Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Breast Reduction —
How to Find and Choose a Qualified Plastic Surgeon

Breast augmentation, breast lift and breast reduction are all popular plastic surgery procedures that involve risk. It is important to understand that all three surgeries may cause serious complications and 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 plastic surgeon who possesses 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 breast augmentation, breast lift and breast reduction images in your doctor's office. (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:

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?

Breast augmentation, breast lift and breast reduction surgeons with the most training include plastic surgeons who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). To learn what it takes to get certified by ABPS, 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 be qualified to perform breast enhancement surgery. Get more information on what other board certifications entail and how they differ from the certification by ABPS.

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.

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 American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). Become acquainted with the standards and verify that an office or surgical facility is accredited by the AAAASF by visiting their Surgery Facilities web page.

Plastic Surgeons For Other Procedures

Are you looking for a plastic surgeon for a different procedure? Check out other credible sites about abdominoplasty surgeons, face lift surgeons, liposuction surgeons, and rhinoplasty surgeons.

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