So you’ve made the decision to undergo a breast augmentation or reduction surgery and now you’re wondering what’s next. Selecting a Long Island area cosmetic breast surgeon can be quite overwhelming. You’re literally trusting this person with your safety and hoping they can give you the results you long for. Selecting a surgeon requires some serious thought and lots of research. Asking the right questions can help you determine which surgeon is the best fit for you. Here, our plastic surgeons at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery in Huntington, NY can help.
How long have they been practicing?
It’s important to approach your potential plastic surgeon well prepared and ready to ask questions. Inquire about the length of time the surgeon has been performing breast augmentation or reduction surgeries, if they prefer one technique over another, and how many procedures have they performed along with how often. Someone who has had years of experience performing these procedures can provide great insight into what will work best with your body and desired results.
Ask to see photos
The proof is in the pudding they always say. So it’s a good idea to request photos of the surgeon’s prior procedures. Before and after pictures allow you to see the surgeon’s work and decide whether or not the results are what you’re looking for. Also, discussing a procedure is one thing, but viewing actual photos will give you a much better idea of realistic expectations.
The Internet is your friend
When in doubt, Google the surgeon, you’re sure to find a vast amount of information this way. Read reviews from actual Long Island area patients and learn what they liked and disliked about their experience. Check the ratings of the practice to learn how patients were treated, and if they’d return. Real life experiences can give you a great idea of what to expect, but you also need to keep in mind that not every review you read is accurate. A prior patient may be upset with the doctor and leave a bad review to seek revenge or to discredit the doctor.
Check their Credentials
You can also use the Internet to verify if a physician is board-certified by searching the official medical board website specific to your state. Enter the surgeon’s name into the database to see how long they’ve had their license and where they went to school and the training they received.
Ask those closest to you
The best way to find a good surgeon is by personal referrals. Ask around and see who your friends and family used for their breast procedure. Friends and family are an excellent resource as they can provide honest feedback and may even let you see the results of their surgery. It’s also a good idea to ask those more in-depth questions like what they loved about the surgeon and what things they wish they could have changed about the experience. Friends and family don’t hold back and will tend to share the good, the bad, and the ugly with you. You may also learn more about the procedure and recovery this way and be better prepared to ask questions during your consultation.
Schedule a consultation
Scheduling a consultation is a good way to find out more about the practice as a whole. How does the front desk treat you upon entering the building? Are they friendly and accommodating, or are they rude and standoffish? Realize these are the people that you will have to communicate with for appointment scheduling, payment options, and more. They’re also the gatekeepers to the nurses and doctors as you tend to have to go through the front desk first when calling with questions.
Ask away!
When you meet with the surgeon, have a list of questions ready to go and make sure you’re on the same page with everything. You want someone who isn’t rushed and who doesn’t rush you, and takes the time to make you feel at ease. If you feel like the surgeon isn’t listening to your concerns or is headed in the opposite direction from what you’re wanting, then it might not be a good fit. It’s important that the doctor is thorough and takes the time to go over the procedure with you to discuss all risks and benefits associated with the surgery.
Discuss the cost
It’s important to have a clear understanding around the cost of the procedure. Typically breast augmentation is not covered under medical insurance so you need to know what you’re getting into. There is a chance that a breast reduction will be covered by insurance so be sure to discuss this possibility with your surgeon and iron out the details. It’s wise to get the agreed upon price in writing and verify that amount covers everything including the surgeon’s fees, anesthesia, and/or surgery center fees. Some surgeons may offer special financing or payment plans to help with the costs. You’ll want to have all the pricing details squared away so you don’t encounter any surprises later down the road. The bottom line is if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Final thoughts
Breast enhancement and reduction surgeries are quite common these days, but that doesn’t mean all surgeons are highly-skilled and trained in these procedures. Take your time to interview various doctors throughout Long Island or call Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery in Huntington, NY to talk with one of our experienced plastic surgeons. Take one less worry out of the equation by finding a doctor you’re confident in, and one that you fully trust to help you achieve your desired results.
