Mai Delacruz
Personal Fitness Trainer & Health Coach
Breast augmentation: How to find a surgeon you can trust?
How to know when it's time to replace your breast implants
Updated on 9/20/2023
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Finding a highly qualified surgeon is essential if you're considering breast enlargement. Surgery of this magnitude carries risks. By choosing a surgeon with significant experience performing breast augmentation, you can minimize those risks. Trustworthy people are what you want. To find the right surgeon for you, use this checklist.
Credentials to be reviewed
Choose a surgeon who is board-certified. To become board-certified, plastic or cosmetic surgeons must undergo rigorous training, testing, and experience.
You should look for the following:
A plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Surgical training may also include cosmetic surgery training for these doctors. A surgeon's certification status can be checked on the ABPS website if you already have one in mind. Members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) may also join. An additional set of criteria must be met by a surgeon to become a member of a society. ASPS members, for instance, complete annual continuing education. The surgical facilities operated by ASAPS members are trusted. Board-certified surgeons from the U.S. or Canada are only accepted by these groups. Use the ASPS "Find a Surgeon" tool or the ASAPS "Find a Surgeon" tool to find a surgeon in your area.
An American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS)-certified cosmetic surgeon. In addition to plastic surgery, these surgeons also have training in general surgery or dermatology. In addition to their cosmetic surgery training, they also pursued board certification. Your local ABCS-certified surgeons can be found on the ABCS website.
Experience is important to ask about
The next step is to determine how many breast augmentations the surgeon has performed. This surgery should be performed regularly by a surgeon. In order to achieve your surgical goals, your surgeon will need to determine the right shape of implants for your body. The more experience a surgeon has, the better he or she becomes at this.
Make sure there are no complaints
Make sure surgeons you're considering haven't been disciplined by using websites like Healthgrades.com. The status of a surgeon's medical license can also be checked. You can find this information on the website of the medical licensing board in your state. FSMB's website, www.fsmb.org, is a good place to start.
Find out more about the facility
Make sure the surgeon uses an accredited surgery center. Hospitals usually do this. It is possible to find non-accredited surgical suites in offices. Visit the American College of Surgeons' website to find out.
Get in touch with other patients
Ask potential surgeons for references. Consult friends or relatives who have undergone the surgery. How satisfied were they? Was there anything they liked or disliked? Does the surgeon have a good "bedside manner"? First-hand accounts of other people's experiences are helpful.
Consultation Appointments: How to Get the Most Out of Them
Your list of potential surgeons should be narrowed down. Scheduling consultations is the next step. Then you can use all the research you've done to find a surgeon you trust to perform your procedure. All aspects of the procedure should be thoroughly explained during the consultation by the surgeon.
Following your consultation appointment, you should:
Before, during, and after surgery, you should know what to expect.
You should feel comfortable with the surgeon and his or her mannerisms.
You should feel like the surgeon understands what you want from the augmentation.
If the procedure does not meet your goals, you feel that the doctor was honest about that.
Choosing a surgeon is important
Ultimately, you want a surgeon who:
- Credentials that matter
- Reviews from other patients are positive
- The ability to build a good rapport with you during a consultation
If you take into account these factors, you should be able to choose the best surgeon for your breast augmentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon for breast augmentation?
One of the best ways to find a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon is to ask for recommendations from friends or family, or to check with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) for a list of board-certified plastic surgeons in your area.
What should I look for when choosing a plastic surgeon for breast augmentation?
When choosing a plastic surgeon for breast augmentation, it's important to look for a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience specifically in breast augmentation, positive patient reviews, and a clear and detailed before-and-after gallery.
How many consultations should I have before choosing a plastic surgeon?
It's recommended to have consultations with at least 2 or 3 different plastic surgeons to compare their qualifications, experience, and communication style before making a decision.
What are the qualifications of a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon?
A qualified and experienced plastic surgeon should be board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and should have experience specifically in breast augmentation.
How can I verify the qualifications and experience of a plastic surgeon?
You can verify the qualifications and experience of a plastic surgeon by checking their credentials with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).
How do I know if a plastic surgeon is right for me?
After having consultations with different plastic surgeons, you will have a better understanding of their qualifications, experience, and communication style. Trust your instincts and choose a surgeon that you feel comfortable with and who you feel will give you the best results.
