The right breast augmentation surgeon is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), has dedicated training in aesthetic breast surgery, and can show you a substantial portfolio of results similar to your goals. At the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Burton Sundin and Dr. Reps Sundin are both ABPS board-certified plastic surgeons who completed advanced fellowship training in cosmetic and breast surgery, giving Richmond patients a level of specialized expertise that's worth understanding before you book a consultation.
In this blog, we'll break down exactly what to look for, what to ask, and what to avoid when choosing a surgeon for your breast augmentation.
Why Your Choice of Surgeon Matters for Breast Augmentation
Your outcome, safety, and satisfaction depend far more on the surgeon than on the implant brand or size you choose. Breast augmentation is a technically demanding procedure that requires precise judgment about incision placement, implant pocket, and tissue handling. A surgeon's training and experience directly affect complication rates, symmetry, and how naturally the results settle over time. Choosing a surgeon isn't a step to rush through; it's the decision that shapes every other part of the process.
Key Qualifications to Look For in a Breast Augmentation Surgeon
Before scheduling a consultation, verify a surgeon's credentials. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) notes that among all the decisions involved in plastic surgery, selecting a board-certified surgeon is the most important one a patient makes. Look for:
- Board certification by the ABPS. This confirms years of accredited surgical residency training specifically in plastic surgery, not just general or cosmetic medicine.
- Membership in ASPS or the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). Both organizations require ABPS certification and adherence to strict safety and ethics standards.
- Dedicated fellowship training in breast or aesthetic surgery. Additional fellowship years beyond residency indicate focused, hands-on experience with breast procedures specifically.
- Hospital or surgical-facility operating privileges. Accredited facilities vet a surgeon's qualifications before granting privileges to operate there.
- A substantial before-and-after portfolio. Photos of patients with body types and goals similar to yours give the clearest sense of a surgeon's aesthetic style.
Questions to Ask During Your Consultation
A thorough consultation should feel like a two-way conversation, not a sales pitch. Bring these questions with you:
- Are you board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and do you have fellowship training in breast surgery?
- How many breast augmentations do you perform each year, and can I see relevant before-and-after photos?
- What implant types, sizes, and placements do you recommend for my anatomy and goals, and why?
- What does recovery typically look like for your patients, and how do you manage complications if they occur?
- Where will the surgery take place, and is that facility accredited?
Dr. Reps Sundin and Dr. Burton Sundin take time during consultations at the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery to walk patients through each of these points before recommending a treatment plan, so patients leave with a clear picture of what to expect.
Red Flags to Watch For When Choosing a Surgeon
Some warning signs should prompt you to keep looking. Be cautious of:
- A provider who isn't board-certified in plastic surgery by the ABPS, or who is vague about certification when asked directly.
- Pressure to book quickly, same-day discounts, or guarantees of a specific outcome.
- A consultation that skips a physical exam or doesn't review your medical history in detail.
- Surgery was offered in a non-accredited facility or an unclear anesthesia plan.
- A portfolio that's thin, inconsistent, or doesn't match the style of results you're looking for.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Burton Sundin and Dr. Reps Sundin for Breast Augmentation in Richmond
Dr. Burton Sundin and Dr. Reps Sundin are both board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and were named Castle Connolly Top Doctors, a distinction given to only the top 7% of U.S. board-certified physicians. Dr. Burton Sundin trained at Duke University Medical Center and completed an advanced cosmetic and breast surgery fellowship under Dr. Luis Vasconez at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Reps Sundin completed an aesthetic surgery fellowship at Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital in association with NYU Medical Center, training directly under nationally recognized breast and body contouring specialists.
Patients in Richmond and across Virginia choose the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery because both surgeons combine that specialized training with a personalized, honest consultation process, so every treatment plan reflects the patient's own goals and anatomy rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.
Ready to Choose the Right Breast Augmentation Surgeon? Schedule a Consultation at VIPS
Choosing the right surgeon starts with asking the right questions and verifying credentials before you commit. Dr. Burton Sundin and Dr. Reps Sundin invite Richmond-area patients to schedule a private consultation at the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery to discuss goals, review before-and-after results, and build a personalized breast augmentation plan.
