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How to Choose the Right Doctor for Breast Augmentation Surgery

    Breast implant surgery is a popular cosmetic surgery that’s performed to enhance the size, shape and texture of the breast. This procedure, like any other plastic surgery, requires a well-trained, knowledgeable physician. 

     

    Choosing the right doctor for your breast augmentation surgery is one of the most important, if not the most important decision to make. As a potential patient, you have the right to know about your surgeon’s professional background including their education and clinical history. 

     

    Trust is very important, especially when it comes to providing surgical consent to your doctor. You need to be well-informed about the surgeon you wish to work with even before booking your initial consultation. Follow along to find out the best approach to choosing the right doctor for your breast augmentation. 

    Breast Augmentation Surgery 

    Making the choice to get breast implants is an important decision. Within that decision, there are various other factors to keep in mind. You need to budget for the cost of surgery (including any other unexpected costs), decide on surgery specifics (including the incision site, implant material, and implant placement), understand the risks involved, and aftercare requirements. 

     

    Before you dive any deeper into the many factors involved in breast augmentation surgery, your first step is to choose your doctor. This isn’t as simple as picking the first surgeon you see online. Rather, it’s important to take your time and do your research on the accredited surgeons in your community. 

    Choosing the Right Doctor

    When deciding on a surgeon for breast implant surgery, it’s very important to get informed. With the abundance of online resources available at our fingertips, there is no reason you can’t find out all your need to know online or over the phone. 

     

    Throughout your research, you should be able to fully understand these 6 key factors about your surgeon. 

    1. Review Credentials

    The surgeon you choose must be a board-certified plastic or cosmetic surgeon. This ensures they have gone through extensive training, putting in countless hours to gain the experience necessary to receive this credential. 

     

    Surgeons across the globe can become board-certified in their country of residence. Depending on their country, the membership requirements may differ but the credentials are the same. For example, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) will complete ongoing annual education whereas other countries may offer more or less frequent training. 

    1. Ask about Experience

    Once you’ve narrowed down your search with all board-certified surgeons, you will want to find out about their experience. Something to note is how often the surgeon performs this particular cosmetic surgery — the more the better. Just like any other profession, a surgeon will refine their skills with more experience. 

    1. Inquire about Before and After Photos

    Most surgeons display before and after photos on their website and offer to show you during the consultation visit. That helps you to confirm their experience with proven results. Comparing the before and after photos of several different surgeons might actually help you trim down the potential options. 

     

    Keep in mind that these photos are oftentimes their best work. Set up your expectations early by asking more specific questions about common outcomes now. 

    1. Check Doctor and Facility Reviews

    All credible surgeons are likely to have a website that displays reviews about both the surgeon and their facility. Checking in on these online reviews over the months can help you determine if there is a trend of positive or negative feedback for the surgeon and/or the facility. 

     

    Although we are all human and even the best surgeons in the world will receive some critique here and there, it’s important to understand the context of these reviews. For example, did someone simply not like the surgeon’s demeanour, or did they leave with a horrible bad infection following the procedure — the latter being much more concerning as a potential patient. 

    1. Research the Facility

    Another step towards choosing the right doctor is making sure the surgery center is accredited. This is more likely to be the case if the surgeon works out of the hospital. However, some surgical suites located in rented office spaces may not be accredited. 

     

    Also, it’s important to find out about adequate facility hygiene and sanitation. Something this is even noted in the surgeon reviews. 

    1. Consider Your Budget

    Your budget is the next step to consider in the process of choosing your doctor. Although some circumstances allow for full or partial coverage of breast augmentation surgery (such as following a mastectomy), the majority of people will need to pay without coverage.  

     

    Some surgeons may charge more than others for the same procedure. Check with the hospital or private facility to receive a financial estimate. Be mindful about procedures that appear significantly lower than the average. 

    Book a Consultation

    Once you’ve narrowed down your search to your top 3-5 doctors in your area, it’s time to book your consultation appointments. 

     

    This is the time to integrate all the research you’ve done to make a decision based upon the interaction you have with the surgeons. At this time, all of the surgeons should be open to communicate the surgical procedures, potential risks, and expectations with you openly and honestly. 

     

    Be sure to have all your questions and concerns prepared ahead of time to ensure you get the most out of this initial consultation. In the end, you should walk away confidently after having booked your breast implant surgery.

    Next Steps

    This process should help those of you seeking to choose the right doctor for your breast augmentation surgery. As one of the most critical steps of the process, take time to research and ask questions. It’s your right, not only to be well-informed but be confident knowing who it is you’re putting your trust into.  

     

    For best results, follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully and return to all scheduled follow-ups appointments.