Tips for Choosing a Cosmetic or Plastic Surgeon
Successful cosmetic surgery can make a big difference in a patient’s quality of life. People often report having more confidence and feeling more like themselves following their procedures. However, the results of botched plastic surgery can be devastating, which is why it’s so important to choose a good cosmetic or plastic surgeon. This article will offer some tips to make it easier to find the right one.
1. Choose a Certified Surgeon
The most important thing to consider before deciding who to trust with performing plastic surgery is the doctor’s certification. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the only organization recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties, but plastic surgeons may also be certified by other specialty boards. Patients can see phone number and contact information for one local surgeon with excellent qualifications.
2. Ask for Photos
Any good plastic surgeon will be able to provide before and after photos of patients with similar shapes and structures. Taking a look at this portfolio can help people determine whether the doctor will be able to provide real results. If patients aren’t clear on what to expect, consulting multiple specialists in the area and examining their before and after photos can help.
3. Pay Attention to Communication Style
Patients will have the opportunity to attend an initial consultation before deciding whether to work with a particular surgical team. They should ask plenty of questions and pay close attention to the answers. A good plastic surgeon listens to their patients and answers their questions clearly. People also need to feel comfortable talking to their surgeons about their medical histories and confident that their decisions will be respected.
4. Find Out Where the Surgeries Are Performed
The facility where the surgery will be performed is almost as important as who will be performing it. Make sure the facility meets accepted standards for safety, which include having life-saving medical emergency equipment available at all times. Surgical centers must be certified, just like the doctors that use them. Look for certifications by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, the Joint Commission, or the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.
5. Ask About Follow-Up Care
A good plastic surgeon will guide their patients through the recovery process, not turn them loose as soon as the anesthesia wears off. Ask about follow-up visits following the surgery, and make sure the doctor lays out a clear plan for how complications are handled. What happens if surgical revisions are necessary? Is the cost of follow-up care included in the estimate for the surgery? Remember that insurance rarely pays for cosmetic procedures, so the patient will be on the hook for paying for additional care not covered under the initial agreement.
6. Feel Confident About the Decision
No one should ever feel rushed into undergoing surgery, and cosmetic procedures are no exception. Patients should feel confident about their decisions before signing on the dotted line. If there’s any doubt about whether the surgical team is the right one to complete the procedure, do more research.
Schedule a Consultation
The best way to find out what it will be like to work with a particular cosmetic surgeon is to schedule a consultation. Some offices offer free initial consultations online but don’t worry. No one expects patients to make up their minds fully without meeting the doctor and staff. The initial consultation is simply a way to get the process started.