When It Comes to Breast Aug, How Do I Decide Between a Surgeon Who Runs a Volume-based Practice and a Surgeon Who Does Not?

I've consulted 3 doctors for breast aug and feel good about all 3. They have great credentials, education, etc. However, while one of them runs a large, volume-based practice, the other 2 perform 75-100 breast augs in a given year...is this too few? What is the "sweet spot" for the number of breast augs a surgeon should perform in a year to have plentiful, continuous experience? I don't want to automatically assume that the surgeon who has done the most procedures is the best choice for me.

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27 Doctor Answers | Asked by THEBC

Doctor Answers (27)
Community Comments (1)

How Do You Choose A Surgeon?

Just because an office has high volume doesn't make the surgeon better or worse. The same goes for a lower volume office. When making your decision, make sure your surgeon is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery, that they use a Board Certified Anesthesiologist in a fully accredited outpatient surgery center, that you like the staff because you will be in contact with them a lot before and after your surgery and also that you have seen before and after photos. You can also... more

Choosing a surgeon

Thanks for your interesting question. Personally, I would not base your decision on the number of cases performed by a surgeon in a given year. There really is no sweet spot for the frequency of cases. Similary, continuous amounts of surgery do not improve a surgeon's skill. I would choose a surgeon based on his or her style and results. After meeting three surgeons, you should choose who you feel can give you the best results and make you feel most comfortable. more

How to pick your Breast Augmentation Surgeon

It is very important to look at the results of your surgeon. You should be able to see many photos of good results from your surgeon. It is also very important that you feel comfortable with your surgeon. Plastic surgery is so personal. It is important that you are comfortable with the size you pick. At the end of the day you need to be happy with your results. So, while surgeon with a slow practice may spend more time with you, you need to get a good result. So, as long as you are... more

How to chose a doctor

This is a common question and not easy from our side of the argument to answer. Sounds like all three will be able to help you and have a good outcome. While it's good to have someone with lots of experience, Volume based = assembly line in my opinion. You don't want to be just another number and for a high volume practice, you won't be spending a lot of quality time with your doctor. this is still art. and this is still medicine. Pick the person whom you trust and cares... more

Selecting a surgeon

It sounds from your description that all are adequately qualified to perform the surgery. It certainly seems you have done your "homework" as well in checking their credentials, etc. Who appealed to you most from a personal standpoint, meaning who did you feel you had the best connection from a doctor-patient standpoint? Was there a particular office where you felt you would receive the best care for follow up appointments or any questions or concerns? If all else is equal, it... more

Mennen T. Gallas, MD

8 reviews

Houston Plastic Surgeon

Breast augmentation surgeons

A surgeon who performs 75 or so cases a year is probably sufficiently experienced to know what he or she is doing with breast augmentation. Based on the info you give, all three sound like they have plenty of experience. It also sounds like you have consulted with all three and are comfortable with each, so it sounds like you will be in good hands regardless of which you choose. Maybe a second consult will the one you like the best will help you in your decision. Good... more

100 augmentations per year

If your research is correct, all 3 are well qualified to do your surgery, provided they are board-certified, and you have inspected their before & after photos and like what you see. Here are some other things to ponder: Which office did you prefer? Who did you feel most comfortable with? Which office has the best service? Did they all recommend the same implant - or did you prefer one recommendation over the others? Have you spoken with other patients... more

Breast aug

If a doctor is doing 75-100 augs a year I think that is plenty to keep a surgeon's skills up to par.Also talking to soem of his old patients is also helpful and in the end what kind of rapport do you have with the doctor.

How to choose a surgeon

You ask an excellent question. How do you choose a surgeon? Surgeons who do over 75 cases a year certainly have enough experience. Just because one surgeon does more cases than another, doesnt mean he is doing them better. Here in south florida, there are a few high volume discount centers. Its fairly common for patients who have surgery there to be unhappy for many reasons including poor results, poor follow up, no one available to answer questions, long waiting times to see their doctor,... more

Paul Wigoda, MD

5 reviews

Fort Lauderdale Plastic Surgeon

drwigoda.com

Numbers are important,but

Numbers Are Important, Or Not The Only Important Factor. You Need To Look At The Results, Some Surgeons Can Perform A High Number Of Procedures Because Their are Cheaper Than The Other Surgeons Or BecauseThey Have An Outstanding Marketing, However They Could Be Doing A Lot Of Bad surgeries, The Same Is True For Somebody That Tells You That He HaA Been In Practice For Many Years, Check The Malpractice History Of TheSurgeon And Look At The Before And After Pictures. Good Luck