Now that you’ve made up your mind to undergo plastic surgery, how do you go about selecting the right plastic surgeon? A successful cosmetic surgery procedure can improve your confidence for many years to come and choosing the right surgeon goes a long way in decreasing the chances of poor results and complications as well as needing revision surgery. Choosing a surgeon is a big decision that will ultimately affect not only your trust and comfort level leading up to your procedure but also the quality of your results. Here are some of the most important things to consider to land the right plastic surgeon for you.
Choose a Board-Certified Surgeon
To narrow down your options, start by looking for a board-certified plastic surgeon. To be board-certified in plastic surgery, a surgeon must have acquired a specific level of training and expertise as well as pass rigorous exams to demonstrate their degree of judgment and technical skill. The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is the one organization recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) as it adheres to very stringent standards to ensure that patients are more likely to have a successful outcome.
Why is it so important to select a properly credentialed surgeon to perform your procedure? With the rise in the popularity of cosmetic surgery treatments, there has been confusion on titles like “plastic surgeon” and “cosmetic surgeon”. These titles have been used interchangeably, but they are actually not the same as the requirements are different and each have their own boards. A plastic surgeon is required to have both experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Adding to this confusion, there also has been an increase in the number of doctors who are offering cosmetic procedures they may not have the skill, training, or experience to perform. Thus, it is even more important to consider a board-certified plastic surgeon for your procedure.
Evaluate the Surgeon’s Experience
You should choose a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in the specific procedure you are considering. Every area of plastic surgery involves different skills and techniques. Many plastic surgeons have specialties within their field such as facial plastic surgery or cater more to specific procedures such as breast augmentation. When consulting with a potential surgeon, ask how many years of experience he or she has performing the procedure and how many times the procedure has been performed to gauge their experience and skill.
Lear more by reading How to Check Plastic Surgeon Credentials
Assess the Surgeon’s Portfolio
Beauty and great results can both be subjective. What one person considers beautiful another may find unattractive. While recommendations from friends can be helpful when choosing a cosmetic surgeon, it’s important to personally review the surgeon’s results and aesthetic sense.
When looking at the plastic surgeon’s before and after photos, compare their results with the procedure you are considering. Pay the most attention to patients who have similar qualities to you such as a similar facial structure, age, or body shape. This can help you assess how the surgeon tailors a procedure to people with your body type, age, or specific concerns.
Learn more by reading How to Look at Before and After Photos
Schedule a Consultation
Undergoing plastic surgery is a big decision and involves major surgery. It’s important that you feel very comfortable with your surgeon and their staff. Experience, training, and past results are all important but don’t overlook the importance of trusting your surgeon. Schedule a consultation and ask yourself whether you enjoy spending time with the surgeon and trust him or her to recommend what’s right and safe for you.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions during your consultation, such as how the surgeon would address potential complications during surgery and how you can prepare for your procedure. Asking plenty of questions and being informed will help you to not only choose the right surgeon but also achieve a positive surgical outcome.
To learn more, check out the below postings, which have procedure specific questions to ask your plastic surgeon during consultation:
Facial Rejuvenation
Facelifts: The Must Ask Questions for Your Plastic Surgeon
What You Should Know About Nose Jobs (Rhinopolasty)
Breast Surgery
Breast Augmentation: The Must Ask Questions on Implants
Questions to Ask before Having Breast Implant Surgery
