How many consultations should I get before choosing a surgeon?

Question

I am researching surgeons for breast implant surgery, and I am curious how many consultations I should go to before choosing a surgeon? I want to make the most informed, best decision for myself. Wondering if there are any recommendations of visiting 2, 3 ... or maybe some people know by the first consultation they have ... ? Thank you.

Christopher J. Morea, MD · Answer

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,

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

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!

Michael Law, MD · Answer

This is a great question. The answer is until you find the plastic surgeon you feel is right for you. Start by looking at before and after photos.You will see that my results are very natural looking. A woman who desires extra large implants would not want me to be her surgeon. You should be able to view many, many photos, each from three different perspectives. If you view dozens of photos and like the results on the site of a plastic surgeon,, them check his training and experience. Not all plastic surgery training is created equal. Check the philosophy of the plastic surgeon. This too should be on the website. Conform that surgery is performed in an accredited facility with anesthesia administered by a board certified anesthesiologist.  Check out the surgical tea and know who will be in the room with you. This all can be done on a computer. Then, schedule consultations with plastic surgeons that meet your criteria. During a consultation, you should feel like a plastic surgeon is listiening to you and understands your goals.

Brian K. Brzowski, MD, FACS · Answer

I generally advise patients to see three plastic surgeons.  By that time, most patients will have a very good idea of which doctor and office they feel most comfortable going to.  Beyond that, the expense in time and travel usually does not reward the effort. As always, always the proper criterion for selecting a plastic surgeon is essential.  The first thing I recommend is that patients visit the American Board of Plastic Surgery to verify that the surgeon is certified.  Next, I think it valuable to look for membership in the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery; this organization is very strict in its membership selection, choosing only those plastic surgeons that are experienced and dedicated to cosmetic surgical procedures.  Thirdly, you should look to see if your state has a local society of plastic surgeons.  If so, membership in that organization will usually indicate that the other physicians in the area approve of the plastic surgeon's commitment to patient care and adhere to strict ethical guidelines.  Lastly, you should seek personal reviews from patients whom you know have been under the care of the surgeon you are considering.  While online reviews may be reflective of the true experience patients have had, not all review sites are as strict as RealSelf when it comes to verifying the truth and source of the reviews.You will notice that I did not mention price.  With few exceptions, most plastic surgeons will be priced within a couple of cell phone bills of one another.  You should never place a priority on cost when you are putting something so precious as your health and emotional well-being at risk.  The small amount of savings you may gain by going to someone simply because "they're cheaper" can certainly be erased by a poor result.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

No more than 3 and preferrably 2 unless you don't click with either one. See only board certified plastic surgeons to narrow the field. Augmentation is confusing to many patients judging from the number of questions posted on Real Self on implant size, profile, saline v. silicone v. gummies, and the surgical incision sites.  These issues are very important and you will need to resolve, in your own mind, what will work for you based on the surgeons' proposals.  Decide who you are comfortable with and who spends enough time with you, rather than sloughing you off on the patient coordinators.  Try to read up as much as possible to make meaningful use of the consult time.

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

there is no correct answer here.   i would recommend you visit only with board certified plastic surgeons certified by the american board of plastic surgery only.  best wishes.

Stephen J. Ronan, MD, FACS · Answer

The simple answer is as many as it takes to have a good one!  Just make sure that the surgeon is BC, operates in an accredited center and does a large volume of augments.  Good luck.

Jon E. Rast, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You should try finding a surgeon that you feel comfortable with and that will answer all your questions. Seek out a board certified plastic surgeon in your area. Good luck!

Luis E. Redondo, MD · Answer

As much as you need until you find someone you feel you can trust.1. Decide where you want your surgery done2. Make a list of possible candidates.3. Choose 3-5 Surgeons that you like the results shown on their before and after pictures.4. Fallow your heart, you dont need to consult with all, the surgeon-patient relationship is as important as the surgery itself, if you find someone who you feel you can trust, go for it. If you dont feel you can trust him, even if is the father of Plastic Surgery itself, keep looking. Best of Luck, Dr. Luis Redondo

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for the question and there is no fixed number.  The more you go on the more you will become informed about the procedure you are seeking.  And should become more certain about your choice of surgeon.Dr Corbin

How many consultations should I get before choosing a surgeon?

Answers (12)

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