Choosing the right surgeon for your cosmetic breast surgery is not something to take lightly. Plastic surgery is a major decision that involves changes to your body that will be with you for years. As beneficial as a successful cosmetic breast procedure can be, receiving lackluster results due to an under-qualified surgeon can lead to additional procedures, frustrations and costs down the road. That’s why it’s so important to make an informed, well-researched choice while looking for the right surgeon to perform your breast procedure.
The first step is ensuring that your cosmetic surgeon is board-certified. Board-certification is a great indicator of a surgeon’s training in a particular surgical specialty. To attain board-certification, a plastic surgeon must have completed at least three years of training in general surgery and a minimum of two years of training in plastic surgery. Surgeons are also regularly tested in order to maintain their certification. I recommend seeking out a surgeon (like myself) who is certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Membership with the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) is another sign of credibility to look for.
Next, you’ll want to make sure your surgeon of choice has extensive experience performing your specific procedure. It’s common for surgeons to have specialty techniques and procedures within their respective fields. For instance, just because a surgeon is an expert in breast reconstruction surgery doesn’t mean they are the right choice for your breast lift. Different procedures require different skills and experience. During any consultation, make it a point to ask the surgeon how long they have been performing your specific procedure, how many times they have performed it, and if they have any specialized training or techniques you should know about. Also ask to see before and after photos from past procedures he or she has performed.
You should also know whether or not your surgeon has hospital privileges for after your procedure. Hospitals typically review a surgeon’s training, experience and competency before granting them operating privileges. Regardless of where your surgery is done, confirm that your surgeon has operating privileges in an accredited hospital for your specific procedure.
Lastly, rapport is critical. Obviously you want to find a surgeon who can instill confidence through expertise and competence, but you also want someone who will make you feel comfortable and is willing to take the time to answer all of your questions and ease any concerns you may have about your procedure. Whoever performs your breast surgery should be someone you trust and someone you can communicate with freely.
With these tips in mind, you can now begin to seek out the right surgeon for your cosmetic breast procedure. It’s important to remember that you should take your time and do your due diligence while trying to select a plastic surgeon. The more time you spend researching and preparing, the more likely you are to be satisfied with the outcome of your search. To schedule a breast surgery consultation, please contact Dr. David Whiteman at Southern Plastic Surgery today at (770) 622-9100.