Choosing the right plastic surgeon for your breast surgery is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in preparation for your procedure. So be sure to give yourself enough time to do a little online research and schedule a consultation or two with your top picks.
When doing your research to help you choose the best plastic surgeon for your breast enhancement procedure, keep these four essential tips in mind.
1. Check Credentials
The first step when choosing a plastic surgeon is to check for credentials like board certification with the American Board of Plastic Surgery and affiliations or memberships with other accredited medical associations. These credentials ensure that this particular plastic surgeon has completed extensive hands-on training and examination, as well as meets ongoing continuing education requirements.
While this information should be readily available on the plastic surgeon’s website, it’s never a bad idea to ask about credentials during your consultation as well.
2. Look at Before and After Photos
Once you’ve narrowed your search based on board certification and other important credentials, take a closer look at the before and after photos available on the plastic surgeon’s website. When looking at these photos, try to focus on those that feature women with a similar body type and shape as yours. This will help you to get a more realistic idea of what your own breast implant results could look like when working with this plastic surgeon.
Be on the lookout for red flags in before and after photos, such as a change in lighting from one photo to the other and any signs of photoshopping.
3. Ask about Experience
During your breast surgery consultation, be sure to ask about the plastic surgeon’s specific experience with breast surgeries. You want to choose a plastic surgeon who has ample experience in this area. Even though a particular plastic surgeon may be board certified and have plenty of experience with facial plastic surgeries, that doesn’t necessarily mean that he or she will be the best pick for your breast augmentation, reduction or lift.
It can also be helpful to bring a list of questions to your consultation that you want to remember to ask. These might include:
- Am I a good candidate for breast enhancement?
- Which surgical technique(s) would you recommend for me and why?
- What can I expect after breast enhancement?
4. Evaluate Your In-Office Experience
After you’ve met with each plastic surgeon for a consultation, take a moment to reflect on your experience. Did you feel comfortable talking with this plastic surgeon? Some women feel more comfortable working with a top female plastic surgeon for their breast enhancement. If this is the case for you, that is perfectly fine and should be factored into your final decision.
Dr. Jennifer Harrington is a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota. Harrington Plastic Surgery is pleased to offer the most advanced cosmetic and reconstructive techniques performed by a highly specialized all-female team of board-certified plastic surgeons and professional staff.
