How Do I Find the Best Breast Augmentation Surgeon?

Finding the right surgeon begins with looking for certification from reputable boards. The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) oversees the training of American plastic surgeons. When your surgeon says that he or she is ‘Board Certified’ it doesn’t necessarily mean ABPS certified, so be sure to check. Any physician (from any specialty) can call themselves a cosmetic surgeon! Just because a surgeon claims to be ‘Board Certified’ doesn’t necessarily mean they have completed the appropriate training in plastic surgery, or that they have experience performing delicate, complex plastic surgery procedures. The ABPS is the only board out of 24 approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties to certify physicians in both facial and body plastic surgery.  





Your Surgeon’s Training:  Always ask where your surgeon attended medical school? Where did they complete their surgical training. Where someone trained and who they trained with are important considerations. Has your surgeon spent extra time specializing in the procedure you’re considering?







Your Surgeon’s Hospital Privileges:  Your surgeon should be able to create a safe, comfortable experience for you. Always ask where your surgeon is permitted to perform surgery? Having hospital privileges let’s you know that your surgeon is in good standing with the local hospital and has met their requirements of conduct and training.  Likewise, make sure the physician performing your anesthesia is also board certified.   







Your Surgeon’s Memberships: Professional organizations and medical societies will have their own set of strict criteria for acceptance, such as board certification, ethical conduct, and maintaining the highest standards of professional integrity.







Your surgeon should be proud of their education and accomplishments. There should be no question in your mind about your surgeon’s ability, affability, and availability to perform your procedure. The best procedure is the one performed by the right surgeon, at the right place, at the right time – the first time!

This is a very important question.  My biggest recommendation for patients who are looking to undergo any cosmetic surgical procedure is that they seek out a board certified plastic surgeon who is well-experienced in the procedure of specific interest.  What many patients are surprised to find out is that not every 'cosmetic surgeon' has had formal plastic surgery training and not every plastic surgeon is a board certified plastic surgeon.  After this, it is about finding a surgeon with whom you are comfortable with.  Look at their before and after galleries, ask to speak with past patients, and make sure that all of your questions have been answered and that you completely understand the answers and information you are provided with.  No question is not worth asking.I hope you find this helpful and best of luck!

Doing your homework is so important when trying to find a qualified plactic surgeon. Your first step should be to go to the website of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to find board certified plastic surgeons who are in your area. Once you have a few names of board certified surgeons, you might talk to your family doctor and see what they say about the list of surgeons you have found. It's ok to schedule consultations with several plastic surgeons. During your consultation ask lots of questions. You might ask how long have they been doing augmentation surgery, and how many of these surgeries do they do each year. You should also ask is they do their surgery in a safe certified surgical facility. Good luck!