How soon should I start booking consultations for breast augmentation? I'm hoping to have the surgery done this November 2017.

Question

I have been wanting breast implants ever since I was about 12 or 13 years old. This dream is coming true bc of my dear hubby! I am very excited to get things started. I have been doing my research and I want to know is it too soon for me to do consultations? I would like to meet with three different doctors before making my decision, barring I feel comfortable with one of the three doctors.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  It is never too early to start the breast augmentation process as you will need to be able to schedule consultations, assess your candidacy for surgery, and discuss all facets of preoperative/postoperative restrictions and limitations.  Many patients also spend additional time assessing the best implant size and style that will help them achieve their desired goals.    Because the end of the year tends to be busier for surgeons it would be advantageous to start early for the best chance of finding a surgeon with the availability to perform your procedure in November.  Hope this helps.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

There is no steadfast rule but you may hear things from your plastic surgeon that are unexpected. You will need time to consider these before proceeding with the operation.

Michael Horn, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations! It is never to early to schedule your consultation, especially since most board certified plastic surgeons are booked out a few months on average. Best of luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Search the internet for the names of plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  Then peruse those Board Certified Plastic Surgeons' websites for breast augmentation before and after photos, the number of procedures performed,  and patient reviews. Select three (the number you prefer) of these surgeons based upon credentials, accreditation of facility, ease of contact, and treatment particularly after surgery.Costs will vary depending upon the demand for the plastic surgeon and the number of breast augmentations performed with great results. If you are thinking of financing the surgery, their patient coordinators can discuss the various credit card options available such as VISA, MC, Discover, AMEX, Care Credit, and Alphaeon. Schedule in-office consultations with the three you selected from your research so that they can evaluate your candidacy for the breast augmentation and your goals. You should be able to find one you have confidence in and can trust. Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry, no it is not too early to begin visiting with surgeons.  The consultations will help you understand budget, plans, and recovery.  Good luck in November!

Edwin C. Pound, III, MD · Answer

A consultation can be scheduled at any time.  The consultation gives you the opportunity to meet with the doctor, discuss your goals, let him/her examine you and review your options with you.  Getting more than one opinion is a good idea as it gives you the chance to hear differing perspectives.  Please make sure that the doctor/doctors you visit are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only board recognized by the AMA for the training and certification of plastic surgeons.

Ralph Trey Aquadro, MD · Answer

The most important decision you make prior to surgery is who you select to perform your surgery.  I would recommend you start now and meet with a few surgeons.  I would start with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Board of Plastic Surgery websites to make sure your surgeon is board certified in plastic surgery.  
Many surgeons offer complimentary consultations for breast augmentation.
Best,
Trey Aquadro, M.D.
Auburn, AL

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  I always think the earlier the better.  It will allow you to make a more informed decision about choosing your surgeon.   It is very
important that you thoroughly research your surgeon before committing to
surgery. It is a good idea to research your surgeon's educational background,
online reviews, before & after pictures, and speak with anyone who you may
know who has had surgery with that surgeon. During your consultation, make sure
that you don't feel rushed and make sure that you have adequate time with your
surgeon and not just their patient coordinator or nurses. If the majority of
your consultation is spent with someone other than the surgeon, this is usually
not a good sign. The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are
comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified
board-certified expert surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for
your important question.
It is not too
early to look for a surgeon now. The process can be extensive or quick. You will have to
be medically cleared to proceed, and finalize a surgical plan for yourself. For
some patients this means going to the surgeon countless of times, for others it
is a quick decision. Some surgeons may have large waiting lists as well, so sooner
rather than later is better.
Now it is great
that you are looking for the right plastic surgeon. You do not want to rush to
make important decisions that you may regret later. It is true that as a
patient, you will be assuming final responsibility for all decisions and having
a breast augmentation (BA) procedure can have a great impact on your life.
You want a surgeon who will artistically create aesthetic
looking breasts that are there with you in the long-term.
You should find a surgeon who you can connect with, whose
advice you can trust, and in whose work you can have faith, and when you do,
you don’t need to look for any other surgeons. You should also look for a local
board-certified plastic surgeon as it is easier to follow-up with them to make
sure you are healing well without complications. 
These are the steps you need to take to choose the right
surgeon.
1) You should choose a surgeon who gives value to safety,
and who does not rush you. This means that they shouldn’t necessarily agree to
everything you say because you wouldn’t always know what is best for you from a
surgical point of view, so it the job of us surgeons to guide you to make
decision that will minimize complications and allow you to have beautiful
breasts. 
2) You must verify their skills, education, and board-certification.
3)
You must ask the surgeon about their experience with the procedure you want and
ask to review photographic examples of the surgeon’s work. Check to see
if the aesthetic ideal is consistent with what you are hoping to achieve. Make
sure the before and after images have the same perspective, the same lighting.  
4)
Read the surgeon’s reviews for the procedure you want on real-self and
other online forums where applicable. 
5) Share all your motivations for surgery, expectations and
goals with complete honesty. Be as specific as you can about what you like
regarding your breasts and what you don’t like. Based on this your surgeon will
evaluate you as a candidate for the BBA. Ask the surgeon if your expectations
are realistic and reasonable.
If they adequately verify their knowledge, skill, and level
of expertise in the procedure you want, then you can be assured that you are in
the right hands.
I urge you to also do your own research on the breast
augmentation surgery to understand its risks and your various options with
regards to implants, pocket, incision, etc. When patients come prepared, it really helps us surgeons direct you towards
making informed decisions, so thank you for being proactive.
Hope this helps.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

If your weight is stable and you are not looking to change your weight by 10 percent during the next six months, then now is a fine time to start your multiple consultation process for breast augmentation surgery. I am excited for you. Good luck. For more information on this and similar topics, I recommend a plastic surgery Q&A book like "The Scoop On Breasts: A Plastic Surgeon Busts the Myths."

How soon should I start booking consultations for breast augmentation? I'm hoping to have the surgery done this November 2017.

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