When considering cosmetic breast surgery, one of the most important parts of a patient’s pre-surgery research is selecting the right surgeon to perform their procedure. It may seem obvious, but finding the right surgeon for your specific needs can make all the difference in having a safe, enjoyable cosmetic surgery experience and achieving the best possible results from your procedure. For starters, any surgeon you’re considering should be board-certified by American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and similar boards like the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). In order to help patients make an informed decision about who should perform their breast procedure, I am happy to provide the following tips.
1.) Gather Referrals, Reviews, and Recommendations
One of the best ways to measure the bonafides of a plastic surgeon is to hear first-hand from patients they have worked with in the past. Start by speaking with anyone you know personally (friends, family, co-workers) who has undergone a similar procedure. If you don’t know anyone personally or if you would prefer to maintain your privacy, the internet can be an invaluable resource. Seek out online reviews in places like Google and Facebook to get a quick glimpse of some experiences past patients have had with each surgeon you are considering. But be careful not to make any final assessments without meeting each candidate in-person.
2.) Seek Expertise in Your Specific Procedure
It’s important to find a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience performing the specific procedure you plan on undergoing. Different surgeries require different skills and techniques. Just because a surgeon is an expert performing breast augmentation surgery doesn’t mean they are the right choice for your breast lift. During your pre-surgery consultation, make sure to ask if the surgeon has developed any specialty techniques for your procedure of choice, as well as how long they have been performing your specific procedure, and how many times they have performed it.
3.) Make Sure Your Aesthetic Sensibilities Match
It’s possible that what a surgeon considers a great result from your surgery may not match what you are personally looking for. I recommend that you ask every plastic surgeon you meet with for before and after photos from past procedures they have performed and closely examine the results. Seek out patients with a similar torso and breast shape to gain a better sense of how each surgeon tailors a procedure to your specific body type.
4.) There is No Need to Rush
Rapport is important when selecting a plastic surgeon. You want to find the doctor who will make you feel comfortable and confident before, during, and after your procedure. If you feel uncomfortable with a certain office or plastic surgeon, for whatever reason, don’t make a hasty decision. Be patient and in time, you will make a connection with the right surgeon for you.
Remember to take your time, do your research, and don’t hesitate to ask any questions you have (no matter how small they seem) during your consultation phase. The more prepared you are for your cosmetic breast procedure, the more likely you are to be satisfied with the plastic surgeon you ultimately select. To schedule a plastic surgery consultation, please contact me, Dr. David Whiteman, at Southern Plastic Surgery or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Google+ for more tips, photos, news, and more.