Chicago Surgeons on What to Ask at an Augmentation Consultation
Dr. Brian Braithwaite and Dr. Lorri Cobbins outline key questions patients should ask during a breast augmentation consultation.
Chicago, IL – For patients considering breast augmentation, the consultation is often the most important, and most underutilized, step in the process. Dr. Brian Braithwaite and Dr. Lorri Cobbins, board-certified plastic surgeons in Chicago, say a well-prepared consultation can make the difference between a patient who feels confident in their decision and one who leaves with lingering uncertainty.
“A consultation isn’t just about picking an implant size, but about understanding your anatomy, your health history, and what’s realistic for your body,” said Dr. Braithwaite. “Skilled and experienced surgeons would rather spend extra time answering questions upfront than have a patient feel uncertain after the fact.” Dr. Braithwaite recommends patients ask about incision location, implant placement (over versus under the muscle), and how those choices can affect both recovery time and future imaging, such as mammograms.
Dr. Cobbins added how important it is to inquire about a surgeon’s credentials and surgical setting. “Patients should feel comfortable asking where their procedure will take place, whether that facility is accredited, and what happens if a complication arises,” she said. “Board certification through the American Board of Plastic Surgery is one baseline indicator, but patients should also ask how many of these specific procedures a surgeon performs each year.” Dr. Cobbins also encourages breast surgery patients to discuss realistic expectations around implant lifespan, noting that implants are not typically considered lifetime devices and may require future monitoring or replacement.
Both surgeons pointed to informed consent as a cornerstone of responsible surgical planning. This includes understanding potential risks such as capsular contracture, changes in nipple sensation, and the rare but documented association between certain textured implants and BIA-ALCL, a form of lymphoma. “Patients deserve an honest picture of recovery, risk, and long-term care, not just the best-case outcome,” said Dr. Cobbins.
About Lorri Cobbins, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Dr. Lorri Cobbins is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Chicago. She earned her medical degree from Saint Louis University, where she also received a Distinction in Research. Dr. Cobbins went on to complete a five-year residency in otolaryngology at the University of Louisville Medical Center, followed by specialized training in plastic and reconstructive surgery. During her time at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, she was recognized for excellence in undergraduate instruction. Dr. Cobbins has also served as President of the Illinois Society of Plastic Surgeons. She is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The Aesthetic Society®, and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
About Brian Braithwaite, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Dr. Brian Braithwaite, a Chicago native, is a board-certified plastic surgeon. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Chicago and his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine. Dr. Braithwaite completed a surgical internship in Chicago before serving as a flight surgeon with the United States Navy. He went on to complete his general surgery residency at the medical center on Keesler Air Force Base, followed by training in plastic surgery. Dr. Braithwaite then served as a staff plastic surgeon at Bethesda Naval Medical Center, where he spent many years as Chief of Plastic Surgery, and was later named Assistant Professor at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. In addition to being a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Braithwaite is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The Aesthetic Society®.
Dr. Cobbins and Dr. Braithwaite are available for interview upon request.
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