How to Choose a Breast Augmentation Surgeon
Choosing a plastic surgeon to perform your breast augmentation surgery is one of the most important decisions you can make. While breast augmentation surgery is gaining popularity and can help you obtain the body and self-image that you desire, it is still a surgical procedure with inherent risks. Therefore, your choice of cosmetic surgeons should not be taken lightly.
You want a cosmetic surgeon who is board certified, has specialized training in breast augmentation and has a high patient-satisfaction rate. In addition, you want a plastic surgery New York provider who is professional and makes you feel comfortable throughout the breast augmentation process. Here is a list of questions you’ll need answers to before choosing a surgeon for your breast augmentation procedure.
Is the breast augmentation surgeon board certified?
Your breast augmentation surgeon should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). For a plastic surgeon to be board certified, he or she must meet the stringent criteria outlined by the ABPS.
For instance, prior to obtaining board certification a plastic surgeon first must earn a degree from a well-respected medical school. He or she also must complete a five-year residency. At least two of those five years must include a residency in plastic surgery. Other criteria for receiving board certification include operating only in accredited medical facilities, adhering to a strict ethical code and having a practice that focuses principally on plastic surgery.
Does the breast augmentation surgeon have specialized training?
You want to choose a New York breast augmentation surgeon who has specialized training in – you guessed it – breast augmentation. Many cosmetic surgeons are licensed to practice. This does not mean that they have specialized training in the type of surgery that you are seeking. Furthermore, it is critical that the breast augmentation surgeon that you choose stays up to date with any new advancements in the field.
Does the breast augmentation surgeon have hospital privileges at an accredited institution?
For a plastic surgeon to be allowed to operate out of a state-licensed, accredited hospital or surgical center, he or she must be approved by a committee. The committee decides whether or not to grant a plastic surgeon hospital privileges based on a variety of factors, such as education, training and overall acumen. This is yet another safeguard to ensure that your breast augmentation surgeon is the best of the best.
Does the breast augmentation surgeon have a high patient-satisfaction rate?
If a breast augmentation surgeon is hesitant to share patient testimonials with you – or worse yet, if the surgeon does not have any patient testimonials – proceed with caution. A qualified breast augmentation surgeon will be happy to share previous patients’ positive feedback and before-and-after photos with you. By hearing what previous patients have to say, you should be able to get a good idea of the surgeon’s patient-satisfaction rate.
Does the breast augmentation surgeon make you feel comfortable and encourage open communication?
Lastly, it is important to choose a breast augmentation surgeon who makes you feel comfortable and encourages open communication about your goals and desires for the surgical outcome. If a plastic surgeon rushes you through the consultation phase, cuts you off while you ask questions or gives you a bad feeling overall, do not choose that person to perform your breast augmentation surgery.
For more information on what to look for when choosing a breast augmentation surgeon, or to schedule a consultation to find out more about breast augmentation in general, please call Dr. Joshua Greenwald at (914) 421-0113.
Dr. Joshua Greenwald is a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City who studied and trained at prestigious educational institutions including Columbia University, Emory University, and New York University School of Medicine. His keen aesthetic eye and refined surgical techniques have led him to be a top choice for cosmetic face, breast, and body procedures in NYC. His exceptional patient care has earned him the distinction of “Top Doc” by both Westchester Magazine and Castle & Connolly for over 10 years running. Dr. Greenwald is an active member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Medical Association, and the Westchester County Medical Society.