Advances in cosmetic surgery have made it so you can achieve nearly any look you’ve ever wanted. Wanna smooth out those facial wrinkles? Easy. Need a new nose? It’s yours. Looking to augment or reduce certain areas of the body? No problem. Of course, these are the answers and results you expect to find from any surgeon, but the sad truth is that is simply not the case. There are plenty of plastic surgeons out there who lack the experience, or frankly, the skill set to perform these types of procedures in the first place. That may seem scary to prospective patients out there, but if you’re smart in your research, you should have no problem finding the right surgeon for you.
Here are just a few things you’ll want to look for when searching for a plastic surgeon for your next procedure:
1) Find a Board-Certified Surgeon
This one should be a no-brainer, but it’s important enough to never be overlooked or assumed. There are plenty of doctors and surgeons out there who specialized in a completely different area of medicine before jumping ship over to plastic surgery with dreams of a higher income. While it’s certainly possible for one of these doctors to end up being very proficient in their adopted field, it’s safer for prospective patients to find a surgeon who is board-certified in plastic or cosmetic surgery. These surgeons adhere to certain qualifications and have the education and training that is tailored to the world of plastic surgery.
The decision to undergo cosmetic surgery is likely one you will live with for years if not the rest of your life, so you want to be sure that the surgeon you have chosen is more than qualified and specialized in this type of surgery. It only makes sense.
2) Find a Surgeon with Years of Experience & Success
Okay, so you’ve found a handful of board-certified plastic surgeons; now you’ll want to narrow your search even further by finding those with years of experience behind them. When conducting your research, find out how long a surgeon has been practicing and what his clientele has to say about their experiences. While being board-certified in plastic and cosmetic surgery is a must, you also want a doctor who has a proven track record within the community and with patients.
Should you get to the point of meeting with a few prospective surgeons, ask them how long they have been practicing and what their specialties are. You should get a good sense that your surgeon is well experienced in the type of procedure you are looking to undergo. Which leads us to our next point…
3) Find the Right Surgeon for Your Procedure
While there are many surgeons who offer a variety of cosmetic and reconstructive options, it’s important to find one that specializes in the type of procedure you’re wanting. For example, if you’re looking for a facelift, then going with a surgeon who specializes more in breast augmentation might not be the best fit. Through some basic online research, you should be able to discern which doctors specialize in what procedures. When meeting with them, be sure to talk about their specialties and why they chose to focus on those areas.
You need to walk away from your consultation feeling like it’s the perfect fit. One way to ensure that connection and confidence, is finding the right surgeon for your procedure.
4) Look for a Surgeon with Similar Sensibilities
So what does this mean, exactly? Well, we all have a different idea of what beauty (and its relatives) really is. The same goes for cosmetic and plastic surgeons. One surgeon may be a bit more extreme in his approach to surgery and its results, while another may prefer a more subtle and softer approach. If you’re looking for a drastic outcome in your procedure, it may not be the best fit if you’ve chosen a surgeon who typically remains conservative in his or her methods. Conversely, if you want a subtle facelift, then be sure your surgeon’s previous work reflects what you’re looking for.
You’d assume that any qualified and experienced surgeon would be adept at providing just what you want, but that’s not always the case. You’re more likely to get what you’re hoping for if you’ve chosen a surgeon who accurately reflects what you want.
5) Where Will the Surgery Take Place?
No one expects complications to arise during routine procedures, but there is always a risk when it comes to surgery of any kind. Ask your doctor where he or she will be performing your surgery, and then find out if that facility is an accredited operating room. Here are some of the acronyms you’ll want to watch out for when investigating surgery facilities:
- AAAASF
- AAAHC
- JCAHO
If your facility has one of the above accreditations, then you can rest easy knowing you’ll be in a facility that is fully functional and prepared to provide you with excellent care during and after your procedure.
This list may not be comprehensive, but it’s enough to put you in a position where you can feel confident about your choice in surgeon. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions of the surgeons you meet with. This procedure may very well be permanent and expensive, so you want to be sure you are in very experienced and competent hands.
