How to Find a Plastic Surgeon for Breast Augmentation or Revision Surgery

Choosing to undergo breast augmentation abroad can be an appealing option for many women, especially when considering the potential cost savings and access to advanced techniques like Transumbilical Breast Augmentation (T.U.B.A.)  which is available in the USA and not in the UK. However, it’s crucial to take into account the potential risks and ensure you’re prepared for any complications that may arise, whether you’re seeking lower cost breast augmentation in Turkey or extra-large breast augmentation in the USA.

Considerations Before Traveling for Surgery

One of the primary factors to consider before undergoing breast augmentation abroad is what happens if complications occur after surgery. While breast augmentation is generally considered safe, the possibility of complications, such as infection, hematomas, or seromas needs to be taken seriously. If you are traveling abroad, it’s vital to have a plan in place in case you need follow-up care. To mitigate the risk, you should arrange a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon in your home country. This ensures you have a trusted plastic surgeon to turn to if any complications arise post-surgery.

Initial breast augmentation surgery has less associated complications than revision surgery, if you are considering travelling abroad for revision breast surgery, its even more critical to ensure you have access to additional care in case of complications occurring at a later stage, once you have returned home.

Breast Augmentation Complications to Be Aware Of

While breast augmentation is typically a low-risk procedure, complications can occur, especially with revision surgeries. Infection, hematoma’s and seroma’s are some of the most common complications. An infection can lead to necrosis (death of cells) and can result in breast implant extrusion weeks after the procedure. Infections can also be deadly if not treated quickly. This is why if you are having breast augmentation surgery abroad, it is highly advisable to have a backup surgeon you can consult if you are unwell after the surgery when you return home. The NHS in the UK will treat surgical infections, however, it is unlikely they would replace breast implants if they had to be removed.

Choosing the Best Plastic Surgeon and Facility

Financial savings are one of the primary reasons women choose to undergo breast augmentation abroad. But, saving money should never come at the expense of high quality care. With proper research, it is possible to find qualified surgeons abroad who can perform breast augmentation or revision surgery for a fraction of the cost in the UK or USA.

Before you commit to travelling abroad, you should always verify the following:

• Plastic Surgeon’s Qualifications: Always check the surgeon’s credentials with external, reputable regulatory bodies rather than relying on the information on their website alone.
• Clinic Accreditation: Ensure the clinic or hospital has proper accreditation from external, governing bodies that ensure high medical standards.

Important Considerations

• Cost of Revision Surgery: Understand the potential cost and process of revision surgery should complications arise when you’re back home.
• Emergency Care Needs: If complications occur while abroad, it’s essential to know the steps to take to receive medical care quickly and understand the costs of being transferred to another facility if necessary.
• Emotional Impact: Breast augmentation or revision surgery is a significant decision, and recovering alone, especially in a foreign country, can be challenging. Be sure you’re prepared for the emotional aspects of the recovery process.
• Language Barriers: Communication with your surgeon and medical team is crucial for successful recovery. Consider potential language barriers and how they may impact your care.

Remember: Revision surgery for breast augmentation complications such as capsular contraction may be required months or even years after the initial procedure. Always check what revision surgery you are covered for if required, before deciding on a plastic surgeon or cosmetic surgery provider.

Related Reading: Breast Augmentation with Implants.

What to Consider When Selecting a Plastic Surgeon

• Relying on Online Reviews: Never choose a plastic surgeon based on reviews online, they may be fake or just feature a handful of patients that have been satisfied. A few good reviews give no indication how many patients have experienced complications. Patients that are choosing to pursue compensation may have been advised not to leave a negative review or may agree to an out of court settlement with an NDA.
• Before and After Photos: Surgeons often showcase their best results, but these photos do not represent the full spectrum of possible outcomes. It’s important to remember that each patient’s body reacts differently to breast surgery.

Questions to Ask Prior to Booking Any Plastic Surgery Procedure

Before booking your breast augmentation or revision surgery, always request a virtual or if possible, a face to face consultation with your chosen plastic surgeon. Here are some critical questions to ask during your consultation:

1. What is the plastic surgeon’s experience with breast augmentation procedures, particularly in patients of your size and body type?
2. What manufacturer of breast implants do they use?
3. Can the plastic surgeon provide credentials and evidence of their work, including patient outcomes?
4. What are the risks specific to the type of breast augmentation you are considering (e.g. extra-large breast augmentation or T.U.B.A)?
5. What costs are covered if you need to be transferred to a different surgical facility due to complications?
6. What are the accreditations and name of any facility you would be transferred to if you needed further treatment?
7. What kind of follow-up care is provided and what costs of revision surgeries are covered long-term?

Related Reading: Travelling From the UK to the USA for Extra Large Breast Augmentation

While breast augmentation abroad offers many potential benefits, it requires careful planning and research to ensure a safe and successful experience. Whether you’re considering breast augmentation in Turkey, opting for extra-large breast augmentation in the USA, or seeking T.U.B.A. techniques, always prioritise your safety over cost savings alone.

Reference Section

In this section, you’ll find a collection of carefully curated references, including medical papers, trusted studies, and authoritative resources, to support the information provided throughout this article. These references are essential for validating the accuracy and reliability of the content, ensuring that the advice and insights shared are grounded in credible scientific research and expert opinions.

• Bradley P. Bengtson, Complications, Reoperations, and Revisions in Breast Augmentation, Clinics in Plastic Surgery, Volume 36, Issue 1,
  2009, Pages 139-156, ISSN 0094-1298, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cps.2008.08.002.
• Xu HH, Abi-Rafeh J, Davison P, Winocour S, Matros E, Vorstenbosch J. Complications of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Breast Implant Capsulectomy: An Analysis of 7486 Patients Using Nationwide Outcomes Data. Aesthet Surg J. 2024 Aug 20;44(9):936-945. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjae068. PMID: 38518757; PMCID: PMC11334206.