Finding Breast Reconstruction Surgeons

Undergoing a mastectomy is already a stressful experience, and taking the time to research the many breast reconstruction surgeons available may be the last thing on your mind. DocShop helps make the process easier by providing up-to-date information on breast reconstruction and a directory of reputable cosmetic surgeons in your area.

Selecting a Breast Reconstruction Surgeon

The majority of plastic surgeons are trained in methods of breast reconstruction. However, this does not guarantee that any given plastic surgeon will have extensive experience with breast reconstruction, nor does it guarantee that he or she has produced successful results. When seeking a qualified breast reconstruction surgeon, you have several resources at your disposal, including the DocShop directory. A good place to start is your own physician’s office. Speak with your doctor, nurses, and other medical professionals for advice and ask for referrals to any breast reconstruction surgeons they recommend. Other good resources include publications such as The Best Doctors in America, which designates the top doctors in a given region divided by practice area. The outline below will also help you remember specific qualities to look for during your search.

Board Certification

The surgeon you select should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and/or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. In addition, you may want to determine if your surgeon is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), which requires its members to attend regular medical education courses and follow a strict code of ethics. Ninety-four percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States are members of this society, which includes some of the best breast reconstructive surgeons in the nation.

Experience and Training

It is generally a good idea to choose a surgeon who not only specializes in breast reconstruction surgery, but also has extensive experience and training in the specific type of surgery you wish to undergo, be it TRAM flap breast reconstruction, latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction, gluteal flap breast reconstruction, DIEP breast reconstruction, or breast reconstruction with implants.

Previous Results

Your surgeon should be able to give you examples of successful surgeries he or she has performed in the past and provide before and after photos. You may also want to ask your surgeon if you may speak with one of his or her former patients. Breast reconstruction surgeons often refer their patients to speak with women who have already undergone reconstructive surgery. These women can not only help you understanding the surgery itself, but can also help you evaluate the surgeon you are considering.

Open Communication

Above all, your surgeon should be honest with you about your expected results, the risks of surgery, and its limitations. If a surgeon paints an overly-simple picture of the breast reconstruction procedure, he or she is probably leaving out some pretty important details. It is also highly desirable that your surgeon works closely with other medical professionals at the hospital or clinic where he or she resides. For example, partnership between a general surgeon and plastic surgeon ensures the safety of the patient and typically yields more aesthetic results. Most importantly, remember to trust your instincts; if you don’t feel comfortable voicing questions or concerns with the breast reconstruction surgeons you have interviewed so far, keep looking.

Locate Breast Reconstruction Surgeons near You

For a list of talented, board-certified breast reconstruction surgeons in your area, please consult DocShop’s cosmetic surgery directory.