Checklist for Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon

Aug 30, 2021

Plastic surgery is a transformative treatment that can help you overcome undesirable features and improve your sense of self-image. Tummy tuck is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries performed in the US. Choosing the right abdominoplasty surgeon is the first checklist item when preparing for tummy tuck surgery.

Is the Plastic Surgeon Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons?

The American Board of Plastic Surgeons encircles the entire spectrum of plastic surgery. For a surgeon to be certified by this board, he/she must complete at least six years of training in surgery after completing a minimum of three years of plastic surgery education in medical school. He/she must pass all comprehensive oral and written exams, and be a graduate from a well-accredited medical school. In addition, he/she must complete continuing medical education, which includes patient safety annually.

Is the Plastic Surgeon Experienced in the Specific Surgery you want?

Plastic surgery signifies the entire plastic surgery procedure. There are several plastic surgeons, each one with a specialty in different fields. This means that while one surgeon is best specialized in breast procedures, another surgeon is specialized in facial procedures. As a patient, there is that one particular procedure you would want to undergo. Whether you desire abdominal, facial, or breast surgery, ensure that your surgeon is skilled and specialized in that particular field of surgery.

How Experienced is the Surgeon?

As they say, experience is the best teacher. Before choosing a plastic surgeon for your procedure, ask more about his/her experience. An experienced surgeon is one who has performed several plastic surgery procedures and at least performs them very often. This way, he/she is equipped with the capacity to handle any emergency that may arise during and after surgery.

Check the Surgeon’s Reviews, Accomplishments, and Awards

Medical surgeons have websites where their patients post feedback. Likewise, there are websites that allow patients to share their experiences with surgeons. Such websites include Ratemds and Healthgrades. Before deciding that a particular surgeon is the best, go through his website to read the reviews left by the patients he has had an encounter with. These reviews help you to know more about the surgeon since most of them are solely based on truth.

An award is something that is worked for and should be appreciated. They are acquired after several days of hard work, and determination. Awards and accomplishments tell more about a surgeon to include his dedication and expertise. They give the surgeon an upper hand in terms of ranking among the best surgeons of the season.

Does your Surgeon Share your Aesthetic Goals?

Before undergoing any plastic surgery procedure, you must have goals you would wish to achieve. These goals should be in line with what your surgeon believes he can help you achieve. While choosing your ideal plastic surgeon, it is important to find a surgeon who shares your dreams and aesthetic goals. To be able to determine whether your surgeon shares your aesthetic goals, look at before and after photos of the patients that he has operated on. While at this, pay close attention to patients who have had the surgery that you want to undergo. Check for similarities in qualities such as whether they have a similar body shape, breast shape, and facial structure.

Be keen on the kind of treatment that the surgeon and his staff give you

Instincts never lie. When you go to a consultation, give your feelings the first priority. You should be completely comfortable around the facility, staff, and surgeon. Most importantly, you should be able to establish trust between you and your surgeon. If this is not the case, go for other appointments until you find the best surgeon for you.

Find out more about the Facility

The condition of the facility determines the kind of surgical procedure and results to be obtained. A medical facility that performs plastic surgery procedures should be well equipped with complete medical equipment. Such equipment includes dissectors, forceps, awls, needles, and emergency machines for life support. Most importantly, the facility should have certification from either AAAASF, JCAHO, AAAHC, or IMQ.

Do not make any rash decisions

It is very important to take your time as you carefully choose your plastic surgeon. Most decisions made hastily end up being the wrong ones. The moment you find a surgeon that you are confident with, proceed to schedule your plastic surgery procedure. In the end, be proud to enjoy your new look.

Conclusion

Plastic surgeons highly determine the kind of experience that a patient gets during surgery. The best surgeon will ensure that a patient gets the best experience, along with the best results. Use the above list as a guide as you choose your ideal plastic surgeon.