Choosing a breast augmentation surgeon can be confusing. Patients seeking a plastic surgery procedure are often unhappy with a particular aspect of their body and wish to enhance it. Therefore, choosing a plastic surgeon that lacks the proper knowledge and skill necessary to perform a breast augmentation to a particular standard, as well as taking every precaution to keep the patient safe, can be a challenge. These questions can help a breast augmentation candidate determine if the plastic surgeon is able to fulfill the procedure to a high level of satisfaction and safety.

-Are you board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?

-How many breast augmentations have you performed?

-Do you have before and after photo archives?

-Can I have references of your past breast augmentation patients?

-What type of anesthesia is used prior to the breast augmentation?

-Are the goals I wish to achieve attainable (with explanation)?

-How long will full recovery take before I can expect to see the final results?

-What type of adjustments will I need to make following the breast augmentation?

-What are the risks involved with breast augmentations?

-What happens if I am dissatisfied with the result of the breast augmentation?

-What type of payments do I need to make with my breast augmentation procedure?

One of the most important questions to ask regards the breast augmentation surgeon’s qualifications. Any licensed physician can legally advertise him/herself as a plastic or a cosmetic surgeon. This is why choosing a board certified plastic surgeon for a breast augmentation can help prevent complications. Even though there are no absolute guarantees with breast augmentations due to the risks involved, choosing a board certified plastic surgeon will at least assure the patient that quality training and prestigious credentials are available. American Board of Plastic Surgery qualifies the surgeons who have been certified to perform surgery on the face, as well as any body area. The requirements for board certified plastic surgeons include:

-Graduating from an accredited medical school

-Completing at least five years of additional residency, three years of general surgery, and two years of plastic surgery.

-Practice plastic surgery for two active years

-Pass written and oral examinations