Michael Horn Plastic Surgery & Med Spa
How do I choose a surgeon for my Breast Augmentation?
So you’re considering breast implants? Or maybe you know for sure that you’re ready to take the plunge, but you haven’t completed that last crucial step: finding the right plastic surgeon. While there are many qualified physicians out there, it’s important to ask questions to ensure that they have the experience, training, and expertise needed to offer the highest quality patient care and outstanding outcomes.
On top of these qualifications, it’s important to find a plastic surgeon who you mesh with in approach, aesthetic, and overall expectations. This can all make a world of difference in the outcome of your breast augmentation. Here are a few important tips to help the process.
Ask for Their Qualifications
When evaluating potential surgeons, ask specific questions about their qualifications and experience with breast augmentation surgery. Many plastic surgeons perform breast augmentation, but are you talking to an expert who focuses on breast procedures?
Look for a surgeon who is board-certified by reputable organizations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and has documented and extensive experience performing breast augmentation procedures. Membership requirements for ASPS include:
- Graduation from an accredited medical school
- Completion of at least six years of surgical training
- A minimum of three years of plastic surgery residency training
- Passing comprehensive oral and written exams
Build a Rapport
While there are many highly reputable plastic surgeons who are honest and transparent, as with any profession, you may encounter practices where the focus is more on “making the sale” than on the needs and concerns of the patient.
Be sure that they are willing to provide detailed information about costs and fees. They should be able to provide this financial information in relation to their own fees as well as expected costs for anesthesiologists and facilities. It’s also important to ensure that the surgeon has hospital privileges and is affiliated with accredited medical facilities.
If they offer any financing programs, ask questions about interest percentages and choices for payment plans. If your procedure involves any insurance coverage, you will also want to check that the surgeon’s office is willing to work with your provider and that they are knowledgeable about the process.
Review Patient Testimonials and Before & After Photos
While booking multiple consultations to decide between a few surgeons is ideal, before you get to that point, one of the best ways to narrow things down is by reading online testimonials from other patients.
There are multiple websites where patients can provide detailed ratings for specific procedures. They may discuss the quality of their results, the personality or bedside manner of the surgeon, and the capabilities of the surgeon’s office staff. Sometimes, you may find that multiple patients rave about their results after a certain procedure, but multiple others are less enthusiastic about another. This is a good indication of what is likely the surgeon’s true specialty.
If there are certain non-negotiables for you, such as a surgeon’s willingness to perform multiple procedures together or the amenities in their office, reviews can be a good place to make some eliminations.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
As you read and learn about different options for breast augmentation, make a list of any and all questions or concerns you might have. A consultation is your opportunity to ask questions and consider nothing off-limits. From the procedure itself to specifics about recovery to what steps the surgeon takes in the case of possible complications. You might also ask questions like, how many breast augmentations have you performed? What’s your revision rate and why? Do you prefer or feel more comfortable with a certain type of implant or incision? Be specific and expect specific answers.
Expert Advice is Just a Phone Call Away
Ultimately, choosing the right plastic surgeon requires that final step: meeting with an expert like Dr. Michael Horn to learn about all your options and ask all your questions. This is the best way to ensure that you will select an exceptional surgeon and that your breast augmentation will have a stellar outcome.
As a supremely qualified plastic surgeon, Dr. Horn has over 25 years of experience and has performed over 10,000 breast procedures over the course of his career. He is also passionate about training, research, and teaching his innovative techniques. For your private, comprehensive consultation, call Michael Horn Plastic Surgery & Med Spa today at (312) 202-9000.
