In addition to being a serious medical procedure, breast augmentation is also deeply personal. For this reason, choosing the right surgeon to perform your surgery is incredibly important. This should not be a choice you make quickly or without a lot of real thought—the risks are just too high to leave things up to fate. If you’re considering a breast augmentation in the future, here are a few things to keep in mind when looking for a qualified plastic surgeon.
Certification
For reasons beyond comprehension, it is entirely too easy for someone to practice plastic surgery without being board certified. That’s why it’s an absolute must that you ensure your potential surgeon has all the right qualifications. If he or she isn't certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, it would be best to take your business elsewhere. This certification ensures that surgeons have passed comprehensive plastic surgery exams and have at least five years of surgery experience.
Personality
Even though you’re just looking for a plastic surgeon and not a new best friend, it’s important that you feel comfortable around your doctor and are able to build rapport. You’re dealing with an invasive surgery on a very personal part of your body, so there’s no room for awkwardness in the process. This is a person who will see you nude and will be performing potentially dangerous procedures on you while you’re under general anesthesia. Be sure to find someone you trust.
History
There are a few ways to learn about your surgeon’s medical history. The first thing you should do is check your state’s medical board website to see if he or she has any current or previous medical malpractice lawsuits. Secondly, ask about your surgeon’s hospital privileges—these require a background check, and not having them isn’t a good sign.
Frequency
You want your surgeon to be performing breast augmentations as frequently as possible. If they’re only doing a couple a month, or worse, a few each year, it begs the question of whether the surgeon is experienced enough to be performing the procedure at all.
