MOC-PS(SM) CME Article: Breast Augmentation

Learning Objectives: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Evaluate patients seeking breast augmentation using key variables to assist in selection from the choices for incision, implant type and size, and plane of dissection. 2. Minimize the need for revisionary surgery to factors beyond the surgeon’s control. Summary: The purpose of this article is to provide guidelines for Maintenance of Certification continuing medical education using the breast augmentation module. It may be used as an aid in the extraction of data for 10 consecutive cases of breast augmentation and, in this regard, provides a template to facilitate the collection of pertinent information. Interspersed with the Maintenance of Certification–oriented format is continuing medical education information regarding the current state of practice concerning the multiple variables in the specific procedure of breast augmentation. The Maintenance of Certification module series is designed to help the clinician structure his or her study in specific areas appropriate to his or her clinical practice. This article is prepared to accompany practice-based assessment of preoperative assessment, anesthesia, surgical treatment plan, perioperative management, and outcomes. In this format, the clinician is invited to compare his or her methods of patient assessment and treatment, outcomes, and complications with authoritative, information-based references. This information base is then used for self-assessment and benchmarking in parts II and IV of the Maintenance of Certification process of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This article is not intended to be an exhaustive treatise on the subject. Rather, it is designed to serve as a reference point for further in-depth study by review of the reference articles presented.