Breast Implants: Q&A

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Choosing a Doctor for Breast Implants

What about past issues w/ medical board? Does a full schedule and higher prices mean a surgeon does good work? I have decided to get breast implants. I am deciding between 2 plastic surgeons. The first is about 1.5 hours away. He has very nice before and after photos. The problem is I still haven't met the doctor and the office says I'll meet him on the day of surgery, or I can request a meeting before surgery, but they made it seem like this was unusual. I asked my gynecologist and she agreed that the plastic surgeons in my immediate area didn't do great natural looking implants but she suggested looking on the medical board website. The first doctor has a public record that has caused me concern. The issues were several years ago and he can pratice now but I have a bit of doubt about him. The second doctor is about 2 hours away. His before and after photos are beautiful and he has a good record with the medical board and My OB gyn knows a few people who have traveled to see him for surgery who have been happy. The problem is I want breast implants for a vacation soon and his schedule is full for 2 months. His prices are also quite a bit higher than the other offices I called in my state and the one other I visited. Is there really that much difference between plastic surgeons and their results? If I bring his photos to another doctor do you think they could give me the same result?

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16 Doctor Answers | Asked by ncbeachmom in Wilmington, NC

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Do your homework when choosing a breast surgeon

There are many ways to make sure the plastic surgeon you choose is the best one in your area. Definitely check his credentials; it is important he is a board certified plastic surgeon. Go to his website and do some research. You should be able to find patients testimonials after the procedures. Look at the before and after pictures. Call his office to schedule the consultation with the doctor. Talk to his patient coordinator to find out as much as you can about the physician and his practice... more

Go to the doctor who is busy for two months.

Of the choices you have, the answer is obvious. This doctor showed you good results. Your gynecologist knows he has happy patients. And the facts that he is busy and can charge more in this bad economy tell you he has a good reputation. There can be a huge difference in results from one surgeon to another.

Breast augmentation is a complex surgery

Breast augmentation is so common that most people, and doctors, assume it is a very simple procedure. In some respects, considering what procedures plastic surgeons are trained to do, it is quite easy technically. However, the decision-making process is very involved and you should be sure to spend plenty of time one-on-one with your surgeon, not a nurse or business consultant, going over your options, your anatomy, your goals, the trade-off (there are always short and long-term tradeoffs),... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

4 reviews

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

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Picking the right surgeon is critical

There is not doubt that plastic surgeons vary in their skill level, experience, judgement, and bedside manner. It's important to spend some time well in advance of your surgery talking with your surgeon, and you should not feel pressure from him in regards to a timeline for your procedure. Before and after photos are important, as is his training, standings with medical boards, and reputation, but just as important is to establish a solid doctor-patient relationship. It's critical that... more

There is a big difference between doctors

Make no mistake, plastic surgery is as much or more art than science. No two doctors will give you the same results even if you bring them photos of exactly what you want. It is worth traveling for and paying for the best. That being said though, it would never be good to go to a doctor whom you hadn't met for a consultation well before the surgery. Probably you should make the trip to meet the best doctor, decide if he's the right one for you and schedule to come back for the surgery. ... more

Choosing plastic surgeon?

Thank you for the question. It is actually very unusual NOT to see your surgeon prior to the day of surgery. Office visits help the communication process between the surgeon and patient. This communication is critical in achieving the outcome that you are looking for. Please be careful with your surgeon selection. Anyone considering plastic or reconstructive surgery should consider consulting a board certified plastic surgeon to achieve the best and safest results... more

Don't rush your breast augmentation

Won't see you until surgery. Strike one. Medical board record. Strike two. Staff that makes you feel awkward about seeing the doctor before surgery. Strike three. Making a hasty decision based on vacation plans. Strike four? Beachmom, you will have many more vacations on which to enjoy your breast implants. Make sure they are done well by choosing a good surgeon, and more importantly, are done safely, so you have them to enjoy on those vacations. Don't rush into something that you might... more

Choose the doctor that you feel most comfortable with

NCBeachMom, My advice is to choose the doctor that you feel most comfortable with for your surgery. A doctor that is only going to see you for the first time on the day of surgery is no a good sign. You want a doctor that is going to individualize the surgery for you and communicate with you. Also, do not rush into surgery without exploring all your options. It really would be a shame if you had surgery quickly just for your vacation but ended up with an inferior result. Take your time... more

Choice of breast surgeon makes a difference

Hi there, I would agree with my colleagues. The most important choice to make in order to achieve your goals for breast contour is your choice of surgeon. If you've seen photos of his work that pleased you, your GYN knows happy women who have seen him, and he has a good reputation, you're much more likely to be happy when you're done than if the above were not true.

Do your homework, then go with your gut feeling

When deciding upon a surgeon, it is important to make sure that he or she is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. If your surgeon has recenctly completed training, he or she should be board eligible It is essential that you have a "good feeling" about your doctor. You must feel as though you are able to trust this person. Don't be afraid to ask these doctors questions about their training and experience.

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.