Breast Surgery – How to Choose a Qualified Plastic Surgeon

Breast augmentation surgery, breast lift surgery and breast reduction are all popular cosmetic plastic surgery procedures that can provide excellent results, creating a more shapely profile for the patient and, in some cases, dramatically improving the patient self-image. But, breast surgery procedures are not without risk. It is important to understand that all three surgeries may cause serious complications. Keep in mind that these procedures include incisions, as well as possible extensive muscle, skin and tissue manipulation.

It is essential to the success of your breast surgery that you choose a board-certified plastic surgeon. These types of surgeons possess solid medical training, considerable surgical skill and extensive plastic surgery experience. Although this does not guarantee a successful outcome, it increases your chance of being pleased with your results and not experiencing any major complications.

How Can You Find a Qualified Plastic Surgeon?

To help you gauge your plastic surgeon's qualifications and set realistic expectations for breast surgery, it may be beneficial to review before and after photos during your initial consultation to determine the success of previous surgeries for the plastic surgeon.  (Remember: Individual breast surgery results will vary.) Also, be sure to review the patient checklist on the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery. This checklist will help you to organize everything from researching a doctor to preparing for surgery.
The following resources are excellent for finding a plastic surgeon:

  • Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery: Plastic Surgeon Directory
  • The American Society of Plastic Surgeons
  • The  American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Why Should You Choose a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon?

When contemplating breast augmentation, breast lift or breast reduction, it is recommended that you choose a board-certified plastic surgeon. Board certification indicates that the doctor successfully completed an approved educational program and met board certification requirements, including an examination to determine his or her ability to provide quality medical services and care.

Here is an article that shows you how to choose a plastic surgeon and what it means to be board-certified.

Are All Board Certification Levels Equal?

There are different types of board certifications for doctors who perform cosmetic procedures, including breast augmentation, breast lift and breast reduction. As stated above, surgeons with the most training include those plastic surgeons who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. To learn what it takes to become certified, visit the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery.

It is important to remember that board certification does not always guarantee a successful outcome for breast surgery. The surgeon's overall capability depends on other factors, such as medical training, frequency and complexity of surgeries, years of experience, being up-to-date on the latest breast surgery research and developments, as well as many other factors.

What If Your Surgeon Is Not Certified by the ABPS?

In this case, your doctor may not be qualified to perform breast enhancement surgery. Get more information on what  other board certifications entail and how they differ from the certification by American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Is Your Doctor a Member of a Plastic Surgery Association or Society?

Learn the difference between board certification and membership in a plastic surgery association or society and what it means when choosing a qualified plastic surgeon for your breast augmentation, breast lift or breast reduction surgery. Some plastic surgery societies only allow membership if the surgeon is a board-certified plastic surgeon or if he or she has applied to be certified. While other societies allows any type of doctor to become a member.

How Can You Verify Whether a Plastic Surgeon Is Board-Certified?

To verify your plastic surgeon's board certification, use the American Board of Medical Specialties' certification verification tool. You will need to register for the free service. (The Board does not require to submit any additional information other than your first name and e-mail address. After registration, your password will be e-mailed to you for future use.)

What Are the Operating Facility Requirements?

The requirements for the facility where the surgery is to be performed must meet certain quality standards and be accredited by the AAAASF. Become acquainted with the standards and verify that an office or surgical facility is accredited by the AAAASF by their website.

Plastic Surgeons For Other Procedures

Are you looking for a plastic surgeon for a different procedure? Most board-certified plastic surgeons offer a range of cosmetic plastic surgery options. It is best to review the websites of plastic surgeons in your area to determine which surgeon has the proper experience in the surgical procedures you have an interest in. Also, many of these surgeons offer non-invasive procedures for skin care, such as hair removal procedures and to enhance the area around the eyes, including Latisse eyelash growth treatment and injectables or filler to reduce wrinkles.

Need More Information?