The decision to undergo surgery is a serious one and selecting the "correct" surgeon and facility is your responsibility. Surgery is never without risks - but when the surgeon is properly trained and the facility is accredited, patients are much more likely to be satisfied with the outcome. Choosing a surgeon recognized by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is certainly a step in the right direction. What else can you do?
Points of note and questions to consider regarding a particular surgeon:
- How many breast augmentations has the surgeon performed in the past year? Comparing these numbers speaks volumes about his or her skill level, and to a smaller extent, the satisfaction of their patients.
- Is the surgeon a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons? Membership to this society is by invitation only. To be invited to the ASAPS, a doctor must already be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have significant experience with cosmetic surgery procedures and perform these surgeries in an accredited facility.
- Resounding testimonials are good signs - especially if they're from your personal friends. If you're thinking about a particular surgeon but you're not entirely sure, ask to speak with a former patient that underwent surgery recently. They will be happy to have you speak with former patients who have had good experiences with them. Find out how good the doctor is with follow-up care from your friends or from former patients.
- Contact the Medical Board of your state and inquire about complaints filed against the physician. Almost every state has some sort of department that oversees insurance as well - contact them to inquire if there are any closed claims filed against the doctor. Does following up on these sorts of things really help? Yes and no. A doctor who has been in practice for several years may have been the subject of some lawsuits - but that doesn't mean he or she is a poor surgeon. Cosmetic surgeons are easy targets for frivolous actions.
Next: "Where is your surgeon going to perform the procedure?"
