4 Key Things to Research When Choosing a Plastic Surgeon

Though much plastic surgery is elective, that doesn’t mean that it should not be taken very seriously. Plastic surgery is surgery and comes with everything that a surgical procedure entails. Because of that, it’s crucial that a patient do diligent research before choosing a plastic surgeon. Since plastic surgery is elective, they’ll have more time and more options when it comes to choosing the best surgeon for their procedure. Here are four things to research when choosing a plastic surgeon.

1. The Surgeon Must Be Board Certified

Before anything else, a prospective patient needs to know that the surgeon has been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. It may shock some people to know that a surgeon who’s offering a complicated procedure, such as a rhinoplasty, doesn’t have to have been trained in the procedure. If they’re board-certified, they’ve not only been trained in the particulars of plastic surgery but have done at least 300 of these surgeries. They’ve also been trained in non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures such as dermal filler injections. The surgeons also have to pass an oral and written test that lasts for two days.

2. Make Sure the Surgeon Is Experienced in the Specific Surgery

Obviously, every surgeon has done a procedure for the first time, but the patient should make sure that their surgeon has experience in the procedure they want. Another benefit of board certification is that the surgeon has almost certainly done the procedure that the patient seeks. Board certification requires the surgeon to operate on areas of the face, the neck, and other areas. If they haven’t done the procedure the patient wants, the patient should find a surgeon who has.

3. Bring Questions to the Consultation

The patient should write down a list of questions well before the consultation. One of the questions should be how the surgeon will perform the surgery and what the patient should expect during their recovery period.

The surgeon should answer the patient’s questions honestly, and the patient needs to pay attention to how they feel around the surgeon. If they feel uncomfortable for some reason, they might want to consider whether or not they want this surgeon to operate on them. The patient should also feel comfortable with the surgeon’s staff.

4. Research Former Patients

Cosmetic and plastic surgeons often keep photos of their former patients. A prospective patient should ask to see photos of patients who’ve had the same procedure that they’re seeking. For example, if the patient is seeking a facelift, they should examine photos of patients who’ve had a facelift with this surgeon. This is where aesthetic considerations come in. The surgery might have been perfectly done, and the former patients may be pleased with the results. However, the prospective patient might not quite like the aesthetics. In other words, the resulting facial sculpting and contouring produced by this surgeon might not be right for the would-be patient.

When choosing a plastic surgeon, it’s important to do proper research so you can make an informed decision. This will be something that affects you for the rest of your life, so it’s smart to take your time and choose wisely.