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3 Most Important Questions to Ask a Breast Surgeon?

asked 3 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Usha Rajagopal, MD
Question viewed 1,517 times
Tags: consultation

almost personally made the final decision for breast implants. Just begining search for the right plastic surgeon. I am worried i'll freeze up during consultations and forget to ask really important questions.

Can any doctor give me a cheat sheet of 3 must-ask questions for the surgeons? Very very appreciated! -JJ

25 answers to 3 Most Important Questions to Ask a Breast Surgeon?

+3

Important questions to ask about breast augmentation and breast implants

Dear JJ, First, it is very important to do your homework before you even see a plastic surgeon. You should have already read and have an idea of your preference regarding: Silicone Gel VS Saline Implants Where you want your incision-under breast, through areola or axilla Implant under muscle or under breast gland. Good impartial sources for information are the ASPS and ASAPS websites below: http://www.surgery.org/ and http://www.plasticsurgery.org/ Second, I suggest you consult 2 plastic... more
Brooke R. Seckel, MD

Boston Plastic Surgeon

www.drseckel.com

+2

Communication is key!

I think its great that you're coming up with a list of questions to ask your potential surgeon during the consultation. Never be afraid to ask LOTS of questions. I am always very impressed when my patients come prepared. Here are 3 important questions to help you while searching for the "right" plastic surgeon for you: 1) Is your doctor certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery? Many doctors are "board certified", but make sure you choose a doctor who is... more
Stephen A. Goldstein, MD

Englewood Plastic Surgeon
+2

Great guidelines at www.plasticsurgery.org

For this and other useful information I would suggest looking at the American Society for Plastic Surgery website: http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Patients_and_Consumers/Procedures/Cosmetic_Procedures/Breast_Augmentation.html Questions to ask my plastic surgeon Use this checklist as a guide during your consultation: * Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery? * Are you a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons? * Were you trained specifically in the field of... more
Jeffrey Zwiren, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

3 Questions to Ask Every Plastic Surgeon

1) Credentials. Are you a board certified plastic surgeon? Do you have hospital privileges? (Even if the doctor isn't performing the surgery at a hospital, it is always recommend to choose a surgeon with hospital privileges) 2) Results. Can I see before after photos of previous patients? Can I contact any past patients? (make sure you like the results you see in the before after photos) 3) Experience. How many years have you been performing breast augmentation... more
Usha Rajagopal, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

www.sfcosmeticsurgery.com

+1

3 Golden Questions for Breast Augmentation

Her are my thoughts: 1) Credentials : Are you board certified? What Board? Answer MUST be the American Board of Plastic Surgery (check the abms.org  website) and if double boarded, the American Board of Surgery. All others are inappropriate. 2) Location for Surgery : Where do you perform the procedure? In a certified hospital or in a certified (JACHO, AAAASF) ambulatory surgery center? Who performs the anesthesia? Answer must be a boarded Anesthesiologist in my opinion...otherwis more
John Philip Connors III, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Top 3 Questions to Ask Your Surgeon

When looking for a breast augmentation surgeon it is important to do your research, visit multiple surgeons and ask lots of questions. There are 4 main categories I would consider. Here are some of the basic questions I would ask: 1) Credentials - Ask your surgeon if he/she is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  Ask about his/her experience and specialty training in this procedure. Ask to see his/her before and after photos. Ask about... more
Tarick K. Smaili, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Questions to ask before Breast implants or augmentation

Getting great results with plastic surgery depends on many factors including your own health, the surgical technique, surgical planning, and communication before and after surgery.  Although you are shy about asking questions, this is a real important part of your life and you will know when you find the right match for a plastic surgeon when the communication flows naturally and without prompting.  When you find the right, receptive plastic surgeon, you will not need to go... more
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

The three most important questions to ask your surgeon before breast augmentation are:

1. Which hospital do you have privileges to do breast augmentation?  Many augmentations are done in private operating rooms by "surgeon" who do not have hospital privileges.  This means they are probably not plastic surgeons and should be avoided.  You don't need to have the surgery in a hospital, just know that the surgeon is approved in a hospital that requires proper credentials. 2. May I speak to several of your former patients?  The surgeon... more
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Ask Lots of Questions

Before meeting a surgeon check to be sure they are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Visit the website of your state medical board to see if they a public record. Check to see that they have hospital priveleges at several local hospitals. Spend time on their website to understand their philosophy about surgery overall. Read all the answers to this question posted by other physicians. There are a lot of great suggestions. Look at a lot of before and after photos... more
Michael Law, MD

Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon

michaellawmd.com

+1

Hopefully, you are asking more than 3 questions.

Prepare yourself prior to going in for a consultation. You will want to ask yourself many questions before going in for a consultation and upon your search for your plastic surgeon. Three questions to start with include: (1) Is your surgeon certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery (go to ABMS.org to find out); (2) Is your surgeon a member of ASPS (plasticsurgery.org) and ASAPS (surgery.org), and; (3) does my surgeon have a valid license to practice medicine/any actions taken... more
Sanjay Grover MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

Here are three important points.

To JJ, Hi! You have gotten so many good suggestions and points of view already. So here's my small contribution. 1) Did you feel that the surgeon really listened to you and understood what you want? The outcome is often determined by having a good specific pre-operative plan BEFORE you ever get to the operating room. 2) Does the surgeon use diposable implant sizers during the operation? You are placed in the sitting position on the operating table (of course you are asleep ) and... more
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Ask many questions BEFORE you make your appointment and then here are 3 for the consultation.

