Searching for a plastic surgeon to perform your procedure can be a daunting task. You've thought about the procedure you want performed and carefully researched the expectations and outcomes. Now, your most important decision is who can you trust with your health to provide you with the results you want to achieve?
Below are some tips and advice to consider when searching for the right plastic surgeon for you.
Verify the surgeon's license and check for any reprimands or suspensions
A physician certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is licensed to perform plastic surgery in the U.S. Also, be sure to check with the state in which the surgeon is licensed to practice to verify the license and inquire if the surgeon has ever had his license suspended or received any reprimands.
How many years has the surgeon been practicing?
Once you determine the plastic surgeon's license is valid and clear, you will want to know how long he has been practicing. This is not intended to knock new surgeons; every surgeon needs to start somewhere. However, ideally, if the surgeon has only been practicing a couple of years you will want to know that he is practicing under the guidance of mature colleagues. Otherwise, you may wish to choose a plastic surgeon with five or more years of experience.
How many procedures (specific to the one you are getting) has the surgeon performed?
This is really a straight forward question and any reputable plastic surgeon will be happy to give you his statistics. Are you getting breast augmentation? Ask your surgeon how many breast augmentation procedures he has performed. Are you getting a facelift? Ask your surgeon how many facelifts he has performed. Well, you get the picture-ask the question. It's up to you to determine how many you think is an appropriate answer with which you are comfortable proceeding with this surgeon.
Does the surgeon have any specialties or recognitions?
Ask your surgeon if he has received any recognitions or awards from peers or associations or if he has extensive training beyond plastic surgery. For example if you are undergoing skin cancer treatment and reconstructive surgery you may want to choose a plastic surgeon who also has a specialty as a Mohs surgeon for the advanced treatment of skin cancer.
What are past patients saying?
Testimonials and 'before and after pictures' put the icing on the cake for many people seeking plastic surgery. Talking to or seeing the evidence of others who have already experienced what you are about to experience, and that they had great success can mean the difference between you feeling confident or not about your decision to proceed with a plastic surgeon. Ask to see photos, read testimonials, and if available ask if you can speak to a past patient to answer any lingering questions you may have.
Don't rush in!
Is this the right surgeon for you? Is this the right surgery for you? You are considering a life-changing procedure. Take a step back and decide whether surgery is the right decision for you. Consider praying about it and talking with close family or friends. Do you really want or need this surgery? Are you doing this for you or for someone else? Do you feel that surgery is the key to improving your relationships? Take caution if you main motivation for surgery is to improve a relationship! This is not meant to discourage you, but like marriage, exercise discretion before jumping in! You should be completely comfortable before committing to the procedure. When you are, congratulations and best wishes! An experienced plastic surgeon can be found on this website.