Finding the right plastic surgeon makes all the difference from your first consultation to taking the bandages off. The best way to ensure you have found the right surgeon and staff is by researching and meeting surgeons in person to assess how you feel and if they’re a good match for you. Plastic surgery can be life-changing for confidence and comfort, but it’s an incredibly vulnerable experience. It’s crucial that you work with someone you trust and believe in.
Finding the right surgeon also means finding someone who can keep you safe and healthy. All surgeries come with risks, and plastic surgery is no different. You want to be thorough in your research and give the decision proper attention so that you feel safe and confident with your surgeon. Things can go wrong with plastic surgery, and you want to be under the care of someone you trust and know who can perform what you want to be done with your safety and health in mind. Plastic surgery involves consultations and working with the surgeon to finalize your procedure.
Choosing the right plastic surgeon is crucial to ensure the best results for you and your body. Take the tips below into consideration so you can feel confident when you make your decision.
- Board Certified First
You always want to go to a board-certified surgeon. Every surgeon you consider in the US should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. You can double-check that a surgeon has been certified by searching for them on the ABPS website. Board certification is a rigorous process that ensures that the plastic surgeon has completed extensive training and has met specific standards of education and skill in plastic surgery. A board-certified plastic surgeon has undergone intensive plastic surgery training, including completing a residency program and passing rigorous written and oral exams. They also must stay up-to-date on the latest surgical techniques and technologies, which are crucial to delivering safe and effective results.
When you choose a board-certified plastic surgeon, you can have confidence in their ability to perform your procedure safely and with excellent results. Board certification is a strong indicator that the surgeon has the necessary training and experience to provide you with the highest quality of care. This is especially important when undergoing complex surgical procedures, such as facelifts, breast augmentation, or tummy tucks.
- Qualifications
Are all the surgeons you’re considering qualified? Do they have a team of well-trained individuals working alongside them to ensure your safety and positive results? You want to find a board-certified surgeon, but you can also consider other qualifications like additional training and education. A qualified surgeon will have the training and expertise to perform what you are looking for and execute it well.
- Reviews And Recommendations
Do you have friends and family who can recommend people? This is a great way to know the reality of working with a surgeon and get an insider perspective. It can be challenging to sort through all the possible surgeons in your area, so personal recommendations can be a great start.
Looking at online reviews can be helpful, but you must consider outside motivations. Not all before and after photos are exact, and not all reviews are honest. Some people may write negative reviews for revenge over a perceived slight, or there may be only positive reviews because others have been removed. Don’t base your entire decision on online reviews, but be sure to check them out when looking into a surgeon.
- Experience
Is the surgeon you’re considering experienced? Do they have several years of practice under their belt and know how to handle a variety of procedures? It is important to find a surgeon who you trust, and experience can provide a good indicator of skill and practice. You also want to be sure they have experience with your procedure. If you want a tummy tuck but are looking into a surgeon who mainly performs breast augmentation, they may not be the right fit. Plastic surgery can be specialized, and finding someone with a lot of experience in your chosen procedure will offer the best chance for positive results.
- Results And Aesthetic
Finding the right surgeon means finding someone who can deliver your desired results. Every body is different, and a plastic surgeon who can perform the procedure for yours will have the necessary experience and work to show for it. How are the before and after pictures? Do they seem to have a good handle on the procedure you want and can deliver results you want to see on your own body?
Everyone works in different ways, and plastic surgeons are no different. They may have a specific aesthetic or style that they do best. You want to make sure that it matches the look you’re going for. And remember that not all before and after pictures are the most accurate. Be sure to gather as many details as possible and ask a lot of questions during your consultation.
- Trust And Honesty
Not all procedures will work for all bodies. You want a plastic surgeon who is honest and open about the realities of plastic surgery and its limitations. What does your goal look like, and what is actually achievable? Find a surgeon who will be upfront about what they can deliver and how they can work with your body to best achieve your goals. It’s not always possible to leave the table looking like a supermodel. Sometimes a specific look or goal requires more procedures, or due to certain bone structures; it can be unlikely to look a certain way no matter the procedure. Technology has come a long way, but plastic surgery isn’t a magic wand.
Find a surgeon who will tell you all the details you need to make an informed decision and someone who will answer all your questions honestly. You don’t want to go into surgery with the wrong expectation for the outcome, and working with a surgeon you trust can help prevent that.
- Staff And Surgeon
The plastic surgeon isn’t the only person you will encounter when undergoing plastic surgery. Note how the staff and team working with the surgeon treat you. Do you feel comfortable talking with them, and do they help put you at ease? Surgery can be stressful, especially those that dramatically impact your outward appearance. It’s important to be comfortable and feel cared for at the office where you do your consultations and at the surgical facility where the procedure is performed.
- Facility Check
Many surgeons will perform their surgeries and offer in-patient care at a separate facility from their office. Before you sign the dotted line and prepare for surgery, check out where everything will happen, and be sure you are comfortable and understand all the location details. If you are undergoing anesthesia, you may need to be monitored for 24 hours, meaning you may be in a facility post-op for a while.
You want a clean, well-managed facility that’s fully operating above board. You can look for one or more of these certifications to help ensure everything is running properly and accredited:
- State licensure
- Title XVIII Medicare participation
- Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care
- Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)
- American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF)
- Don’t Rush
Doing proper research and getting to know a surgeon and their team can take time. Don’t rush the process of deciding who to see. Go to a few different consultations if you need to. Finding the right fit will make a huge difference in your experience and results, so the decision shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you are unsure or have more questions, don’t hesitate to schedule an additional appointment to clarify things and better solidify your relationship with the surgeon. Building trust and understanding the possible outcomes will ensure the best results.
Right Plastic Surgeon, Right Results
Not every plastic surgeon will be a good fit. Some will specialize in different procedures than what you want. Some may have different styles that don’t match with your desired results. Take your time to find the right person for the job. Treat it like an interview and don’t forget that you can always decide it’s not a good fit.
Surgery can be nerve-wracking and scary, and you may want to defer to the expert. But if you don’t feel a surgeon is right for you, you don’t have to work with them. It is your body and the final decision should always be yours. Finding a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience is critical for seeing your dream results. Leif Rogers, MD, and his team have many years of experience providing results to patients through many different procedures. If you feel ready to start searching for your perfect fit, schedule a consultation today.
