11 factors to consider when comparing plastic surgeons

Aug 27, 2022

There have been a lot of horror stories about plastic surgery and you probably watched an episode of ‘botched’. However, it can be hard to pick the right plastic surgeons from all the options. In this article, we emphasize 11 attributes that you should put into consideration to make sure that you find the best plastic surgeon for your procedure in Phoenix.

1. Board certification

It may not seem obvious, but there are a lot of people out there who claim to be cosmetic surgeons without the proper accreditation.

Board certification means that the surgeon has been vetted and certified to perform cosmetic procedures without further training or experience. In plastic surgery, the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is the organization responsible for accrediting practitioners.

2. Proper education and training

Education and training are crucial for a plastic surgeon’s success. A top-notched plastic surgeon should be highly trained and should have completed at least a plastic surgery residency program. Their credentials, training, and experience should be displayed prominently on their website and at the practice as well.

3. Experience

Seasoned plastic or cosmetic surgeons typically perform a wide variety of cosmetic procedures on a regular schedule. Patients should ask about a doctor’s experience with a specific type of surgical treatment they are interested in. Look through pictures of previous patients who had similar procedures done by a given doctor. Ask what surgical approach the surgeon uses and what they do to ensure that they provide the best possible outcome for each one of their patients.

4. Strong portfolio of results

Tessler Plastic Surgery and other top cosmetic surgery practices aren’t shy to show off their work. You should be able to see plenty of before-and-after pictures of the procedures you’re interested in. Some clinics even provide videos to help educate patients about the treatments they offer.

5. Surgery facility accreditation

Most plastic surgeons operate on people who are healthy enough to travel. Ambulatory care centers have proved to be safe locations for cosmetic procedures. Accreditation doesn’t guarantee quality, however, so make sure your doctor is board certified and licensed before scheduling any procedure. Ask how many times they have performed the specific surgery, what type of anesthesia was used, and whether they work with certified support staff. Also, ask if the doctor has admitting privileges at nearby hospitals.

6. Answers all your questions

Before undergoing any surgical procedure, you should always ask yourself these three simple yet important questions: Is this going to help me? Will it hurt? And, am I ready for this? If you get good answers to these three basic but essential questions, then you’re probably ready for your next operation.

Make sure to ask as many questions as you want. Your plastic surgeon will not make fun of you for asking questions or making comments. A top surgeon will actually be happy to help you out with any concerns you may have. They will take the extra effort to spend enough of their own personal quality time to make you feel informed and ready to make a sound decision.

Additionally, they will also give you all the necessary info regarding post-operative care. After the surgery, a quality surgeon will make sure that you’re well prepared for a safe and successful recovery period.

7. Empathy

Can you think of any worse thing than having a life-altering surgery and not knowing if your surgeon cares about you or your outcome?

And besides, what if there happen to be complications or the necessity for touch-up surgery after the operation? You need to feel confident and secure with your selected surgeon.

During your consultation, take note of the following:

  • Does your surgeon listen keenly (pay attention)?
  • Do they understand your concerns and motivations?
  • What is your intuition telling you? The idea is to work with a surgeon you are very comfortable with.

Keep in mind that you’re not just selecting your plastic surgery provider; your provider is also deciding whether they think you’re a good fit for their practice.

Above all else, you need to establish a good relationship and understand each other well so you can create a trusting environment.

8. Accessibility

Patients can expect to pay for consultations with cosmetic surgery specialists. However, if they need more detailed answers about procedures before deciding whether to undergo them, they should ask during their first visit. During the consultation, doctors may discuss fees, payment plans, insurance coverage, and other costs associated with treatment. They also explain how the procedure works and what results are likely to occur.

9. Reliable references

To get started, ask your primary care physician for referrals to plastic surgeons who specialize in the surgery you want. You might also want to check out the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) website for additional resources. Once you have a few candidates to start with, do your own research and possibly attend consultation visits so you can be able to make the right decision.

10. Good patient testimonials

Top plastic surgeons can only be judged by their clientele. They will want to show you that they have what’s needed to perform well during your cosmetic surgery or plastic surgery procedures. Showing you what their previous clients say about their experience would be a good idea. Patients’ testimonials and reviews provide valuable insight into the quality of care provided by the surgeon. If the doctor has no negative feedback at all, then they probably possess most of the qualities we’ve talked about here. A good doctor knows that patients’ testimonials are an excellent way to boost confidence. So, they won’t ever attempt to hide this information from the public.

Moreover, a great surgeon will be able to provide you with before and after pictures of their previous surgeries so that you don’t need to trust them blindly. You’ll be able to check for yourself whether they’ve been successful.

11. Good customer experience

Post-operative customer care is very important when comparing plastic surgeons in Scottsdale. Make sure you schedule a follow-up appointment after your surgery. Someone from our office will contact you to check on your recovery and ask if there are any questions or concerns. If you need a follow-up surgical treatment, we may be able to book you in within 24 hours. Surgeons need to be aware of any potential complications after surgery, which means they need to be able to communicate effectively with their patients’ medical teams. Always ask what the post-treatment protocol is like so that when you decide whether or not to undergo treatment, you know what to anticipate.

Conclusion

Make sure you adhere to these tips in order to find the best practitioner for the job – so you benefit from your surgery. Keep in mind that seasoned, trustworthy plastic surgeons will not operate on you if you do not meet the criteria for the surgery.