Choosing a breast augmentation surgeon in Sarasota comes down to four things: board certification, breast-specific surgical experience, an accredited surgical facility, and a personalized approach to implant selection. These factors shape both your safety and your results. Dr. Joshua C. Kreithen, an aesthetic breast and body specialist at Holcomb - Kreithen Plastic Surgery & Medspa, is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has performed more than 10,000 surgeries over 25-plus years in practice. In this blog, we'll walk through exactly what to look for in a breast augmentation surgeon in Sarasota and which questions to ask before you commit to a procedure.
Before scheduling a consultation, it helps to know what separates a qualified surgeon from one who simply offers the procedure. Look for:
- Board certification through the American Board of Plastic Surgery
- A significant volume of breast-specific surgical experience
- An accredited, on-site surgical facility
- A collaborative approach to implant size, shape, and placement
- Clear, honest guidance on recovery and expected results
Each of these deserves a closer look before you decide who performs your surgery.
Confirm Board Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Board certification is the first filter every patient should apply. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery complete at least six years of approved surgical training, including a dedicated plastic surgery residency, plus written and oral exams (ASPS). That standard exists because breast augmentation is a surgical procedure with real risks, and training depth directly affects outcomes.
Dr. Kreithen holds this certification and is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Patients considering breast augmentation in Sarasota should ask any prospective surgeon to confirm their board status directly, rather than relying on marketing language like "cosmetic surgeon" or "aesthetic physician," which do not require the same credentialing.
Look for Breast-Specific Surgical Experience
Certification confirms training; experience confirms skill with your specific procedure. Dr. Kreithen focuses specifically on breast and body surgery, including breast lift, and breast reduction, and has completed more than 10,000 surgeries during his career. He has practiced in Sarasota since 2004, following a three-year plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship at the University of Florida.
Volume matters because repetition builds judgment in areas that vary from patient to patient, such as implant pocket placement and tissue behavior. When researching a breast augmentation surgeon in Sarasota, ask how many augmentations the surgeon performs each year and whether breast procedures make up a meaningful share of their practice.
Verify the Surgical Facility Is Accredited
Where your surgery takes place matters as much as who performs it. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons advises undergoing breast augmentation only in a facility accredited by AAAASF, AAAHC, JCAHO, or another state-approved accrediting body (ASPS). Accreditation means the facility meets independently verified standards for safety, equipment, and emergency preparedness.
Holcomb - Kreithen Plastic Surgery & Medspa performs the vast majority of its surgical procedures in its AAAASF-accredited outpatient private surgery center, located on the 8th floor of Kane Plaza in downtown Sarasota. Patients should confirm this detail before booking, since not every practice operates in an accredited on-site suite.
Ask About Implant Options and Personalized Sizing
A qualified surgeon treats implant selection as a collaborative process, not a one-size-fits-all decision. During consultations, Dr. Kreithen evaluates each patient's frame and has patients try on implant sizers to help find a natural-looking fit based on lifestyle and aesthetic goals. Patients can also ask about newer options, including Motiva implants and Clarius ultrasound-imageable implants, to understand which technologies a surgeon offers.
The right surgeon will explain the tradeoffs between implant size, shape, and placement rather than simply recommending the largest option a patient's frame can support.
Understand the Recovery Timeline Before You Commit
Recovery expectations should be part of the decision, not an afterthought. Most patients with desk jobs return to work about one week after breast augmentation, with final results visible at three to six months, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). A surgeon should walk you through this timeline in detail, including activity restrictions and follow-up visit schedules, before your surgery date is set.
Questions to Ask at Your Consultation
Bring a short list of questions to every consultation so you can compare surgeons on equal footing. Consider asking:
- Are you board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
- How many breast augmentations do you perform each year?
- Where is the surgery performed, and is that facility accredited?
- What implant types and sizing methods do you use?
- What does recovery typically look like for your patients?
- How do you handle revision surgery if a patient needs it later?
Direct, specific answers to these questions are a good sign. Vague or evasive responses are a reason to keep looking.
Why Choose Dr. Kreithen for Breast Augmentation in Sarasota
Dr. Kreithen brings more than two decades of focused breast and body surgery experience to every consultation at Holcomb - Kreithen Plastic Surgery & Medspa. He completed his plastic surgery fellowship at the University of Florida after a five-year general surgery residency at East Tennessee State University, and he has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor and RealSelf Top Doctor. He also holds hospital privileges at Sarasota Memorial Hospital and previously served as Chief of Surgery at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.
Patients working with Dr. Kreithen benefit from an AAAASF-accredited surgical suite, an individualized approach to implant sizing, and a surgeon whose practice has centered on breast and body procedures for most of his career.
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 Your Breast Augmentation Surgeon? Schedule a Consultation With Dr. Kreithen
Selecting the right breast augmentation surgeon in Sarasota takes some research, but the criteria are straightforward: certification, experience, an accredited facility, and a surgeon willing to personalize your plan. Dr. Kreithen and the team at Holcomb - Kreithen Plastic Surgery & Medspa welcome the opportunity to answer your questions and walk you through what to expect. Contact the Sarasota office at (941) 348-1243 to schedule your consultation.