The choice of a plastic surgeon for breast reconstruction surgery is a decision that will affect a patient’s life for many years to come, if not her entire lifetime.
The patient can benefit significantly from a successful breast reconstruction procedure, as long as it is performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon.
On the other hand, in the hands of an inexperienced or less qualified plastic surgeon, the chances of poor results increase. This may mean additional expense, time, and disappointment for the patient. Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides breast reconstruction to patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding locations.
Why Choose an ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon?
Ideally, patients should work with an American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) certified plastic surgeon for their breast reconstruction procedure.
Many people hold a misconception that state medical boards provide a credible indication of the skills and training of the surgeon on the procedures that they promote.
In reality, however, surgeons are not required by law to be trained in the specific surgical procedures that they offer to patients. This makes it even more vital for the patient to work with an ABPS certified surgeon for their breast reconstruction procedure.
A doctor must undertake a minimum number of years of surgical training after medical school to receive this prestigious certification. In addition, they must undergo plastic surgery residency training for at least three years and clear a written and oral exam as well.
After completing their training, the surgeon will need to submit documentation on the cases that they take on to the board. The board also requires surgeons to take renewal exams every ten years to retain their certification.
The patient should choose a plastic surgeon whose cosmetic sensibilities appeal to them.
It is important to accomplish natural looking outcomes in breast reconstruction. Apart from relying on recommendations and the cosmetic surgeon’s experience, the patient should also see pictures of previous breast reconstruction patients who have undergone this procedure with the surgeon and understand how these relate to their own aesthetic sense.
A Patient’s Predilection
Reviewing breast reconstruction before and after pictures of previous patients will help the patient understand the breast surgeon’s artistic sensibilities. They should assess whether the results appeal to them.
They should pay close attention to previous patients who look similar to them, especially in terms of torso and breast shape.
The patient should also check the results of the surgeon’s previous breast reconstruction patients for consistency and understand if they find the outcomes appealing.
It is important that the patient feels at ease and relaxed with the plastic surgeon and their staff. Working with a plastic surgeon with whom the patient feels comfortable is vital for a significant procedure such as breast reconstruction surgery.
Questions to Ask
When identifying a suitable plastic surgeon, the patient should ask themselves the following questions:
- Am I comfortable in the company of this surgeon?
- Do I trust that this surgeon will recommend safe and appropriate procedures to me?
- Is the surgeon friendly and approachable? Will I be able to ask them any questions that I may have during the surgical process?
- Will I be able to comfortably reveal my entire medical history and lifestyle behaviors to this surgeon?
Do Your Research
The decision to undergo breast reconstruction plastic surgery is a significant one. Along with committing time to the surgical process, the patient should also set aside enough time to perform thorough research on the procedure and the surgeon.
The patient should be upfront and well-informed. Undergoing breast reconstruction surgery can be life-altering for the patient. Therefore, she should try to get the most from her consultation with a plastic surgeon to ensure that this decision is the right one.
Female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas, and nearby areas for breast reconstruction.
For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board-certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.
