bear”?

Each implant option offers a different look, feel, and profile, and your surgeon can help you weigh the differences based on your goals.

Over or under the muscle — what’s the real difference?

“You have a choice – you can put it on top of the muscle, or you can put it underneath the muscle,” Dr. Rapp explains, “most of us put it beneath the muscle — biggest reason is there’s a lower risk for capsular contracture. But there’s an emerging trend to put it on top of the muscle.”

The right choice depends on your anatomy, lifestyle, and desired outcome. Submuscular placement often provides a more natural slope and added coverage, while subglandular placement may suit certain body types better. 

Can I combine it with a breast lift, too?

Many women considering augmentation are also curious about a breast lift. If you have sagging or drooping in addition to lost volume, combining augmentation with a lift can address both concerns in a single procedure — restoring shape and size.

Can you preview your results first?

Yes. Vectra 3D imaging allows you to see a simulated preview of your potential results before you ever step into the operating room. It’s a helpful tool for narrowing down implant size and shape with confidence.

How to Prepare For a Breast Augmentation Procedure 

Once you’ve chosen your surgeon and implant plan, preparation typically includes pre-operative lab work, adjusting or pausing certain medications, and arranging for help at home during your initial recovery. Your care team will walk you through a personalized checklist so you feel fully prepared on surgery day — and know what to expect in the days and weeks that follow.

Why Your Choice of Surgeon Matters 

Not all plastic surgeons bring the same training or artistic eye to breast augmentation. For this reason, be sure to look for board certification through the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a strong before-and-after portfolio (such as Dr. Rapp’s, here), and a surgeon who takes time to understand your goals rather than one pushing a one-size-fits-all approach.

Our surgeons proudly serve patients at both our Richardson and Rockwall locations, offering the same meticulous, personalized care at each.

Schedule Time with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in Dallas Today

Breast augmentation is a personal decision, and the right information makes all the difference. If you’re ready to explore your options, schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons in Richardson or Rockwall. 

We’ll walk you through your options, answer your questions, and help you build a plan centered on your goals. You can also browse our before-and-after gallery or learn more about financing options as you plan your next step.