Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon for Breast Surgery

Choosing your plastic surgeon is perhaps the most important decision in your breast surgery journey. The right surgeon ensures your safety, achieves natural-looking results, and provides support throughout your experience. Here's how to find and vet the best surgeon for your needs.

Essential Credentials to Verify

Board Certification

The most critical credential is board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).

• Confirms rigorous training specifically in plastic surgery
• Requires passing comprehensive written and oral exams
• Mandates ongoing education and ethical standards
• Verify at abplasticsurgery.org

Beware of Other Certifications

Some doctors claim "board certification" from other boards. While they may be qualified in their specialty, only ABPS certification confirms complete plastic surgery training.

Hospital Privileges

Even if your surgery is in an outpatient facility, hospital privileges indicate:

• The surgeon's credentials have been vetted
• They can handle complications requiring hospital care
• Peer review oversight exists

Surgical Facility Accreditation

Ensure surgery will be performed in:

• A hospital
• An ambulatory surgery center
• An office facility accredited by AAAASF, AAAHC, or state-licensed

Experience Matters

Specialty Focus

Look for surgeons who regularly perform breast surgery—not those who occasionally do it among many other procedures.

Volume of Procedures

While exact numbers aren't always disclosed:

• Ask how often they perform your specific procedure
• Higher volume generally correlates with better outcomes
• Experience with your particular concern (asymmetry, revision, etc.) is valuable

Years in Practice

Consider surgeons with several years of experience, though newer surgeons with excellent training can also deliver great results.

Evaluating Before-and-After Photos

What to Look For

• Cases similar to your anatomy and goals
• Consistent quality across multiple patients
• Natural-looking results
• Photos from multiple angles
• Results at various stages of healing

Red Flags

• Very few photos available
• Only "best case" results shown
• Professional photos that look overly edited
• Unwillingness to show photos

Questions to Ask

• Are these your own patients?
• Can I see cases similar to my situation?
• May I see photos at different healing stages?
• Do you have photos of any complications and how they were resolved?

The Consultation Experience

What a Good Consultation Includes

• Review of your medical history
• Physical examination
• Discussion of your goals and expectations
• Explanation of options with pros and cons
• Realistic outcome prediction
• Clear explanation of risks
• Cost breakdown
• Time for your questions

Red Flags During Consultation

• Feeling rushed or pressured
• Guarantees of "perfect" results
• Dismissal of your concerns
• Unwillingness to answer questions
• Pressure to schedule surgery immediately
• Heavy sales tactics

Trust Your Instincts

Beyond credentials, you should feel:

• Heard and respected
• Comfortable asking questions
• Confident in the surgeon's expertise
• That your goals are understood

Questions to Ask Your Potential Surgeon

About Credentials

1. Are you board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery? 2. Where do you have hospital privileges? 3. Is the surgery center accredited? 4. How many of these procedures have you performed?

About the Procedure

5. Which technique do you recommend for me and why? 6. What are the specific risks for my situation? 7. What results can I realistically expect? 8. What is your approach if I'm unhappy with results?

About Recovery

9. What is the typical recovery timeline? 10. Who do I contact if I have concerns after surgery? 11. How many follow-up appointments are included? 12. What happens if I have a complication?

About Cost

13. What is the total cost, including all fees? 14. What is included in that price? 15. Do you offer financing options? 16. What would revision surgery cost if needed?

Researching Beyond the Consultation

Online Reviews

• Check multiple platforms (Google, RealSelf, Healthgrades)
• Look for patterns in reviews
• Consider both positive and negative feedback
• Beware of suspiciously perfect or identical reviews

Verify Complaints

• Check your state medical board for disciplinary actions
• Search for malpractice information
• Look for news articles or legal issues

Ask for References

Some surgeons provide contact information for past patients willing to share their experience.

Cost Considerations

Understanding Pricing

Total cost typically includes:

• Surgeon's fee
• Anesthesia fee
• Facility fee
• Implant cost (if applicable)
• Post-operative garments
• Some follow-up visits

Price Variations

• Geographic location affects pricing significantly
• Surgeon experience and demand influence fees
• Bargain pricing can indicate cutting corners

The Risk of Choosing by Price

While budget matters, the cheapest option can lead to:

• Higher revision rates
• Safety compromises
• Unsatisfactory results
• More expensive corrections later

Getting a Second Opinion

Don't hesitate to consult multiple surgeons. This allows you to:

• Compare recommendations
• See different approaches
• Find the best personality fit
• Confirm you're making an informed choice

Most reputable surgeons encourage second opinions rather than feeling threatened by them.

Making Your Decision

After consultations, consider:

• Credentials and experience
• Comfort and communication
• Surgical plan alignment with your goals
• Overall feeling about the practice
• Practical factors (location, scheduling)

Take time to make this decision. A good surgeon won't pressure you, and you shouldn't feel rushed.

Final Thoughts

Your plastic surgeon becomes your partner in achieving your goals. Beyond technical skill, you want someone who listens, explains clearly, and provides excellent care before, during, and after surgery.

The time invested in finding the right surgeon pays dividends in your safety, results, and overall experience. Don't settle—find the surgeon who truly fits your needs.