GETTING STARTED

As you embark on your journey to breast augmentation, there is joy, excitement, and maybe a little fear. You may not even know where to start. Rest assured, though, beginning down this path is relatively easy; start off right by finding the American Society of Plastic Surgeons logo (ASPS). This is a sign to you, that the doctor behind the logo is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery; that they are trained and experienced in a variety of cosmetic surgery procedures – including breast augmentation.

It may be very hard to believe, but there are doctors across the U.S. – some right here in Houston performing invasive cosmetic procedures on unsuspecting patients, without any surgical training. Unfortunately, the law does not prevent this practice, buyer beware. This leaves it up to the patient to decipher who is a qualified breast augmentation practitioner.

While the ASPS logo does not itself guarantee a successful breast augmentation outcome, it will assure you of these things

• The physician has at least six years of surgical training, three of these in plastic surgery.
• The physician is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
• The physician will only operate in accredited medical facilities.
• The physician has committed to adhere to a strict code of ethics.
• The physician fulfills yearly continuing education requirements.

If you cannot find the ASPS logo by a physician’s name, he is probably not certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. You can go to www.plasticsurgery.org to check the certification on any doctor. Dr. Vitenas is board certified, and has served as both Chief of Staff and Chief of Surgery, at Memorial Southeast Hospital. He is also a member of the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Medical Association, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.