If you or a loved one is contemplating breast augmentation or reduction surgery, you should first research the surgeon you have chosen before consulting with him/her. Make sure they are qualified and competent. The following is a list of things to consider before choosing a doctor for surgery.
- Is the surgeon a board-certified plastic surgeon?
- Is the hospital or medical center accredited?
- Is the surgeon allowed to perform surgery in hospitals?
- Does the surgeon have good references from other doctors?
- Have you verified the surgeon’s experience?
Women elect to have breast augmentation or reduction for different reasons but inept surgeons or poor surgical procedure can result in dissatisfaction or complications. An error in surgery may increase the risk of:
- Disproportionate or incorrect breast size
- Excessive or unreasonable scars
- Capsular contracture (hardening of the breasts)
- Asymmetry (unevenness)
- Loss of feeling in the breasts or nipples
- Nerve damage
- Injury to the nipple(s)
- Disfigurement
Once you have undergone surgery for breast reduction, you should ask yourself the following questions:
- Was your surgeon qualified and competent to perform the surgery?
- Do you have complications, such as bleeding, severe pain, infection or unreasonable scarring?
- Did the results of the surgery meet your expectations?
- Before the surgery, were you made aware of the risks and complications that could result from the surgery?
- Did you have more surgery than you agreed to?