Finding the Right Breast Augmentation Surgeon

by Dr. Shahram Salemy 

Breast augmentation continues to be one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures available today, and for good reason. Opting for a breast augmentation is a great way to boost confidence, create a sexy silhouette and achieve your aesthetic goals.

Choosing the right plastic surgeon might feel like a challenging task. However, there are a few things you can do to make the process of finding a fantastic cosmetic surgeon for your needs much more manageable.
1. Look for Board Certification.
The top priority for choosing a breast augmentation surgeon is looking at their credentials. Anyone on your shortlist of choices should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), which you can check by visiting the ABPS website and searching their directory.
The American Board of Plastic Surgery is a voluntary credential that a plastic surgeon can choose to acquire. It demonstrates their commitment to the highest levels of ethics, patient care, and passion for their profession. ABPS is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), which is widely considered the gold standard for the medical profession.
The surgeon should also be a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). The ASPS is a leading global authority that ensures its members can provide exceptional patient care and safety.  You can actually start your search for qualified surgeons here.  By searching their online network for plastic surgeons in Seattle for example, the ASPS will present to you the qualified plastic surgeons located in Seattle, who meet their stringent requirements for membership to their professional society.
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon, and one with membership to the ASPS, for example, means that you will have peace of mind knowing that your care is in the hands of a qualified, highly trained individual who:
- Undergoes extensive training
- Prioritizes patient safety
- Receives continuing medical education
- Performs surgery in accredited, licensed facilities
- Has considerable experience

2. Do Your Research.
The internet is an ideal place to begin your search for the best plastic surgeons. Aside from the social media accounts and official websites of local plastic surgeons near you, you can also visit numerous other websites that collect honest patient reviews.

Patient reviews can be a valuable resource when selecting a plastic surgeon. Reading reviews from past patients can provide insight into the surgeon's bedside manner, their skill level, and the overall patient experience. It is important to read a variety of reviews to get a well-rounded understanding of the surgeon's strengths and weaknesses. Pay attention to reviews that address your specific concerns or questions about the procedure you are considering. It is also helpful to look for patterns in the reviews, as this can give you an idea of what to expect from the surgeon. It is worth noting that not all reviews will be positive, and it is important to consider any negative reviews in context. It is also a good idea to take any extremely positive or negative reviews with a grain of salt, as they may not be representative of the average patient's experience.

You can also study before and after photos of people who have received the same cosmetic procedure you're looking into. Before and after photos are an important tool when considering a plastic surgeon. These photos can give you an idea of the results that a particular surgeon is able to achieve for their patients. When reviewing before and after photos, it is important to pay attention to the details of each case. Look for consistency in the results that the surgeon is able to achieve, as well as an overall improvement in the appearance of the patient. It is also helpful to pay attention to the specific procedures that were performed, as this can give you an idea of the surgeon's expertise in different areas. Finally, be sure to ask the surgeon about any concerns or questions you have about the photos or the procedures depicted in them.

The internet can provide a wealth of information you can take advantage of, including patient experiences, overall procedure reviews, and more information about the breast augmentation journey.

3. Go With Your Gut.
Ultimately, you will find a few surgeons who seem to align with your aesthetic goals. When you meet each of them for an initial consultation, it is crucial to pay attention to your intuition.  There are several things to look for that can help you make an informed decision.

First and foremost, it is important to feel comfortable and confident in the surgeon's ability to understand your goals and concerns. The surgeon should take the time to listen to your desired outcomes and offer realistic expectations for the procedure.  Does the surgeon listen to your questions and concerns? Are they transparent about the process? Do they offer honest opinions and realistic outcomes based on your unique case? These are all questions that you should ask yourself during meetings with a new surgeon.

It is also important to ensure that the surgeon is highly skilled and experienced in the specific procedure you are considering. You can ask about their training and certification, as well as how often they perform the procedure.

Any qualified surgeon should be ready and willing to show you before and after photos of patients who have also had breast augmentations. In addition, they should be able to provide suitable outcomes for patients who look like you in the "before" photos: This is a sign that they will be able to handle your case well.

It is also a good idea to ask about the surgeon's approach to patient care and follow-up, as well as their track record of patient satisfaction.

Finally, be sure to ask about the risks and potential complications of the procedure, and how the surgeon handles them.

It is completely normal to feel like you "click" with a particular surgeon and not with another. It's just like finding a primary care doctor or an accountant; you should go with the person you feel comfortable with and who makes you feel like you're an equal partner. Don't be afraid to schedule several consultations with potential surgeons before choosing the one you like best.

Finding the Right Plastic Surgeon Doesn't Have to be Hard

Breast augmentation is a fantastic way to boost your self-esteem and ensure that you look as great as you feel. If you need more information about plastic surgery or simply want to start your search for a Seattle breast augmentation surgeon, inquire with board-certified Seattle plastic surgeon, Dr. Shahram Salemy, at www.DrSalemy.com or call (206) 467-1101 to get started on your journey today.