How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon for Breast Augmentation

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How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon for Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation is a surgery you want done RIGHT the first time. It is imperative to research your surgeon to make sure they are very qualified specifically for breast augmentation surgery. Our mission at Alamo Plastic Surgery (specializing in breast and body) is to provide exceptional value through patient education, empowerment, and incredible results!

1. Look at Plastic Surgeons Online

- 5 Star Online Reviews  

Check Google, RealSelf, and Healthgrades reviews on the plastic surgeon. On RealSelf you can look for Verified doctors which indicates they have good reviews and are skilled in plastic surgery. You really want someone with a 5 Star rating. Multiple poor reviews indicate the surgeon is not good.

- Review Before and After Photos

This is just as critical as the reviews. The surgeons should have awesome before and afters on their website for Breast Augmentation. Bonus points if they have descriptions of the patient and surgeries performed. Check out this blog article on what to look for in Before and After Photos. Key points are to ensure implants are level, nipples are symmetrical, and breast size is equal. I started looking 6 months ago when I started helping with the practice and was totally overwhelmed. This is normal so I put together a guide to help you.

- Absolutely Ensure Plastic Surgeon is Board Certified

This is an absolute MUST. You may be surprised that a surgeon is not certified, but it is a huge red flag. There are surgeons in San Antonio who advertise as plastic surgeons who are not Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Be very wary. You can easily verify through this link.

2. Book Consultations!

Choose two to three plastic surgeons in your area and schedule consultations based on your research above. Check consultation fees. Make sure to ask if the consultation is complimentary. Alamo Plastic Surgery has free consultations mainly because we want there to be no barrier for Dr. Albright to educate you on the procedure. We encourage people to go to at least two consultations so they can make sure the plan the plastic surgeon suggests is sound and meets their cosmetic goals. Some may have a small fee to hold your appointment and to cover the doctor’s time. Although the fees can add up, it is worth the peace of mind to know you’ve picked the surgeon best suited to meet your goals.

3. Bring a Friend to the Consultation

The consultation may feel a little overwhelming so often a friend is great for moral support!

We also recommend similar to go to the hair stylist for a new cut or color you should also bring pictures to your plastic surgeon.  It doesn’t even have to show the full breast but let your surgeon know how much cleavage you want and the general shape of the breast.  Typically they will speak about it as lower pole (bottom of the breast) and upper pole (top of breast) volume.  Your plastic surgeon can guide you to the right pocket and implant to meet your goals.  

4. Questions to Ask at the Consultation

• Has the plastic surgeon experienced complications with the surgery? What are they?
• Do they recommend subglandular, partial subglandular, or total submuscular implant placement?
• What implant type do they recommend?
• What size implant do they recommend?
• If there are complications, how are they handled and what costs could be incurred?
• Where is the operation performed? Although it can be done safely, you may want to think twice about surgeons performing major procedures in their office. Unfortunately, complications are sometimes ignored or dismissed at an office without proper treatment capabilities, versus at a surgical center or hospital, where complications are monitored and may need to be reported to the state. Surgery at a hospital or surgical center may also ensure additional competent medical support if it becomes necessary.

5. Quote

Many surgeons will tell you to put a down payment on the procedure at the consultation for 10% discount. Don't fall for this pressure sales tactic!!!!

• Unfortunately there are many bad sales tactics that plastic surgeons use. Do not fall for pressure sales. It is a major RED FLAG.
• Quotes should break out surgeons fees, implant cost (silicone more expensive than saline), anesthesia, and surgery center fees.
• Ask about financing options. At Alamo Plastic Surgery we Care Credit and Patient Fi. With Patient Fi you can finance the whole procedure for up to three years so monthly payments are as low as $137 / month which patients love (replace cable with YouTube TV and you are almost there!).
• You should review the quotes from the other consultations and go with who you think is best for the price!

Interested in a Mommy Makeover as well? Check out this on Alamo City Moms for 7 Tips for a Perfect Mommy Makeover.