How do I choose a plastic surgeon I can trust?

Women and men who get cosmetic (also called “aesthetic”) plastic surgery like a breast augmentation, male breast reduction, mommy makeovers, etc. often spend years thinking about it. When they are ready to get the body they hoped for, they deserve to have a surgeon who can help them every step of the way.

When people visit me for a consultation, I share what I recommend everyone look for before they choose a surgeon.

First things first, check credentials. The surgeon should be board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) as a measurement of the high level of education and advanced training attained to ensure your overall safety. Next, check if the surgeon is a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) for high motivation to focus specifically on aesthetic surgery. An ASAPS member surgeon has a keen aesthetic sense and the ability to enhance your appearance.

There is more than just credentials, though. To ensure you are cared for every way, I recommend finding a surgeon with “The Eye, The Hand, and The Heart.” Let me explain:

The Aesthetic Eye – Each patient presents unique curves and bone structure and an artistically skilled surgeon knows how to make the desired outcome work perfectly on the “canvas.” Viewing before and after photos on the doctor’s website is helpful to assess the artistic eye.

The Hand – The hand is the technical skill. And that’s just from years and years of experience. Technical skill can usually be determined by evaluating patient reviews where you learn of the joy (or frustration) patients experience with their results.

The Heart – Lastly, a good cosmetic plastic surgeon must have the heart. You’ve got to love the work, love the patients, love the employees, and care about the quality of your patient’s entire experience with your practice. If you don’t, it will show up in a consultation with a team member, and online.

The best aesthetic results always happen when patient and doctor join forces with the same goal in mind. Helping people look and feel their best to reach their greatest potential is what cosmetic plastic surgery is all about. In my practice, I’ve been very fortunate. I always wanted the ability to treat one patient at a time and do the absolute best job I could conceivably do. And my caring and hard-working staff enables me to do that. For me, it’s a joy to do surgery and a true pleasure to see my patients experience life-changing happiness after their procedures.

About Dr. Schlesinger:
Dr. S. Larry Schlesinger is the Founder of The Breast Implant Center of Hawaii, specializing in breast augmentation, breast revision surgery, mommy makeovers, the Ultimate Silhouettplasty (TM), and male breast reduction. He is ABPS board certified plastic surgeon and member of the ASAPS with 36 years of practice experience exclusively in Hawaii.

Dr. Schlesinger is an early advocate of Natrelle® INSPIRA, the latest silicone breast implant designed for increased fullness and soft feel. He is the only plastic surgeon in Hawaii to achieve INSPIRA’s manufacturer Allergan’s prestigious 2016 Black Diamond designation for 2016, which represents the top 2 percent of all Allergan accounts.

For more information, please check out Dr. Schlesinger’s new e-book, Your Complete Guide to Breast Enhancement Surgery, downloadable on mobile devices and available online at www.breastimplantcenterofhawaii.com.