How to choose the best surgeon for your breast lift

The plastic surgeon you choose when having a breast lift will largely determine the results achieved. Therefore it is important NOT to select a doctor based on pricing alone. It is worth saving to be able to afford to have the procedure done by an experienced, reputable surgeon.

The choice of surgeon should be based on the following:

• Training, education and certification (Where did they study? Are they board-certified?)
• Experience
• Results achieved in previous patients (You can and should ask for before and after examples)
• Your level of comfort around them

Do some research and ask around to others who may be able to get you in touch with a surgeon. Choosing your surgeon is the most important decision to make and you need to feel confident and comfortable with your choice.

Ensure that they are board-certified and that the surgery will take place in a facility that is accredited. Many surgeons offer payment plans or financing options, always ask about these.

What to expect during your first breast lift consultation

When you first walk into the consultation room, the surgeon will ask you some questions about your current health, what your issue with your breasts is and what you want to achieve. It is vital that you ask any questions that you may have in order to clear up the confusion you have about the surgery.

He/she may ask if you have any questions. It is at this point that you can ask them to show you before and after photos of their work, how many surgeries they've performed and anything else that concerns you.

If you do not feel comfortable with a specific plastic surgeon or the way they answer your questions, you do not have to choose them and you should meet with a few others to find one that makes you feel comfortable, answers all questions to your satisfaction and does not pressure you into the procedure. Regardless of whether you choose to proceed with the surgery or not, consultations always come with a fee.

Once an initial discussion take places, the surgeon will most likely ask you to go into a room or behind a curtain and take off your top and bra. There will be a gown hanging up or on the bed for you. He/she will then come into the room and assess your breasts.

The surgeon will then consider the following:

• The current size of your breasts
• The shape and size that you want
• The volume and quality of your current breast tissue
• Your skin quality
• The nipple and areola placements

He/she will measure, photograph and examine your breasts while assessing them, they may also recommend that you have another surgery such as a breast augmentation in conjunction with the breast lift. The surgeon should also talk about what incision method will be best to address your concerns.

To photograph your breasts, you will be asked to stand topless against a wall in the room. Photographs will be taken from the front and of both sides of the boobs. Many women feel uncomfortable with this, however, this is purely for professional purposes when planning the surgery and to record the 'before and after results for comparison. The surgeon should not make you feel uncomfortable during this or any other part of the consultation. It is, however, a very intrusive surgery and some kind of personal discomfort is to be expected.

You will also need to disclose certain medical information about past surgeries, any medical conditions you may have, your mammogram results, treatments you have received and allergies to any medications. You will also need to tell him/her if you are planning to become pregnant or lose a large amount of weight.

You may be asked to get to your goal weight before surgery as this will impact the amount of excess skin of the breasts. It is also sometimes advised to wait until after you have had a child to have the surgery as pregnancy can negatively impact the results of the surgery.