Undoubtedly, today’s world is flooded with advice and opinions from multiple sources like the media, friends, and family. The internet is the biggest of them all! So, deciding where to start may be challenging when finding something as crucial as a good plastic surgeon.
Don’t get it twisted! Picking a good plastic surgeon is not as simple as typing “plastic surgeon near me” on a search engine and contacting the top search result. Remember that the doctor you select will change your appearance for the rest of your life.
Therefore, research, conversations, consultations, and knowledge should accompany your search for a plastic surgeon. Pick the best male or female plastic surgeon for the job using the following tips to avoid getting overwhelmed by many options.
Find Referrals
Do you have a primary care doctor? Ask them for a referral list of renowned plastic surgeons. Other healthcare providers, family, and friends can also offer good recommendations.
Take your time to research each doctor’s credentials and experience and narrow down your list by calling every cosmetic surgeon’s office. If they accept new patients, request a consult appointment to meet and interview the doctor.
Check for Credentials
Let’s face it! What’s the point of planning a consultation if the specialist in question doesn’t have the proper credentials? So, check to see if all plastic surgeons ending up on your shortlist are board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).
This way, you can at least ascertain that a physician has the necessary medical skills and will meet safety requirements. Plastic surgery is a highly complex specialty demanding years of education and training.
While at it, check if your shortlisted providers are American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) members. ASPS members must maintain rigorous patient safety and training standards to qualify for membership.
Study the Specialist’s Approach and Style
Training and medical knowledge are critical but insufficient to make a good plastic surgeon. Cosmetic surgery also requires some artistry. For example, we all know that every woman’s body is unique.
So, an ideal plastic surgeon for breast augmentation is more likely to be the one whose work style matches your aesthetic goals. The provider should be able to customize their treatment to your needs and situation.
After reviewing the specialist’s gallery of patient cases, it would also help if you ask for additional case studies or patient testimonials. That includes before and after photos to get a sneak peek of their work.
Study the Facility
Another essential consideration when picking a plastic surgeon is an accommodating and accredited facility. Cosmetic plastic surgeries generally happen outside of the main hospital.
Therefore, you want your procedure to be carried out in a facility with the highest quality standards, patient care, and safety.
So, how do you know a facility is accredited? Look for the following:
- Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
- State licensure
- Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care
- American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Difference Between Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery?
Abnormal body structures may be due to developmental abnormalities, congenital defects, trauma, tumors, disease, or infection. Therefore, reconstructive surgery primarily aims to improve the function of these abnormal body structures.
Conversely, cosmetic surgery aims to reshape normal body structures to enhance appearance and self-esteem.
How Do I Recover From Cosmetic Plastic Surgery?
Patients tolerate pain after recovery in different ways. Finding an experienced plastic surgeon works to your advantage because the specialist will help minimize discomfort by prescribing the appropriate pain medications.
But here is the thing! Most patients will experience minimal discomfort after a cosmetic operation. And while Liposuction may be slightly more uncomfortable, breast augmentation or abdominoplasty can cause discomfort equal to a C-section.
What Is Important to Know About the Safety of Outpatient Plastic Surgery?
Ensure the following to maximize your safety:
- Your specialist is certified by ABPS or other appropriate medical board.
- The surgical facility is evaluated and accredited by a proper body and conforms to strict safety standards.
- The surgical facility employs skilled and licensed personnel.
- Your surgeon has hospital privileges.
What’s the Best Place to Perform My Plastic Surgery?
Most providers perform cosmetic surgeries on an outpatient basis. However, suppose the procedure calls for emergency hospitalization. In that case, you want to ensure that you get appropriate care by getting admitted as quickly as possible.
Gauge the overall quality of the cosmetic surgery center by establishing if it is certified by the Joint Commission on Accreditation in Healthcare Organizations and board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).
Will My Voice Change After Rhinoplasty or Nose Surgery?
Although it is uncommon, a few patients reportedly notice small changes in their voice after nose surgery. So, does your profession depend on your voice, like singing?
The recommendation is to share any concerns with your plastic surgeon! The nose plays a vital role in how a person sounds.
