If you have thought about having plastic surgery to enhance your appearance, you have some considerations to make. Selecting the right plastic surgeon is one of the most important choices in order to ensure a successful procedure outcome. Unfortunately, finding the best surgeon isn’t as easy as searching for “plastic surgeons near me” on Google. You’ve got to check the tiny details that tell the difference between a practiced hand and a not-so-seasoned practitioner. This post highlights 5 important steps to help you get the right specialist for the job.
Check for certifications
The first step to finding the right plastic surgeon is to look for industry certifications. The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is an independent organization that accredits plastic surgeons in the United States. Professionals who are certified by this body have demonstrated that they adhere to the highest levels of safety and patient care. Membership and affiliation with other professional organizations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is another sign that a surgeon has undergone rigorous training and adheres to the highest standards in the field.
Read reviews
The internet has made it so much easier for consumers to gather facts. Review platforms such as Google Reviews, Yelp, and RealSelf can tell you a lot about a specific practitioner (including their strengths and weaknesses). Make sure you read what some of the surgeon’s past clients are saying about them. Also, go to the surgeon’s website and read the descriptions to learn more about their academic qualifications and training. In many cases, you’ll also be able to see before and after photos on the surgeon’s website that give you an impression of what they can achieve.
Look for experience
A plastic surgeon who is best suited for a nose job may not necessarily be the best person for a Brazilian butt lift. That’s where experience comes in. Even if a plastic surgeon is highly trained and accredited by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), they should have precise experience in the procedure that you are interested in. You want to know how many such procedures they have performed in, let’s say, the last two years. Request for some past patient contacts and get in touch with them to find out what they have to say about the surgeon. What did they like about working with this specific surgeon? Are there some areas where they feel may be more could have been done? Asking these questions will give the information you need to make a final decision.
Vet the surgeon’s facility
Your plastic surgery may be performed at the surgeon’s in-office operating room or an accredited hospital (or surgical facility). It is important you ensure that the venue of the procedure has the right accreditation in order to ensure your safety. Look for certification from state licensing bodies or organizations such as the AAAASF, JCAHO, AAAHC, IMQ. The surgeon’s anesthetist should also be board-certified, or at least have a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist qualification.
Ask lots of questions
Once you have narrowed it down to one or two top surgeons in your city, the next step is to set up a one-on-one consultation. This is an important step so you can get to learn more about the surgeon and their approach. Feel free to share your aesthetic concerns and ask any questions you may have about the specific procedure that you are interested in. At the end of it all, you should have a pretty good opinion of the surgeon and their style. Did they seem honest? Were you able to develop a rapport? Paying attention to the not-so-obvious details can help a lot.
Conclusion
You can’t discount the importance of choosing the right plastic surgeon to perform your procedure. Following the tips above should help you wade through the options and find the right specialist for the job.