I think having a good relationship with your surgeon is very important and so are his/her qualifications. Easy questions that you can answer BEFORE even going in are: 1. Is your surgeon certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery? That is the Board recognized by The American Board of Medical Specialties as the board that certifies plastic surgeons. Beware of sound-alike Boards or "yes, the doctor is Board-certified." Always ask Board-certified in what specialty? 2.... more
Francisco Canales, MD

Santa Rosa Plastic Surgeon
+1

A good plastic surgeon will answer all of your questions before you ask any.

I make it my practice to explain everything before you ask any questions. Often my patients are nervous and forget to ask things, so I tell them what they need to know. When you walk out, you should know what type of implants are the best for you, a size estimate, what the procedure entails, where the incision will be placed and what the possible complications and alternatives are. Also you should know the costs and see photos of other patients you doctor has done. Good luck in your search. more
William B. Rosenblatt, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

A couple of hints, anyway

Be sure the doctor is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and hopefully, a member of the Aesthetic Society. Next, do a gut check- you should have a good relationship (this is for any doctor patient relationship). Don't feel rushed, feel trust, feel that the doctor spends time listening to you and cares about you as a patient. Also, be sure that the doctor is willing to get you the result you want- not what he wants. Finally, look at his prior resuts, ask to speak with... more
Scott E. Kasden, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Like getting married...

There is no fool-proof way of determining the right "partner" in your venture. Looking good "on paper" doesn't mean it'll work in reality although basic things like board-certification in plastic surgery is a good place to start. Of the most important things, I would put at the top of the list are: 1. Ask what his or her philosophy is regarding breast augmentation. That is, not the technique, but what guides the decision-making process. If a surgeon always does things... more
Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

What a surgeon says is not terribly important.

Hello, What I mean by this is that a surgeon telling you how great he or she is means little. It is better if you walk into the office with a frame of reference meaning others have told you that this surgeon is great! Check your surgeon out before you go.... Probably the most important things you want to know regarding your surgeon you can best find out through the internet and his or her other patients. You should consider spending a little time checking your surgeon out online before you... more
John P. Di Saia, MD

Orange Plastic Surgeon
+1

A good source for questions

If you visit www.msbmd.com  click on FAQ and scroll to the bottom of the page. You will see a list of questions that will assist you for sure!
Michael S. Beckenstein, MD

Birmingham Plastic Surgeon
+1

Relax, a qualified Plastic Surgeon wants to answer your questions

Most qualified doctors should feel comfortable answering your questions and should take the time with you. Here are a few you should ask. 1) Are you a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, by the American Board of Plastic Surgery? You don't just want a "cosmetic surgeon". That can be anyone from a Dermatologist, Internist to a Dentist. 2) How many Breast Augmentations and Breast Lift procedures do you perform in a year? If they only do breast surgery occasionally, go somewhere... more
David A. Dreyfuss, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

You should have more than 3 questions....

There are so many questions to ask any prospective surgeon. It is vital to ask: 1) "What type of implant do you recommend for me? Round, Anatomic, Saline, Silicone, Smooth, Textured, What size, What profile?" That question should take quite some time to explain. There are hundreds of implants available. Every woman is different and there is no one size fits all. The next question to ask: 2) "Do you focus your practice on breast augmentation versus facelifts, etc.... more
Evan Sorokin, MD

Cherry Hill Plastic Surgeon
+1

My three top questions

The three most important questions might be: 1. Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and have hospital privileges to do breast augmentation? (This assures you of getting a real plastic surgeon who has been evaluated by his national and local peers and is considered to be safe by them) 2. Will you please show me many unretouched photos of your patients who might have a starting point like mine? (More than anything this reflects this doctor's taste and aesthetic judgement... more
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Write down all your questions and bring them with you.

JJ, You don't need to be worried when you go in for your consultation. My advice is to write down your questions ahead of time and bring the list with you. Additionally, I always meet with my patients at least twice before surgery, since after your first consultation, you are more than likely to have additional questions. I think the most most important question is not what you ask them, but what they ask you. You want to make sure that they ask you what YOU want. If the conversation... more
David Shafer, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

What is the best procedure for me

This a hard question to answer. I would recommend that 1)get more than one consultation 2)ask to see before and after picture 3)make sure that your doctor has privilege at a local hospital
Kamran Khoobehi, MD

New Orleans Plastic Surgeon
+1

Board Certification is most important

Hopefully, most of your questions will be answered through the course of your consultation. In my opinion the three most important things you should ask would be: 1) Is your surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery? To become board certified by this board, a plastic surgeon must first complete intensive training in an accredited training program. Thereafter, the surgeon must pass rigorous written and oral examinations given by the board. The American Board of Plastic... more
York Jay Yates, MD

Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast augmentation questions

Good luck in finding the right doctor for you. While I don't have specific questions you can ask him/her, I would make sure that you are comfortable with the staff and doctor. Make sure the doctor spends time with you during consultation and answers all your questions. Be wary of the doctor that is the "car salesman" and promises you perfection without any risk of problems.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Do your home work first

I would recommend that you do your home work. Read about the procedure and ask some friends who had the same procedure Regarding the surgery. It is OK to go to the consultation with a list of questions. How many have he done, pre & post operative pictures. Side effects and risks. Right size, implant type and additional procedures needed (e.g. lift) Regarding the surgeon: Is he a Board certified Plastic Surgeon? Does he operate in licensed facilities ? Anesthsiologist board... more
Hisham Seify, MD, PhD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

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