Who is a Surgeon?

A surgeon is someone who is qualified to perform invasive surgical procedures. They have studied specialist surgery for a minimum of five years and have at least twelve years of total medical and surgical education. Surgeons are Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) or equivalent, and have undergone intensive training to perform invasive surgical procedures. A FRACS (Plast) member has studied and trained in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery for a minimum of five years after medical school. FRACS is the standard qualification required in Australia to perform surgery in private and public hospitals.

In any cosmetic surgery a comprehensive, informative and understandable consultation with the doctor performing the surgery is crucial. With breast implants it is even more important because you have numerous choices. It is the duty of your surgeon to explain these options to you. The choices include not only the size of the implants but also to the shape, the filling substance, the incision site and the type of anaesthetic to name a few. Your surgeon may offer only a limited combination of these options, but he should still explain to you the pros and cons of those that he does offer so that you can make a truly informed decision about your surgery.

There are many plastic surgeons that perform breast implants, but few of these doctors will have a personality that makes you feel comfortable and also have the certification, experience, and expertise to operate on you. Several factors should influence your final decision.

2) Referrals, Testimonials, and Before and After Photos : All breast implant revision doctors should be able to provide you with testimonials from satisfied patients and before and after photos so you can see the results achieved in previous procedures. If a breast implant revision surgeon does not offer these, you may ask how many procedures he or she has performed and whether you can contact his or her patients for testimonials

3) Honest and Open Communication: Some of the most important qualities breast implant doctors should have transcend technical expertise and experience. A surgeon you get along with is an invaluable resource. Patients will be more honest about their expectations and goals for surgery and experience better follow-up care with a surgeon who is attentive to their needs. Schedule consultations with potential surgeons prior to surgery to ensure honest and open communication will be possible with your doctor.