When interviewing plastic surgeons for your breast augmentation procedure, you'll want to first ensure that he or she has the right credentials and practices surgery in accordance to today's modern methodologies and standards. Before you commit to a plastic surgeon, it's important to do your own research and ask the right questions. d Here you'll find a list of some important questions to ask when talking with potential breast augmentation surgeons:

Is the breast augmentation surgeon a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons?

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons was established in 1931 with a mission of creating a set of ethical and safety standards that members must adhere to. To become a member of the organization, the plastic surgeons must be board certified, regularly attend courses to further their medical education, comply with a code of ethics, and operate in accredited facilities. Because 94% of certified plastic surgeons are members of the organization, this affiliation is certainly significant.

Does the breast augmentation surgeon prefer to insert implants above the muscle or under the muscle and why?

In a breast augmentation surgery, the implant is either place above or below the pectoralis (chest) muscle. When the implant is inserted below the pectoralis, this is referred to as a sub muscular breast augmentation. The sub muscular breast augmentation is advantageous because it reduces the visibility of the implant's shape and has shown to increase visibility during mammograms.

However, a sub muscular breast augmentation may not be the right choice for every woman. For example, women who have lost a great deal of volume in their breast and experience sagging skin may find a sub glandular (above the muscle) breast augmentation more beneficial. Sometimes augmentation in conjunction with a breast lift is a better choice. Your breast augmentation surgeon should be able to explain why one placement is more beneficial for your individual situation than the other.

How does the breast augmentation surgeon interpret your definition of breast size?

The concept of a breast size is subjective. Bra sizes are not universal and even if they were, a cup size does not adequately measure what must be added to achieve your ideal size. To avoid finding out after your breast augmentation surgery that your breasts are not the size you had imagined, you'll need to make sure you adequately convey this description to the surgeon.

Ask the breast augmentation surgeon about the process he or she uses to ensure that your idea of size matches. Your best option is to find an under wired bra in the size of your choice with a cup that is smooth and not too stretchy. Bring the bra with you on your initial consultation visit. The plastic surgeon can then try various implant sizes in the bra to find the one that you like the best. With this method, both you and the surgeon can see from your own perspectives the anticipated size. You will have a preview of the size that is right for you.

Never decide to go through with a surgery if you don't feel comfortable with the answers to any of your questions simply because the doctor has already vested time into your consultation. Do research, ask questions, and trust your instincts when it comes to choosing a plastic surgeon to perform your breast augmentation. At the end of a consultation you should have the information you need to make a good decision.