Breast augmentation is the most performed cosmetic surgery in the United States, which means there are many providers offering the procedure, with wildly varying levels of skill, training, and credentials. Knowing how to distinguish a truly qualified surgeon from one who merely offers the surgery is essential to protecting your outcome and your health.
Start With Board Certification
The most important credential to verify is board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This certification requires completion of an accredited plastic surgery residency, passage of written and oral examinations, and ongoing continuing education. Surgeons certified only by less-rigorous boards, or not certified at all, may legally perform cosmetic procedures but lack the same standard of training. You can verify ABPS certification at certificationmatters.org.
Review Before-and-After Portfolios Carefully
A surgeon's gallery of before-and-after photos tells you more than any verbal claim. Look for:
- Patients with a similar body type to yours
- Consistent, natural-looking results across many patients, not just a few exceptional cases
- Evidence of good symmetry, appropriate implant positioning, and natural breast shape
- Transparency about revision cases and how they were handled
Ask the Right Questions at Your Consultation
Your initial consultation is your opportunity to evaluate the surgeon directly. Key questions to ask:
- How many breast augmentations do you perform per year?
- What implant brands do you use and why?
- What approach would you recommend for my anatomy and goals, and why?
- What is your revision policy if I am not satisfied?
- Where is the surgery performed, is the facility accredited?
- Who administers anesthesia, is it a board-certified anesthesiologist?
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Certain signals should prompt you to look elsewhere for care:
- Pressure to book surgery at the first consultation
- Unusually low pricing that seems too good to be true
- Inability to verify board certification
- Surgery offered in an unaccredited facility or private office
- Dismissal of your questions or concerns
At Svelta Plastic Surgery in Miami, our board-certified surgeons will take the time to answer every question and walk you through a personalized plan. Schedule your free consultation today.