Finding the right plastic surgeon for your surgery is a big problem, and there may be curves along the way to your new look. You should be 100% comfortable with your cosmetic surgeon and support team. Choose a cosmetic surgeon who likes you and trust completely with their safety and results. In addition to proper training and education, your doctor should have experience performing the type of surgery you are considering.
Some surgeons specialize in particular procedures, and your type of procedure should be in the top three. A good rule of thumb is that you must have done this type of procedure one or more times a week for five years or more.
plastic surgery
is a complex art and the surgeon must stay in practice. Having performed a series of procedures over several years will help ensure that you have the skills you need.To do this, start by looking at the before and after pictures of patients provided by the surgeon. Pay special attention to body types that are similar to yours and what results those patients were able to achieve. It's also a good idea to request testimonials. A plastic surgeon who is considering putting you in touch with other patients with whom you can discuss your experiences.
Victoria Cross, a 57-year-old from Montgomery Village, Maryland, considers her breast reduction the best thing she has done for herself. Cross, who had the procedure at the age of 45, was a D cup in high school and a G cup by the time he had surgery. It is now a proud C cup and has never looked back. But one of the reasons he waited until he was 40 years old for the procedure was because of the difficulties involved in finding the right surgeon for the job.
In other words, she wasn't willing to sign the paperwork and meet her handler while she was lying on the operating table. Experts agree that this is a very important part of the process and should not be ignored. To help you select a qualified, trained, vetted and pleasant to treat plastic surgeon, we talk to experts and former patients who know the ins and outs of the industry. Here's what they suggest you do.
First, consider those who are close to you. Has anyone done any work? If you're comfortable, turn to him or her for advice. Goals, M, D. Don't you know anyone personally? Ask around you for a connection.
Start with any friend or acquaintance who can work in health care, such as a nurse, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. Kristina Maury, 32, from Los Angeles, joined online forums for plastic surgery and breast augmentation, but also relied on social media to help her find a suitable surgeon to do her breast augmentation. Not only did this social media community help Maury know what to expect, but it also helped her narrow down her options. In the same vein, be careful when considering “before and after” photos.
Most doctors will display these images on their website or send examples at the patient's request. Golas warns that not all surgeons show their work honestly. Did you find any options? Great. Before you come face to face with them, make sure they check all the important boxes that tell you that they are fully qualified to perform the desired procedure.
If you are looking for a surgical procedure, from minimizing a scar to liposuction or breast reconstruction, it is imperative that you seek a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). The ABPS website has an online database and a search engine that allows you to search if the doctor you are considering is board certified for plastic surgery. Pay attention to detail; ABPS isn't the only board out there, but it's the one you need to trust. Today, there are many different types of surgeons and non-surgeons who perform cosmetic procedures, and many different boards that “certify” training, so the public often feels confused and deceived, explains Theda Kontis, M, D.
Whether or not the doctors you're considering have hospital privileges is another checkbox you'll want to check. Just like you would for a job interview, it's important that you come prepared with a list of questions to ask your surgeon while you're face-to-face. This is a good opportunity to see photos of the doctor's previous work and find out if he has experience in the procedure you want to have. It also gives you the opportunity to express your wishes and goals and to know if they understand and can deliver the results you want.
Sometimes you can get funding incentives or procedures. Most treatments have a fixed price, but they also have package prices for more than one treatment. But remember that plastic surgery is not something you can get for little money. Fair but not cheap prices are another brand of a good plastic surgeon.
Another red flag is that a surgeon does not discuss realistic results, including the pros and cons of the procedure. Maury was relieved when her doctor gave her honest perspective on her surgical results. You want to feel comfortable in the place where the procedure will be performed. Whether it's a small center or a giant hospital, you shouldn't feel tense or anxious about the smell, the look of the place or the personality of the staff.
If you feel uncomfortable, even if you can't seem to determine exactly why, don't go ahead with that office, that doctor, or perhaps that procedure. Once Cross decided to go ahead with his procedure, it took him about three months to find the right doctor. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
Be sure to select a plastic or cosmetic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which is the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. In a world awash with opinions and advice from multiple sources, such as friends, family, the media and the Internet, it's hard to decide where to start when deciding something as important as finding a plastic surgeon. Choose a board-certified plastic surgeon and trust that they are in the care of a highly trained surgeon you can trust. Some reconstructive plastic surgeries to fix problems such as birth defects or severe burns are partially or completely covered by health insurance.
These tips will help you find a qualified plastic surgeon who will do a good job, but your relationship with the surgeon and the way his staff interacts with you will have a tremendous impact on your experience and results. Choose a surgeon who is board certified in cosmetic surgery and has substantial experience in the procedure you are considering. If you have ensured that your prospective surgeon has the knowledge and experience, you are well on your way to choosing the right doctor, but you must also produce exceptional results. Make appointments for multiple visits with plastic surgeons you like to really decide which one best suits your needs.
Not all doctors are qualified or experienced in all procedures and choosing the right plastic surgeon is not as simple as getting a referral. Make sure the surgeon has hospital privileges to perform cosmetic or plastic surgery procedures in a hospital facility, even if the procedure is performed in an outpatient setting. A cosmetic surgeon may also be certified by other specialized boards, such as the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, but first and foremost they must be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. One of the first things you should accomplish when doing your homework on how to find a plastic surgeon is to find out if a doctor you are considering is certified.
Whether you're interested in a facelift, cosmetic nose job, liposuction, reconstructive surgery after mastectomy, or some other procedure, there's a plastic surgeon for that. Whether you're interested in cosmetic or reconstructive surgery, it's important that you do some homework before selecting your plastic surgeon. . .
