According to the most recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), breast augmentation is the most popular surgical cosmetic procedure performed in the U.S. with almost 300,000 performed in 2010. With breast lifts also among the most performed procedures in the past year,Sarasota plastic surgeon Dr. Jeff Scott says proper communication during a breast surgery consultation is one of the best ways for patients to help achieve the desired results due to several important factors.
At his Tampa Bay plastic surgery practice, Dr. Jeff Scott says patient consultations are an essential preliminary step in the cosmetic surgery process and a top priority in patient care, particularly in breast-related procedures as they become more and more popular. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) shows in its latest statistics that breast augmentation and breast lift procedures combined account for almost 25% (386,134 of the 1.6 million) of the total cosmetic surgical enhancements performed in 2010. Dr. Scott says that because breast surgery requires such an acute eye for aesthetic shape and personal preference, taking care as a patient to communicate properly with one’s surgeon can significantly enhance one’s results and satisfaction.
Performing approximately 300 breast augmentations and 100 breast lifts per year, Dr. Scott says he has encountered patients who know exactly what they want from a procedure and also patients who are looking for a professional opinion during their consultation. They say patients who are considering a breast lift or breast augmentation in Tampa Bay are typically looking to correct droopiness (ptosis) and/or create a more perky, full appearance. Dr. Scott says because each patient has different goals, discussing with one’s doctor exactly how they would like to look ensures the highest quality results are achieved.
“It basically boils down to the position of the nipple related to the breast inframammary fold and also if there is excess skin and breast glandular tissue ‘bottoming out’ below the nipple/areolar complex. Some women definitely know a breast lift is needed and come to my office requesting it. However, those that have less ptosis often are not sure. Keep in mind that a large percentage of women undergoing a breast lift also have implants placed to provide upper breast fullness to complete the natural perky appearance. Those decisions should be part of a lengthy discussion between the patient and her plastic surgeon.”
Regardless of whether patients are seeking breast surgery or another type of procedure, Dr. Scott adds patients should feel comfortable with their surgeon’s experience level, qualifications, and investment into their interests during the consultation. He adds that through the skilled hands of a passionate, board-certified plastic surgeon, patients can achieve natural and proportionate results that lead to increased self-confidence and a more positive outlook on life.
“It is very important that a patient only go to a plastic surgeon who is also a good listener. There is no procedure where it is more important to fully understand the patients goals and desired look than with breast augmentation and/or mastopexy. As a surgeon, I must first fully understand how each patient visualizes himself or herself appearing, and only then can I give him or her recommendations to accomplish those goals. It is important that patients leave the breast consultation with a good gut feeling that the plastic surgeon listened enough to fully understand and thus accomplish his or her desired goals.”
About Jeff Scott, MD, FACS
Dr. Jeff Scott earned his undergraduate degree with honors from the University of Oklahoma and his medical degree with honors from the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He completed a five-year residency in general surgery and trauma followed by a two-year residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond. Dr. Scott is board-certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Florida Medical Society, and the Manatee County Medical Society.
The Plastic Surgery Center in Florida has two locations at 5807 21st Avenue West in Bradenton, FL, reachable at (800) 941-4302, and 1219 East Ave South, Suite 201 in Sarasota, FL, reachable at (800) 305-2450. It can also be contacted online via the website floridacosmeticsurg.com.
