Whether you are looking for breast augmentation or breast reduction, finding a plastic surgeon for your breast surgery is important. There are a lot of clinics out there that take advantage of the fact that most people don't do their homework. That is why you need to know exactly what to look for.

Go With A Referral

When it comes to finding the right doctor, there are lots of places to look. Breast augmentation clinics advertise on TV and in the yellow pages. Where do you find a good, reputable clinic that you can trust?

The best way to find a doctor for your breast surgery is to talk to your own general practictioner and get a referral. You should always discuss your breast augmentation plans with your general practictioner anyway, and this way you know you'll be getting someone you can trust. In addition to being in touch with the medical community, your general practictioner knows and understands your individual needs better than anyone else.

Check With The Board

You shouldn't stop with a referral. It always pays to do a little homework before you settle on a doctor. Before you decide, you should check to see if the doctor is board certified to do plastic surgery.

They should definitely be a member of the American Board of Plastic Surgeons (ABPS). This means that they have the proper qualifications, education and experience to carry out any plastic surgery operation. In order to be certified by the ABPS, they have to have completed a medical program from an accredited university, and had several years of working experience in different fields of practice.

Another thing to look for is a membership in the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). Membership in the ASAPS is by invite only, so it means that they know their stuff. It also means that they are a member of the ABPS. It's a pre-requisite to joining the ASAPS.

Hospital Qualifications

A good way to see if your plastic surgeon is skilled and experienced is to see if they are qualified to work in a hospital. Most plastic surgery operations are done in small, specialized clinics. But, if the doctor is also qualified to work in a major hospital, this means that they will have an even better idea of what they are doing.

There are two ways to check on this. You can contact the American Medical Association, but they charge a fee to divulge any information. You can also check in your local library with the American Medical Directory in the reference area for free.

At The Consultation

Many prospective patients get nervous and intimidated during the consultation, and this can be a big problem. While you are there, ask yourself, are the staff friendly and professional? Is it comfortable being there? Can you ask the doctor anything?

These considerations are important because you should make the best use of your consultation. Ask the doctor lots of questions. For instance, ask them to tell you in detail everything that they are going to do, and make sure you understand it. If it is not clear, or if the surgeon is being vague, you might want to go somewhere else.

Ask the doctor about their experience doing breast augmentation work in particular. You are better off with a doctor who specializes in this field. As for before and after pictures of past patients. A doctor who knows they have done good work in the past will be happy to provide them.

Remember that your breast augmentation surgery is a serious operation. TV ads make it seem trivial, but it should be treated just like an operation for any serious illness or injury.

If you have any doubts at all about the doctor, shop around for someone else. It's too important to leave in the hands of someone you can't trust.