Do the research to get the best results…
Breast augmentation surgery (with silicone or saline breast implants) is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed today. Women of various ages and lifestyles wish to enhance their current breasts to be bigger and fuller or have a better shape, which can help boost their self-confidence and self-esteem! Breast augmentation can do just that but what should you be looking for in the plastic surgeon who is going to do the procedure?
One of the most important steps before proceeding with a cosmetic procedure is finding the right, qualified plastic surgeon who can give you the end result you want. Cosmetic surgeries continue to grow in popularity and this means there are more surgeons than ever to choose from. The Peer Group for Plastic Surgery in Florham Park, New Jersey offers women the following tips to make sure you find the best breast augmentation surgeon for you.
Give it a Google!
Start your search by understanding what breast augmentation is and what is involved. Search the web and browse the internet to know the different implant types and learn all you can on the subject. You can also learn about the plastic surgeons in your area. Visit their site and get to know them. Read their reviews and see what others think about them. Many New Jersey area plastic surgeons have photo galleries on their websites, which makes it even more helpful as you’ll be able to see their work firsthand. The internet is a powerful tool, so use it!
Should board certification be a factor?
Yes. One of the most important factors to consider before having breast augmentation surgery is making sure the surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). It is important to check the surgeon’s accreditation and qualifications. Being board certified means the surgeon has gone through the appropriate training and testing and has met all of the necessary requirements for certification.
Is a plastic surgeon the same as a cosmetic surgeon?
No. A plastic surgeon goes through 3 years of surgical residency with extensive training in all aspects of surgery. Then they go through 3 more years of plastic surgery training. It can take a qualified plastic surgeon 6-8 years to complete their training. A cosmetic surgeon is a medical professional, typically a general doctor, who has decided they want to get in the aesthetic world of plastic surgery. They can usually get their certification in one year or much sooner. While there are some trained and talented cosmetic surgeons, finding a board-certified plastic surgeon who has the experience and skills to perform breast augmentation means that you have hired a surgeon who has gone through the most advanced training possible and is an expert in the field of plastic surgery.
Are they affiliated with a hospital?
Any plastic surgeon you are considering for breast augmentation should have hospital privileges to a reputable medical system in the greater New Jersey area. Even though The Peer Group for Plastic Surgery has their own AAAASF on-site surgical center, which is a huge bonus and convenient to our patients, we still have medical privileges and affiliations at some of the best hospitals in the area. Even though rare in most cases, if something occurs medically during the procedure it is important to have access to a hospital to address any possible complications.
Ask your friends or get referrals…
What better way to find out about a surgeon than to ask someone you know and trust that has gone through it. They can walk you through the process and how the doctor was before you even get started plus know how they liked their end results. It can also be helpful to ask someone you might know that works in the healthcare industry (nurse, another doctor, etc.). They will typically have a general idea of who the best surgeons are in an area. Other healthcare professionals talk to each other so if you are comfortable with it then pick their brain on who they have heard is the best plastic surgeon for breast augmentation.
Read their reviews
Reading about a patient’s experience can be very eye-opening as you continue your search for a breast surgeon. Did they like the doctor’s bedside manner? Was the practice staff helpful? Do they love their results? Reading about a surgeon and the practice from the experience of one of their patients can be very useful and relevant.
Utilize a Patient Coordinator or Concierge…
Most plastic surgery centers offer this additional staff person to be there for the patients. Their main goal is to be the direct liaison to the surgeon, an advocate for the patient, and help them navigate through the information, set up financial plans if needed, etc. They can help take some of the burdens off your shoulders so utilize them! Our patient concierge at The Peer Group Plastic Surgery has over 20 years experience helping out clients.
Consultation appointment–Ask Away!
Don’t be afraid to come prepared with paper in hand and ask lots of questions. This is your body and before you do a major cosmetic procedure like breast augmentation you need to know the facts. Bring in photos of augmented breasts you may like in order to show the doctor what you are wanting for your end goal. Just take your time to ask all the pertinent questions you need to feel more comfortable.
Ask to see before & after photos…
While getting to know a surgeon during the consultation process is one of the most important aspects of finding the right doctor to perform your surgery, viewing their results can be even more telling. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you ask to view before and after photos of previous patients. While many surgeons have pre and post-operative photos on their websites, you should be able to view these during your consultation. Before and after photos can be helpful in many ways, including understanding size, shape, incisions areas, and more.
Trust Your Gut!
If something doesn’t feel right then it probably isn’t. Breast augmentation is a major surgery so you want to feel comfortable with the plastic surgeon doing your procedure. You also want to feel comfortable about the surgical center and feel assured you will be in good hands for this outpatient surgery.
In the end you want to find a plastic surgeon who is qualified and someone you feel comfortable with when it comes to your breast augmentation procedure. Checking qualifications, asking around for referrals, and doing your homework prior to the procedure will make you better prepared and give you the best results! One of our 4 board-certified plastic surgeons at The Peer Group Plastic Surgery can help you feel more confident and like what you see. We are proud to serve the greater New Jersey area and beyond, so call or schedule your breast augmentation consultation appointment today!