Breast Augmentation—to Tell or Not to Tell?
The fact that women are undergoing breast augmentation is no secret. Hundreds of thousands of women choose the procedure each year in the United States alone. And while the stigma surrounding plastic surgery is thankfully a thing of the past, some women still feel that undergoing breast augmentation is their business and no one else’s. However, with more celebrities owning their decision to undergo breast enhancement, we also see everyday women being candid about their procedures as well. There is no right or wrong decision about whether or not to keep your breast augmentation private.
When you come to our practice for breast augmentation in The Woodlands, TX, we will make it clear that this is your procedure and ultimately you call the shots. We keep things discreet and leave it up to you to tell if you want to. This post offers some guidance on who and how to tell about your breast procedure.
Friends and Family
Of course, you can tell (or not tell) others at your own discretion if and when you feel comfortable. However, you will have to let at least one trusted friend or family member in on your decision. You will need someone to pick you up from surgery and help you out for at least the first day after your procedure. Having a good support system is important for any cosmetic procedure for both emotional and logistical reasons. You will feel tired and sore, so having someone to lend a helping hand around the house will be important.
Children
You may choose to postpone discussing your breast augmentation with your younger children, but children are both observant and inquisitive; they may ask questions. Young children may need an explanation to why you can’t pick them up or take them to the park. Telling them that you need to rest because you have had surgery on your chest would be sufficient. Make sure to let them know that this recovery process is temporary and that you will be able to play with them soon.
Older children may be better able to comprehend your motivation to have surgery, which might make the conversation easier. However, it is important to reiterate to both sons and daughters that this was a personal decision made for yourself, not to meet someone else’s expectations or standards. Don’t disparage your “before” breasts, and remind them that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. Reinforce positive body image by letting them know that you have an idea of how you’d like your breasts to look, and this surgery enabled you to achieve that.
You may also want to check out our previous post, which includes information on talking to your kids about mommy makeovers.
Significant Others
If you are in a committed relationship, you will likely share your decision to get breast augmentation with your partner. However, if you enter a new relationship after you have had the procedure, you can tell that person at your discretion. Breast surgery scars are very well concealed, and your results should look very natural, so you shouldn’t worry that your partner will automatically know that you’ve had breast augmentation.
Coworkers
Telling your coworkers is completely up to you, and with the right wardrobe, no one should be able to see a dramatic change in your breasts—unless you want them to. Breast implants can be hidden rather easily in loose fitting tops and sweaters. As for disclosing your reason for taking time off work, you are not required to give details to your supervisor as to why you need to take sick or vacation days. Most women require only a few days away from work for this procedure.
Each situation is unique. You may have certain family members, friends, or coworkers, that you are comfortable telling, and there may some that you are not comfortable telling. This is a judgment call that you must make based on your own situation.