More than 300,000 breast augmentation surgeries were performed in 2023 (according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons), making it the second-most popular cosmetic surgery in the United States.
And with nearly 8,000 ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeons in the US (many of whom live and work in the Chicago community), patients have what seems to be a never-ending list of surgeons to choose from. But just because someone’s capable of doing the surgery doesn’t mean they’re the right surgeon for you.
That’s why finding the best surgeon is the most critical decision made in your breast augmentation journey – especially since the results of your surgery are 100% dependent on your surgeon’s abilities. Here at Chicago Aesthetic Surgery Institute, we want each and every patient to not only feel comfortable in their decision to undergo breast surgery but also feel confident that they’re in the best hands possible with Dr. Steven Szczerba.
What to Look for In a Breast Augmentation Surgeon
If you’re reading this, you’re probably asking yourself, “So, how do I find the best breast augmentation surgeon near me—and what exactly should I be looking for in a Chicago breast augmentation surgeon?”
Don’t worry – you’re not alone, and we have the blueprint. For starters, while we live in a digital world dominated by virtual meetings and instant messages, finding the right surgeon requires a real-life, face-to-face, one-on-one consultation.
It’s during this consultation that you’ll get to voice any concerns you might have about the size and shape of your breasts – as well as any concerns you might have about the procedure and the surgeon behind it. But that initial consultation is only half the battle.
In addition to speaking directly with the surgeon, we recommend talking to (or reading about) some of their previous patients – many of whom aren’t afraid to give you an honest review of what to expect.
Here are the most important things to consider as you continue your research.
Board-certified by the ABPS
The first thing you want to confirm is that your surgeon is qualified to perform breast surgery—not just because they have a degree in that field but also the surgical training to accompany it.
And making sure they’re board-certified is the easiest way to confirm that. Luckily for you, the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), which is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), maintains a written record of who’s certified (and who’s not). You can click here to see if your surgeon is board-certified by the ABPS.
Experience & Specialty
Having the training and certification is one thing, but being able to apply what they’ve learned and using that knowledge in real-life situations is a completely different story – no matter how talented they are. That’s why experience is so important – it means they’ve already been there and done that.
But when looking for a breast surgeon, make sure they have experience working with patients who have similar concerns as you and specialize in the type of breast surgery you’re interested in.
In this case, you’ll want to confirm that they specialize in breast augmentation with breast implants.
Testimonials & Reviews
As we mentioned above, you can learn a lot about a surgeon by studying their previous work – and the best way to do so is by reading testimonials, reviews and references from some of their past patients. You can find these on social media, Yelp, Google and through word of mouth.
For example, let’s say you have 15 minutes to spare before your consultation starts. Don’t be afraid to speak with some of the other patients in the lobby and ask them about their experience with the surgeon. We also recommend looking at some of their before and after photos to see the results for yourself.
Facility & Technology
A surgeon can have all the necessary training and certifications, but none of it matters if they don’t have an accredited and accommodating facility equipped with the proper technology, tools and equipment. If the facility isn’t held to the highest standards of safety, quality and patient care, then it can’t be trusted.
Keep in mind that most breast augmentation surgeries don’t take place in a hospital setting. The chances of something going wrong during or after the procedure are high if the necessary precautions aren’t met.
Trust & Transparency
As you narrow your options down, you’ll likely find yourself favoring several surgeons over the rest. Once you get to this point in the selection process, it’s time to make a difficult (and very important) decision. If they’re all equally qualified, your decision should boil down to who you feel most comfortable around.
You not only want to trust that your surgeon can perform the surgery successfully, but you want to know they’re being transparent about the process and what to expect from the moment you first meet them.
Stefan Szczerba, MD: Proudly Serving the Chicago Community
Dr. Szczerba is a double board-certified breast augmentation surgeon who has been named a “TOP” doctor by realself.com, and is currently a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). He performs anywhere from three to nine breast augmentation surgeries every single week, meaning there’s nothing he hasn’t seen and nothing he isn’t prepared to fix – no matter how big the challenge is.
Have your surgery done by the best in Chicago. Contact us today at (847) 853-9900 or click here to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Szczerba. You’re only one step away from having the breast size you’ve always wanted!
