Breast Augmentation

How to choose the right doctor

Choosing a plastic surgeon to perform your breast augmentation can seem daunting at first. Anyone considering surgery wants to be sure that they will have trouble-free and successful surgery. Breast augmentation is a tried and tested procedure performed by many surgeons on a regular basis, although there are risks associated with any surgery that should be considered before going ahead. You should explore the possibilities and risks with your surgeon prior to undergoing surgery. First, however, you have to find your surgeon.

Who can I ask for a recommendation?

• Your Personal Doctor
• Friends or relatives
• The American Society of Plastic Surgeons

An easy way to begin your search is to ask your own general practitioner to recommend a plastic surgeon. Friends or relatives who have had breast augmentations can also be a useful resource. Beyond your personal network, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) maintains a listing of all doctors certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). To find an ABPS certified surgeon in your area, you can search the database available on the ASPS website.

What to do after I have the names of some surgeons?

• Make appointments to meet several
• Prepare a written list of questions in advance
• Take your time deciding which surgeon to use AFTER you have met all of them

Once you have the names of several surgeons, set up consultation appointments with them. When you are sitting down face-to-face you can you find out more details about the procedure; and the reality of meeting qualified and experienced surgeons can allay any fears you might have or could be the deciding factor in going ahead with your breast augmentation.

It is important that you feel comfortable with and confident in the surgeon you choose and able to ask any questions at all.

Some important questions to ask the surgeon:

• What are your credentials?
• Are you board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
• Do you attend conferences or stay up-to-date in any other way?
• How many breast augmentation surgeries have you done?
• Do you have any 'before' and 'after' photos?
• Are any of your patients prepared to give a personal recommendation?
• Have you received any complaints from your patients? If so, what was the nature of the complaints?
• Has your malpractice insurance ever been denied, revoked, or suspended?
• Where will the surgery be performed?
• What type of implant do you recommend for me?
• What type of incision is best for me?
• What is the total cost?
• What does the cost include?
• Are there payment options available?
• How long is my recovery time likely to be?
• What can I do if I am not satisfied with the results?

Quick questions to ask about your doctor

• Are they certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
  This certification ensures that the plastic surgeon graduated from an accredited medical school, completed a combination of at least five years of general surgery and plastic surgery residency training, and passed comprehensive oral and written exams. In addition, doctors who are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons regularly attend continuing medical education courses and adhere to a strict code of ethics. Remember that, in most states, a licensed physician may perform plastic surgery without being board-certified in plastic surgery. Thus, it is very important to check that the surgeon who will perform your surgery is certificated.
• Do they have experience performing breast augmentations?
  This may seem basic, but choosing a surgeon renowned for other rhinoplasty work may not ensure the breast augmentation results you are looking for. Ask how many similar breast augmentations the surgeon has performed before. Any surgeon should be happy to tell you about his or her past successes and most should be able to show you pictures.
• Is the surgeon is up-to-date with the latest surgical techniques?
  Ask about the doctor's continuing education. Does he or she attend conferences or courses on new developments in breast augmentation surgery, or plastic surgery generally?
• Will the surgery be performed in a hospital or a surgical facility?
  The proximity of the hospital or surgical facility to your home may make a difference to you, and the facility in which the surgery is performed could make a difference in the final cost of the procedure.
• What is the full surgical cost of the procedure?
  Be sure the doctor includes all their fees, any other medical fees (such as an anesthetist) and the cost of an overnight stay, if required. Ask if the surgeon can think of any fees you have not thought of.
• Are there any flexible payment options available?
  Many doctors will allow you to pay for the surgery over a period of time. If you do not have the whole sum available in advance, detailed knowledge of the options available could be important in obtaining finance from other sources.

Making the choice

• Consider only surgeons who have the appropriate qualifications
• Narrow the list down to surgeons who answered all your questions
• Choose the surgeon you feel most comfortable with

You will probably find several surgeons who are medically qualified and experienced to perform your breast augmentation surgery. If this is the case, make sure that you feel comfortable with the surgeon at a personal level. Did the surgeon take ample time to answer all your questions about your fears, desires, and his or her qualifications and experience? Did you feel that the surgeon addressed your concerns about the procedure and your recovery after surgery? Do you feel generally at ease trusting this doctor with your body? If the answer to all these questions is, 'yes', you can go ahead knowing that you have done everything possible to ensure safe and successful surgery.