So you are thinking about having your bust surgically enhanced. Whether you want implants to increase your chest size, a breast reduction, or a simple lift, the single most important step is to do your homework before you choose a plastic surgeon. The right decision protects both your results and your safety.
The Dangers of Choosing the Wrong Doctor
It may be hard to believe, but illegal or "underground" plastic surgery is a real and serious crime, and it is on the rise. As the number of unqualified people performing these procedures grows, protecting yourself by choosing a legitimate, licensed surgeon becomes all the more important.
Doing your research and choosing a qualified medical professional also saves money in the long run, because you avoid the extra cost of correcting mistakes and complications that so often follow illegal surgery. In the most serious cases, choosing the right doctor can be the difference between life and death.
What Questions Should You Ask Your Surgeon?
Use the following checklist as a guide. These are questions worth asking every potential doctor before you decide who will perform your breast enhancement surgery:
- How many years have you been practicing this type of surgery?
- Where did you learn how to perform this surgery?
- Have you participated in any Continuing Medical Education regarding this surgery?
- How much experience do you have with this surgery, and how many times have you performed it?
- What do you consider a "successful" surgery, and how many successful surgeries have you performed?
- Have any of your patients had to return to have their procedure corrected? If so, how many and why?
- How many of your patients have come to you to fix botched surgeries performed by other doctors?
- Do you have any before-and-after photos of past surgeries I can review?
- Is this particular surgery right for the results I am looking for, or would you recommend an alternate procedure?
- Can you explain the risks and complications to me?
- Where do you usually perform this surgery?
- What sort of accreditation do you have?
Checking Your Doctor's Credentials
If a surgeon is genuinely qualified to perform the procedure you are considering, their credentials will be a matter of public record. For the safest and most successful surgery possible, do your research and confirm that your doctor:
- Holds an official license to perform surgery in your state. If your state has not licensed the surgeon to operate there, offering the procedure is illegal and should be treated as a major red flag.
- Is classified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) as a board-certified plastic surgeon.
- Has a clean medical malpractice record, or at the very least a reasonable explanation for any malpractice charges.
- Operates in an officially accredited facility. You can verify this with the Joint Commission, the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, or the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.
- Works with a certified anesthesiologist if your surgery requires anesthesia. Look for either CRNA certification or a physician anesthesiologist, since many surgical complications are linked to improper anesthesia.
With these tips in hand, you should have no trouble finding the right doctor for the breast enhancement procedure you want. Keep in mind, though, that going under the knife is not your only option. Before committing the time and money required for surgery, it is well worth trying alternative methods, especially herbal breast enhancement. Our experts have reviewed and rated the top herbal breast enhancement products here.
