Every year, breast augmentation consistently ranks as one of the top 3 procedures performed according to both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). The fact that breast augmentation is commonly performed should not overshadow the importance of it being carefully planned and performed, and the need for proper patient care after surgery. There are non-plastic surgeons performing breast augmentation in Chicago, throughout the U.S., and around the world; because of this, serious complications can and do arise. It is important for patients to have a criterion for choosing a plastic surgeon that will perform the surgery safely. Here are some important things to look for.
Board Certification
Make sure you choose a board-certified plastic surgeon, meaning he/she is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). The ABPS is one of the strictest boards in all of medicine. To become certified each surgeon must complete a full residency in plastic surgery then pass both a written and oral examination.
Collaborative Attitude
Make sure your surgeon listens to you and your goals. Gone are the days when surgeons would walk in and tell the patient what breast size they were getting. Now we have a better understanding of implant capabilities and so many more choices. I use sizing and 3D imaging to help breast augmentation patients select the right implants for them. (I wrote more about this in a previous blog post.)
Patient Photos
Look at before-and-after photos. It is important for you to like the results the surgeon shows you. I try to show patients a range of photographs so they can see the results for patients with different builds and implant sizes.
Promote Proper Post-Op Care
Your surgeon should have a clear understanding of postoperative care. Even though this is a 60 to 90-minute procedure, there is a recovery period after surgery that involves some short-term activity and exercise restrictions.
Open & Honest Disposition
Make sure you have a positive rapport with your plastic surgeon. It is important you like your surgeon and feel confident in his/her credentials and care. Implants are devices that can last a lifetime and you may see your surgeon down the road for a variety of reasons; therefore, it is very important to have an open and trusting relationship with your surgeon from the start.
If you have questions about finding a qualified breast augmentation surgeon, you are welcome to contact us online or call our office at (312) 788-2560.
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