How many consultations should I get before choosing a surgeon?

I usually recommend consulting 2 board certified plastic surgeons when considering breast augmentation.  You may be perfectly comfortable and happy with the first surgeon that you choose in many patients only see 1 plastic surgeon.  However if you are unfamiliar with all the details of breast augmentation surgery a second consultation might inform you of a different approach to your particular case.  In my opinion more information from a multiple experts is beneficial to help you understand the procedure better.

Hello! Thank you for your question.  Cost will vary among plastic surgeons as well as with geographic location and what procedures exactly they will be providing to you.  Certainly, researching a board certified plastic surgeon well-versed in the procedure(s) you desire is recommended - checking the American Board of Plastic Surgery is a great start. Consult with two or more surgeons who you are happy with their postoperative photographs and those who you, most importantly, feel comfortable and confident with. Use the opportunity to ask questions as well as visit with staff and investigate the accredited facilities they work out of.  I believe fellowship-training, beyond the core plastic surgery residency to be important, as that surgeon has gone above and beyond to seek additional training specific to that area of interest and chosen to gain additional expertise in that area.   Experience should not be measured solely by the age of the surgeon or how many years s/he has been in practice.  Checking the education and training is more valuable - a Board Certified MD plastic surgeon who was accepted to and completed an integrated plastic surgery residency, in today's day and age, are excellent choices. Those are the top students who have superior training at top institutes.  Plastic Surgery is NOT a fellowship...it is a residency. Those surgeons who have actually successfully completed additional fellowship training beyond the plastic surgery residency are also passionate about that area and will likely have the most recent, innovative, and up to date techniques. These are usually the younger surgeons, who are still readily willing and competent to continue to strive for the newest material and remain up to date on literature and conferences. You must decide for yourself who you are most comfortable with and confident with who will meet your goals and expectations. Cost may differ just on expertise and the aforementioned additional training ad what that additional expertise training has afforded to his/her patients.  Hope that this helps!  Best  wishes!

I would advise you to begin your search for a plastic surgeon at home. Research the surgeons in your area, looking at their education, credentials (board certified in plastic surgery and member of Aesthetic Society is best),  years of experience, before/after photos and patient reviews.  Narrow your choices to 3-4 plastic surgeons then schedule a few consultations.  Most patients today are well informed when they come to their first consultation.  Best of luck,