How to Choose the Best Doctor for Breast Augmentation

Choosing the right breast augmentation surgeon can be challenging. When patients do not know what to look for, they can make a poor choice that leads to revision surgery or unsatisfactory results. Use the guide below and remember that our plastic surgery practice is here to answer questions.

• Board Certification: The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) recommends working with a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Other certificates may not reflect surgical training. Dr. Peter B. Fodor, former ASAPS president, notes that “physicians will state on the Internet that they are board certified when they are not.” Verify credentials at 1-888-272-7711 or surgery.org.

• Experience: Certification represents a minimum of five years of residency training, including two years in plastic surgery. Still, confirm procedure volume, years in practice, and specific breast augmentation techniques.

• Peer Recognition: Invitations to teach at national or regional meetings, election to leadership positions, and membership in the American Association of Plastic Surgeons (AAPS) show that peers trust a surgeon’s skills. Beware of “awards” that can be purchased for marketing.

• Consultation Thoroughness: The ASAPS notes that “the consultation is an important opportunity for questions to be asked and answered.” Expect a candid discussion of risks and benefits plus a review of medical history. Do not let a charismatic personality distract you from red flags such as rushed appointments or vague answers.

• Before & After Pictures: Review galleries to gauge a surgeon’s aesthetic style, but remember that most practices showcase their best work. Ask to see outcomes that match your starting point.

• Track Record (malpractice suits): One way to check a surgeon's record is to see if there have been any malpractice suits filled against the surgeon.. ImplantInfo states, "Malpractice suits don't necessarily mean a doctor has problems, but according to the Sun Sentinel, state officials in Florida consider three medical malpractice judgments against a doctor within five years to be a warning sign." Keep in mind anyone can sue anyone for anything so just the action itself means nothing. However, a conviction may be important.

• Reviews: There are several patient review websites which highlight actual testimonials from patients who have received breast augmentation from specific surgeons. Unfortunately there are now services that sell fake positive reviews to surgeons and it is impossible to tell them apart. Also some surgeons actually post positive reviews about their own practice. A company called Lifestyle Lift had to pay a large fine a few years ago due to employees posting positive reviews on their own site. One tip off that this may be occurring is If a surgeon has nothing but an extensive list perfect reviews, then that is unlikely that everyone is always happy with everything about a certain practice. So, be careful not to fall for that. Also be sure that the reason for any negative review, if present, is something that is directly related to an important issue. Sometimes patients post negative reviews just for something trite such as having to wait in the waiting room too long. Really? Wouldn't you rather go to a guy who has a wait for his services? Reviews therefore are a very superficial guide to selection of a surgeon.

• Word of Mouth: This the most reliable way of choosing a surgeon because the experience is valid and not potentially created artificially online. In addition the result of the patient can be verified in 3D if they are amenable to that. Photos online, while helpful, are still a poor substitute for reality. In addition you have the opportunity to ask all the questions you like in most cases. Prior to the internet this was the best way to get information and from a reliability standpoint it still is. Some surgeons offices have a list of patients who have volunteered to serve as as a resource for other patients seeking surgery at that practice. Be sure to ask if there are patients you can speak to personally if you have no other word of mouth resource.

• Hospital Privileges: On rare occasions patients must be admitted into the hospital for severe complications following their breast augmentation. Therefore, it is very important that a plastic surgeon has hospital admitting privileges. ImplantInfo recommends verifying the surgeon's in-office operating suite in accredited by the American Association for Accreditation for Ambulatory Surgery Facilities. In addition the surgeon should have hospital privileges for the same procedures they provide in the office since the hospital vets credentials thoroughly.

• Facility Accreditation: When undergoing a breast augmentation, surgeons will chose to perform the procedure in either a hospital setting or a day surgery center. The ASPS strongly urges patients to undergo breast augmentation in an accredited facility. ASPS states, "An accredited facility is one that must meet strict national standards for equipment, operating room safety, personnel and surgeon credentials." By choosing a surgeon who uses an accredited facility, the patient is more likely to experience a much lower rate of serious complications and may be able to take advantage of lower costs.

• Cost of Procedure: As with most things in life, cost can be a huge factor in the choice of breast augmentation surgeon, but it should never be the determining factor. If a surgeon is offering breast augmentation for a lower than average price for the market, be cautious. Plastic surgey is like everything else in that you usually tend to get what you pay for. Don't bargain with your body. But also don't assume just because one surgeon is is charging higher fees that he/she is a better surgeon. Always do the homework.

• Office staff: While the office staff have little to do with your final result, they do make your life easier. So, if all things are equal otherwise, choose the office where you feel more comfortable and they have been personal, informative, and friendly. If you are just a number in a big cattle call it might not be a great experience.