To be confident with your breast surgery results you must have confidence in your surgeon. There is a distinct art to breast surgery. In addition to listening to a patient’s desires, a good surgeon must consider the patient’s body frame, proportions, skin and medical history. Whether you are interested in breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction or breast reconstruction, it is important to select a plastic surgeon you trust, with the right qualifications and experience in breast surgery.
Qualifications count:
The first thing you need to do is confirm your surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. I also recommend your breast surgeon hold membership in one of the higher-level associations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. These memberships ensure your surgeon has had the proper education and training, has met nationally recognized high standards and fulfills continuing education requirements.
As the Medical Director of Belcara Health, I take qualifications very seriously. Every member of my medical staff is highly credentialed in their specialties: from surgeons and anesthesiologists to registered nurses and aestheticians. In addition, our onsite surgical facility, Bellona Surgery Center meets the most stringent qualifications including a rigorous and voluntary accreditation by the AAAHC, an achievement only a few local facilities have earned.
Experience matters:
A good indicator of how well a physician performs a particular procedure is how frequently he/she has performed it successfully. Find out who the leading breast specialist is in your area. Carefully review a surgeon’s “before and after” photos of breast procedures. The read their patients’ testimonials and ask for patient referrals. Talking with someone who has had breast surgery can give you a good understanding of what to expect.
As a surgeon who specializes in breast surgery, I’m proud to have been selected as one of Mentor’s Top Surgeons in the country for 11 consecutive year, as well as being chosen a Top Doctor for plastic surgery of the breast and body every year since 2010 in Baltimore Magazine. I’m even more proud of the thousands of happy patients I’ve helped to feel good about themselves and the way they look. With over 25 years of performing breast surgery, I’ve perfected not only my surgical skills but also my artistic understanding of how to make women look proportionate and beautiful.
Comfort rules:
Even if a surgeon is fully qualified and experienced with a procedure, that person might not be right for you. You’ll get the best results from a surgeon with whom you feel comfortable – someone you trust. My breast surgery patients and I enter into a unique partnership; therefore I go the extra mile to earn their confidence and trust. I believe in communicating openly, listening actively and answering every question posed. Compassion, respect and personal care for every patient are fundamental elements of my practice’s philosophy.
I welcome your additional questions; for more answers, please call 410.296.0414 or contact me online.
Dr. Michael D. Cohen
Medical Director, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon & Breast Specialist
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