Dancing With The Stars’ Lindsay Arnold Discusses Pre-Breast Surgery Fears
June 17, 2025 - Rhys Branman, MD
Dancing With The Stars alum Lindsay Arnold recently opened up about getting a breast lift and augmentation, documenting each part of her journey for her fans on social media. In her posts and videos, she shared the rollercoaster of emotions she felt leading up to surgery day, including excitement, nervousness, and even a nightmare where her breasts looked the exact same after her surgery.
Here, Little Rock breast augmentation specialist Dr. Rhys Branman shares his perspective on Lindsay’s experience and some helpful guidance for those considering cosmetic breast surgery.
Dr. Branman’s Response
I’ve performed thousands of breast enhancement procedures over the past 30 years, and the feelings Lindsay had before her own procedures are not at all unusual. It’s natural to feel a mix of emotions before cosmetic surgery—excitement, nerves, and even the occasional odd dream (as she described here). Many of my patients tell me they deal with similar thoughts as they prepare for their own surgeries.
Undergoing procedures like a breast lift or breast augmentation is a deeply personal decision for women, so it’s completely understandable that Lindsay, and many of my own patients, wonder about the results they will end up with or feel nervous about the recovery process. I encourage them not to worry, as these procedures are highly refined and have outstanding patient satisfaction rates. To help further ease their mind, I spend time with each patient to make sure I understand their goals and concerns and can explain how I will tailor my surgical techniques to address them.
You can choose to undergo a procedure, look forward to the final results, and yet also still feel worried or anxious about certain aspects of the process – it’s absolutely normal to feel both.
View our before and after photos »
Lindsay’s transparency about her procedure has sparked conversations about the emotions many people feel before cosmetic surgery.
How to Feel at Ease Before Your Own Surgery
If you’re considering cosmetic surgery, here are a few tips to help calm the pre-procedure jitters:
- Choose a Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeon. Technically, any medical doctor can legally perform cosmetic procedures, but only board-certified cosmetic surgeons like myself have received specific cosmetic surgery training and proven competency in advanced aesthetic techniques. Choosing an underqualified surgeon may result in underwhelming or poor outcomes.
- Ask Questions. Part of your consultation at our Little Rock cosmetic surgery practice is spent discussing your questions. This is your opportunity to ask me and my team anything about the surgery and recovery process, our credentials and certifications, and how we will personalize your surgery to best achieve the results you envision. If you have additional questions before or after your surgery, we’ll be there for you!
- Follow All Pre-Procedure Instructions to a T. We will provide all your post-op instructions well before surgery so you have ample time to review them and ask questions, gather any supplies you may want, and set up your recovery space. Carefully following each guideline will make recovery as seamless as possible and limit the risk of complications that may impact or delay your results.
“Dr. Branman and staff are wonderful. I am very pleased with my revised breast augmentation 3 months post op. Dr. and nurses listened to my concerns and answered my questions. Feel whole again. Thank You All.”
Lindsay’s openness about her own experience is a refreshing reminder that even when you’re excited about a procedure, questions and concerns about the process and the outcome are normal. Our entire team is dedicated to helping you feel informed and empowered about your decision and will be with you every step of the way.
Dr. Rhys Branman is board-certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and a 10x winner of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s Best of the Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Cosmetic Surgeon. If you’re curious about breast surgery, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Branman and his team at Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center by calling (501) 227-0707.
