Breast augmentation is one of the most popular and highly-requested plastic surgery procedures and thousands of Americans are opting in for a more enhanced look each week. Here, Dr. Asaad Samra, a board-certified plastic surgeon based in New Jersey, answers the most commonly asked questions regarding breast augmentations.

Haute Beauty: What should a patient consider when deciding on getting a breast augmentation and its size?

Dr. Asaad Samra: I think that there are a couple of guiding principles that a patient should consider when deciding size. In general, of course, is what size of breast they want and what will look good on their body. Some people have the desire of maintaining a natural look, and therefore want to be careful not to use too large of an implant for their frame or for the skin of the breast that they have. Other patients, however, like to have that augmented ‘done’ look, if you will, in which case we would opt to choose a fuller implant or higher projecting implant for that purpose. I think another guiding concept is that people that come in who are timid about having too large of a breast implant need to know that typically when surveys are done with patients, the number one complaint nationally speaking is ‘I wish I went bigger.’ So I think that patients end up being a bit underwhelmed with the amount of size difference that an implant can make and when they find themselves deciding between Choice A and Choice B. If Choice B is slightly bigger, that they should probably gravitate toward that as the body will hide certain volume and projection and shape of the implant and we, of course, want them to be happy with the choice that they make.

HB: How do you go about dealing with someone that wants to go bigger than the recommended size for their frame?

AS: We have to remember that above everything, we’re physicians and shouldn’t do what we can, but what we should. So, in the event that someone has an unrealistic desire or unrealistic expectation, I think it’s our job to educate them on that.

HB: What would your advice be to someone who’s deciding on which plastic surgeon will perform their breast augmentation?

AS: First and foremost, patients need to understand that not every person who offers aesthetic surgery and aesthetic treatment is a plastic surgeon. As it pertains to surgery of the body, specifically the breast, I think patients should be going to a plastic surgeon, more importantly, a board-certified plastic surgeon. Once you’ve narrowed down your search, it’s all about which doctor makes you feel comfortable and who you trust to perform any and all procedures.

HB: Are there any methods you use that allow you to prevent scarring on your patients?

AS:  I do a layered closure of sutures to make sure I minimize the tension on the skin, uh, secondarily, I don’t use adhesive on the skin, meaning I don’t like to use Steri strips. I find that they can occasionally, not all the time, cause some friction and blistering. Rather, I put nonstick bandages and antibiotic ointment. At approximately at the 7 to 14-day mark, I have patients start using medical-grade silicone strips, uh, that I give them as part of their surgical recovery.

Photo Credit: courtesy of Dr. Asaad Samra

Get to know Dr. Asaad Samra:

How do you maintain a healthy lifestyle?

My wife is super exercise & health-oriented, so I’m inspired by her to do what I can during the week, whether that’s the gym or pushups & situps at home. I keep track of my activity with my apple watch, and I try to make sensible choices with food during the week. I cheat on the weekends of course.

Do you have any plans for Labor Day?

Nothing concrete, but we’ll probably go to Long Beach Island, which is great for the family, you know, restaurants, amusement parks, it’s super awesome.