Women who are considering undergoing breast augmentation with implants should take the time to thoroughly research the procedure and the plastic surgeon or surgeons she plans to consult. This can seem like a daunting task but is incredibly important, because, like other cosmetic surgeries, a breast enlargement requires an experienced and skillful surgeon to carefully tailor the procedure to the patient’s unique body type and lifestyle.

When women research breast augmentation, the process often begins with the internet, and luckily, there are a number of highly reputable resources available for a potential patient seeking a breast enlargement procedure. Some of these resources include the American Board of Medical Specialties, the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and RealSelf.com.

The American Board of Medical Specialties

The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) is a non-profit organization established in 1933 that oversees the certification of physician specialists throughout the United States. The ABMS is comprised of 24 medical specialty Member Boards, and helps those individual boards develop and employ certain educational and professional guidelines to evaluate and certify physicians of a particular medical specialty. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is one of the 24 Member Boards.

ABMS focuses on ensuring proper physician certification through its dedication to maintain and improve patient care. To confirm board certification of a breast augmentation surgeon, a patient can visit the ABMS website, click the “Is Your Doctor Certified?” button in the left navigation bar, and enter a doctor’s information.

The American Board of Plastic Surgery

The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is the premier certifying board for plastic surgeons. ABPS is committed to promoting safe, ethical, and effective plastic surgery for patients by upholding certain high-level standards that plastic surgeons must meet. Established in 1937, the ABPS is the only board that certifies surgeons who perform the full range of plastic surgery procedures. Board Certification candidates must meet a variety of educational, training, and professional criteria to earn and maintain Board Certification. Furthermore, candidates must pass exhaustive oral and written exams that are administered by ABPS.

The ABPS website has many resources for patients, including a search tool to confirm Board Certification, as well as a number of frequently asked questions and downloadable documents regarding the ABPS Code of Ethics, Discipline Policy, and others.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) is a professional organization whose more than 2,600 members are plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Founded in 1967, the ASAPS is an organization that focuses on providing continuing education for surgeons, compiling research data, and dispersing timely news and information to the public, as well as promoting patient advocacy and the highest standards of professional conduct.

Patients considering undergoing breast augmentation can go to the ASAPS website to find a member plastic surgeon, learn more about specific procedures, and review before and after photos. Additionally, patients can explore the Consumer Resources page, which features sections focused on consumer tips, frequently asked questions, news and trends, and quick facts. Patients may also view videos posted on the Consumer Resources page.

RealSelf.com

RealSelf.com is an excellent resource for potential breast augmentation patients. This website features robust forums in which patients discuss specific procedures, ask a variety of questions, express concerns, review surgeons, view before and after photos, and share surgical experiences.

The major benefit of exploring RealSelf lies in the detailed responses to patient questions from plastic surgeons from around the country. The surgeons who participate in the Question and Answer forums and local directories must meet Board Certification and licensing requirements to join RealSelf, so patients can trust that the information and opinions provided are from qualified surgeons.

Consult a Surgeon

Once a patient has thoroughly researched breast augmentation, it’s time to consult an experienced plastic surgeon certified by the ABPS. It’s important for a woman to take note of how well a surgeon listens to her reasons for and expectations of breast enlargement, and how well the surgeon interacts with her. Deciding to undergo breast augmentation involves a serious commitment, so it’s imperative that a patient feel 100 percent comfortable with her chosen surgeon.

Katie Perry is an online content editor in the Tampa Bay area. She posts articles about plastic surgery topics and procedures including breast augmentation, breast implants, and more.

Katie Perry is an online content editor in the Tampa Bay area. She posts articles about plastic surgery topics and procedures including http://bayshoreplasticsurgery.com/ breast augmentation, breast implants, and more.

Author Bio: Katie Perry is an online content editor in the Tampa Bay area. She posts articles about plastic surgery topics and procedures including breast augmentation, breast implants, and more.

Category: Medical Business
Keywords: breast augmentation, breast enhancement, breast enlargement, breast implants