How Do I Find the Best Breast Augmentation Surgeon?

Thank you for your question. First, I would suggest that you look for a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in your area. (You can check plasticsurgery.org to see if a physician you are considering is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon.) Second, if you can, find a plastic surgeon who is an active member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) in your area. ASAPS (also known as The Aesthetic Society) is probably the most exclusive society for plastic surgeons. Only approximately 30% of Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons are able to join, and to be eligible for membership, a plastic surgeon must perform 75 cosmetic surgery cases within an 18-month period among other requirements.Then, research plastic surgeons whose before & after results you find aesthetically pleasing. There are many techniques to breast augmentation, and to some degree, the surgeon may influence your choice of implant size. Things to look for include: symmetric breasts post-op, attractive cleavage, and appropriate position of the implants (not too high, not too low), and well-hidden scars.When you have an in-office consultation with your surgeon, ask your board-certified plastic surgeon how many breast augmentations they perform per month. Ideally, the more commonly they do the operation, the better. I personally perform breast augmentation very frequently, and it's one of my favorite cosmetic surgery procedures to perform. Finally, after consultation, do some further research on breast augmentation to answer any remaining questions you may have. I have attached a link below to my Guide to Breast Augmentation on my website that details many of the possible choices you should consider before undergoing surgery and answers some common questions: saline vs silicone implants, round vs anatomical implants, textured vs smooth implants, implant profile selection, implant insertion location, implant placement in the breast, implant manufacturer, etc.Disclaimer: I am personally an active member of ASAPS.I hope this helps, and good luck with your surgery.

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!