Research Pays Off for Christina
Christina's reasons for choosing to have breast augmentation in San Diego might be, as she puts it, "fairly typical." But the amount of research she devoted to selecting her surgeon goes beyond what most patients invest. After evaluating plastic surgeons in just about every way imaginable, Christina chose to work with Dr. Richard Chaffoo.
How does she sum up the experience with her surgeon? "Dr. Chaffoo did a fabulous job. I am very pleased with the result and have been recommending him to everyone I know who is considering plastic surgery."
The Rationale
Desiring a new lifestyle in the wild wild west, as she puts it, Christina moved recently to San Diego. Breast augmentation is another "move" she had been pondering for a long time, she admits, as she is a bit of a perfectionist. "I'm always looking for ways to improve, internal and external," she explains. Still, she hesitated for a combination of reasons. She worried to some extent about the pain, but the main thing holding her back was the knowledge that there's no way to guarantee exactly what the results of plastic surgery will be. With this in mind, Christina knew she would have to place her trust completely in the hands of a plastic surgeon.
Eventually, Christina's sense of adventure won out, and her desire to look her best in swim suits and clothes. She decided she would learn more about the procedure, then, if it still felt right for her, find a top surgeon to customize a "perfect cup size" to fit her body structure. She began a research process that's more exhaustive than most.
The Research
First, Christina spent time on the Internet reading about breast augmentation. She paid special attention to the risks and rewards and she advises other women considering the procedure to do the same. "It's like an investment," she says. "You need to understand it and make an informed decision that's right for you. As Peter Lynch, the famous investment guru, used to say, 'You don't invest in what you don't know!'"
Christina also researched San Diego breast augmentation surgeons. After browsing many Web sites, she chose four board certified plastic surgeons to visit for consultations. The first three she met made her feel rushed, she remembers. It seemed she only got a few minutes with each one. Christina says they had their nurses spend the most time with her, "But it's a customized service, and nurses aren't the ones providing it." Christina adds, "Doctors who handle their practice that way really don't show genuine interest in helping you look your best." She says the surgeons didn't talk with her long enough to understand what she wanted; therefore she feared she would get a "cookie cutter" result if she selected one of them.
She had a different experience meeting Dr. Chaffoo. He took extra time with her and gave her a feeling of confidence in him. Christina left the appointment thinking, "He truly cares about you and your results." But she wasn't ready to decide until she checked out Dr. Chaffoo with friends. Christina knows people in the medical community in the San Diego area, and they gave her the green light. Her choice was made.
The Results
Christina recalls her recovery flew by quickly. She says she experienced minimal bruising that lasted no more than two weeks. She did take prescription medication for a while, explaining, "I'm a chicken when it comes to pain." And she said it took a little time to get used to her new size. But she says, "I'm really happy." She feels the silicone implants she chose create just the effect she wanted. And, "The size fits my body structure and they look very natural on me."
Looking back, Christina says breast augmentation was, "One of the best decisions I ever made." She's enjoying her favorite activities—swimming and tennis—feeling "definitely better" about how she looks. Having a shapelier figure has boosted Christina's confidence, which was a big part of the reward she was seeking, and she says, "Now my sister is interested in the same procedure."
Since her surgery, Christina has recommended Dr. Chaffoo to more than one family member. "He's a great doctor," she says. "He has gentle hands." In fact, Christina believes Dr. Chaffoo's work goes beyond just creating the physical changes his patients are seeking. She says he spends time to figure out how a procedure will fit the whole patient picture—outside, inside and lifestyle. "He's more like an artist than a doctor," she says. "I really lucked out in having him as my plastic surgeon."
