Who is the best plastic surgeon for breast augmentation?
Medically reviewed by Dr. T. Y. Steven Ip, MD, FACS, board certified plastic surgeon Updated
The best surgeon for your breast augmentation is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, performs breast implant surgery routinely, helps you choose implants that fit your frame, operates in an accredited surgery center and can show you results on patients like you. Here is how to check each point before you book.
What to check before you choose a breast augmentation surgeon
There is no official ranking of surgeons, so the best one for you is the one who meets every point below. Use the same list for each surgeon you meet.
Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Why it matters
The board certifies surgeons who finished plastic surgery training and passed written and oral exams on all plastic surgery procedures. Some doctors say they are board certified without naming the board, and no recognized medical board has "cosmetic surgery" in its name.
How to check
Search the surgeon's name in the board's free certification lookup.
Verify a surgeon's certification (opens in a new tab)A member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Why it matters
Members must be certified in plastic surgery, complete continuing education every year and operate in accredited, state-licensed or Medicare-certified facilities.
How to check
Ask the surgeon, or read the society's own guide to choosing a breast augmentation surgeon.
Read the ASPS guide (opens in a new tab)Experience with breast implant surgery
Why it matters
Breast augmentation is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries, but natural results take practice. You want a surgeon who performs breast augmentation routinely and can also correct implant problems when they happen.
How to check
Ask how many breast augmentations the surgeon performs, and whether they perform revision surgery on implants placed by other surgeons.
Help choosing the right implants
Why it matters
Silicone or saline, the incision, placement above or below the muscle, profile and size all change how your breasts look and feel. The right choice depends on your frame, your breast tissue and your goals.
How to check
Ask to see the implant options, and ask the surgeon to explain why they recommend each choice for your body.
Compare breast implant optionsBefore and after photos of their own patients
Why it matters
Photos show a surgeon's skill and sense of proportion better than any description can.
How to check
Ask for results on patients whose height, weight, starting size and goals are close to yours, and confirm they are the surgeon's own patients.
An accredited surgery center
Why it matters
Accreditation means the facility meets set standards for safety, equipment and staff.
How to check
Ask where your surgery will take place and which organization accredits it.
Clear answers about anesthesia
Why it matters
Anesthesia care is a big part of your safety on surgery day.
How to check
Ask what type of anesthesia you will have, who will give it and how you will be monitored.
Reviews from real patients
Why it matters
Reviews show how a practice treats people before and after surgery, not only in the operating room.
How to check
Read reviews on independent sites such as Google and Yelp, and look for patterns rather than a single comment.
A consultation without pressure
Why it matters
A good surgeon recommends implants that suit your frame, not the biggest size or the most expensive option, and gives you time to decide.
How to check
Meet more than one surgeon if you like. You should never feel pushed to book or pay on the spot.
How Dr. Ip measures up against this checklist
Hold every surgeon to the same standard, including ours. Here is how T. Y. Steven Ip, MD meets each point, so you can compare for yourself.
Board certification
Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Society membership
Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Experience
A specialist in breast implant surgery who has performed thousands of breast augmentation surgeries and is frequently asked to perform revisional breast implant surgery done by other surgeons. Board certified since 2001.
Breast augmentationImplant choice
Shows you all the different breast implant products at your consultation and helps you choose your implants at your pre-op visit.
Breast implant optionsTraining
Surgery training at Columbia University in New York City and plastic surgery training at Duke University.
About Dr. IpSurgery centers
Performs most of his surgeries at Fashion Island Surgery, Bedford Surgical Center and Park Avenue Surgery Center, accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities and certified by Medicare.
Anesthesia
Breast implant surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia with a board-certified anesthesiologist.
Patient photos
Before and after photos of his own breast augmentation, breast lift and implant revision patients, with each patient's height, weight, cup change and implant size.
See the photosWarning signs to watch for
If you notice any of these at a consultation, slow down and get a second opinion.
"Board certified" with no board named
Ask which board. For plastic surgery, the answer should be the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Pressure to book today
Same-day deposits, expiring deals and hard sells put the sale ahead of your decision.
No photos of their own patients
Stock images or a handful of results tell you little about what the surgeon can do for you.
Vague answers about where surgery happens
If the office can't name the facility and who accredits it, keep looking.
A firm price before an exam
Breast augmentation is planned for one body. An honest quote follows a consultation and a physical exam.
One implant size for everyone
A surgeon who suggests a size before measuring your chest and breasts is not planning for your frame.
Promises of perfect results
Every surgery has scars, recovery and risks. A careful surgeon explains them plainly.
Questions to ask at your consultation
Bring these to every surgeon you meet. Clear, specific answers are a good sign. Vague ones are worth a follow-up.
Request a consultation- Which board certifies you in plastic surgery?
- How many breast augmentations do you perform, and do you correct implant problems from other surgeons?
- Can I see before and after photos of patients with a frame and starting size like mine?
- Do you recommend silicone or saline implants for me, and why?
- Which incision and implant placement do you recommend for me, and why?
- How will we choose my implant size and profile?
- Where will my surgery take place, and who accredits the facility?
- What type of anesthesia will I have, and who will give it?
- What will my recovery look like, and when can I return to work, lifting and exercise?
- What does my fee include, including the implants and follow-up visits?
- Who do I call if I have a concern after surgery?
Choosing a surgeon, your questions answered
What women ask most when comparing plastic surgeons for breast augmentation.
The best surgeon for your breast augmentation is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, performs breast implant surgery routinely, explains silicone and saline implants, incisions and placement, operates in an accredited surgery center and can show you results on patients like you. There is no official ranking, so compare each surgeon you meet against the same checklist.
Search the surgeon's name in the American Board of Plastic Surgery's free certification lookup at abplasticsurgery.org. Members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons must also be certified by that board.
Not always. The American Board of Plastic Surgery certifies surgeons who completed plastic surgery training and passed its exams, and no recognized medical board has "cosmetic surgery" in its name. Ask any surgeon which board certifies them.
You can, and you are never obligated to book with a surgeon you consult. Meeting more than one surgeon lets you compare their answers, their photos, the implants they recommend and how comfortable you feel.
Ask which board certifies the surgeon, how many breast augmentations they perform, to see before and after photos of patients like you, whether they recommend silicone or saline and why, which incision and placement suit you, how you will choose size and profile, where surgery takes place, who gives your anesthesia, what recovery looks like and what your fee includes.
Yes. T. Y. Steven Ip, MD is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He trained in surgery at Columbia University and in plastic surgery at Duke University.
Dr. Ip is a specialist in breast implant surgery who has performed thousands of breast augmentation surgeries. He is also frequently asked to perform revisional breast implant surgery done by other surgeons.
Dr. Ip performs most of his breast augmentation surgeries at Fashion Island Surgery in Newport Beach, Bedford Surgical Center in Beverly Hills and Park Avenue Surgery Center in Manhattan. The centers are accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities and certified by Medicare.
Yes. Virtual consultations by FaceTime or Skype are available on request, and Dr. Ip sees patients in person in Newport Beach, Beverly Hills and Manhattan.
Bring your checklist to Dr. Ip
Ask Dr. Ip every question on this page at your consultation in Newport Beach, Beverly Hills or Manhattan, or by FaceTime or Skype on request.
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