Evidence-Based Cosmetic Breast Surgery

Insisting on an evidence-based approach, Dr. Swanson brings the light of science to bear on the many controversies in cosmetic breast surgery today. Conventional wisdom is challenged with factual analysis, made possible by Dr. Swanson’s large body of published research. In his hallmark detailed style, the author lays the foundation with clinical studies, measurements, and patient-reported outcomes. The work is all here in one place for the first time, leading to some surprising conclusions. For plastic surgeons who prefer data to dogma, Evidence-Based Cosmetic Breast Surgery provides a unique and invaluable resource.

“An excellent book and offers a unique opportunity to journey through the author’s own learning curve and career, which has been focused on constant self-assessment and scientific scrutiny of his own practice and results. The topics covered are well described, and well supported with measurable evidence. In this competitive health care climate, it is refreshing to see a plastic surgery colleague share his practice secrets with the masses, and successfully publish the first true evidence-based textbook in cosmetic breast surgery.” (Donald W. Buck II, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, March, 2018)



“This book delves into the effectiveness of various cosmetic breast surgeries. The author presents cosmetic breast surgery through his singular perspective using observational studies and the scientific method. … For those wishing to delve into alternative opinions and thoughts regarding cosmetic breast surgery, this book will be an interesting read.” (Jeffrey S. Rosenthal, Doody’s Book Reviews, June, 2017) 

Dr. Eric Swanson is an outspoken advocate for the application of the scientific method to cosmetic surgery, an approach known as evidence-based medicine. Dr. Swanson is a frequent presenter, invited faculty member, and course instructor at the meetings of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He was invited as an international keynote speaker at the 2019 Australian Plastic Surgery Congress. In 2002, Dr. Swanson embarked on a multi-part clinical investigation of cosmetic surgery, using the tools of science to study cosmetic surgery –  patient outcome studies, prospective clinical studies, laboratory tests, and measurements using computer-assisted imaging and MRIs. In 2012, Dr. Swanson published a new system for measuring the results of cosmetic breast surgery. His landmark photometric studies reveal the limitations of breast “autoaugmentation” and traditional surgical methods. Dr. Swanson challenges conventional methods of VTE prevention using risk stratification and routine anticoagulation, recommending “SAFE” anesthesia and ultrasound surveillance instead. Dr. Swanson’s clinical work, measurements, and outcome studies have culminated in over 135 publications in the top peer-reviewed plastic surgery journals. In 2015, Dr. Swanson received the award for “Best North American Paper” from the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery–Global Open.


Dr. Swanson is board-certified in plastic surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada, a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, a member of the American Association of Plastic Surgeons, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada. He has practiced in Kansas City since 1989 and specializes exclusively in cosmetic surgery. He is also a member of the hospital staff of Shawnee Mission Medical Center.