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Step 1
Ask the surgeon about his post-residency training. Find out whether he has completed any additional certifications.
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Step 2
Inquire about how many breast enhancement surgeries the doctor has performed. This will help you get an idea of his experience level at performing breast augmentations.
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Step 3
Confirm how many surgeries are scheduled in an average week. Too many surgeries on the schedule may mean the surgeon is rushing to complete procedures.
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Step 4
Select a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties. See the Resources section below for a link. This is key to knowing that the surgeon is staying current with certifications. It is also a way to uncover any advanced-specialty training.
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Step 5
Assess each surgeon's demeanor. Select the surgeon you feel most comfortable with. Knowing that you can comfortably discuss your concerns with your surgeon is essential.
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Step 6
Ask about past or pending lawsuits. While this is not necessarily the most important piece of information, it can help you make an informed decision.
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Step 7
Look at the before and after pictures of the surgeon's patients. You can get a good idea of her overall skills by looking through the photos. Remember, this is not a guarantee of your outcome, but it can be used to evaluate the potential for satisfactory results.
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Step 8
Find out who is charged with treating patients for follow-up care. Some surgeons work as part of a team. In such a case, you may find that follow up care is done on a rotational basis.
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Step 9
Learn about the hospital where your surgeon has privileges. While breast implant surgery can be performed in a doctor's office operating room, you want to be assured that the doctor has privileges at a nearby hospital. These privileges may become necessary in an emergency.
