Plastic surgeons perform about 17.7 million surgically and minimally invasive aesthetic procedures in a single year. That’s over 277,000 cosmetic procedures more than the year before. If you’re interested in plastic surgery, you need to find the best plastic surgeon available first.
Learning how to choose a plastic surgeon can improve the outcome of your procedure.
Not sure how to begin finding a plastic surgeon? Here are 10 tips that can help.
With these tips, you can feel confident before scheduling your plastic surgery procedure. Read on to start searching today!
1. Gather Referrals
Save valuable time when learning how to choose a plastic surgeon by gathering personal recommendations.
Talk to friends, family members, and acquaintances you know have had work done in the past. If you’re comfortable discussing the subject, reach out and ask them for advice.
They can give you an honest run down about the process of finding a plastic surgeon. You can learn from their previous experiences, too.
Make sure to talk to them about the entire process, including:
- The procedure they wanted
- Their priorities
- How they narrowed down their options
- Their consultation with the doctor
- The procedure
- Aftercare and recovery
If you don’t know anyone who recently had work done personally, talk to your friends. Ask if they can connect you with someone who did have work done.
Otherwise, try to find a friend who works in the healthcare industry. For example, you can speak with a physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse. They might refer you to the best plastic surgeon in town.
2. Read Online Reviews
If you can’t find personal recommendations, take your search online instead. Before choosing a plastic surgeon, take the time to read reviews. Reading online reviews can provide you with the firsthand insights you’re looking for.
You can learn from the people who were once in your shoes. You can also determine how each surgeon operates and interacts with patients.
Check each plastic surgeon’s Healthgrades.com, Better Business Bureau, and Google Business profiles. Read a handful of reviews for each surgeon or plastic surgery practice.
Make sure you find a professional who already has a strong reputation in the area. You’ll find peace of mind knowing others have trusted the plastic surgeon in the past.
3. Look for Experience
There are now over 69,900 professionals working in the plastic surgery industry. Some have worked in the industry longer than others, though. When learning how to choose a plastic surgeon, focus on finding experienced professionals.
Determine how long each plastic surgeon has worked in the industry. Consider how many procedures they’ve completed in that time, too.
Finding someone with hands-on experience can help you feel more confident in their abilities.
Make sure they have experience relevant to the plastic surgery procedure you’re interested in.
4. Check Their Qualifications
Above all else, make sure each plastic surgeon on your list is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). If their credentials aren’t in order, remove them from your list.
Board certification indicates the surgeon has completed the rigorous board certification process. The ABPS is the only plastic surgery board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialities.
Determine if each surgeon on your list is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, too.
These surgeons maintain rigorous patient and training safety standards.
5. Consider Their Services
Before choosing a plastic surgeon, consider each surgeon’s unique style and approach.
Cosmetic surgery involves artistry, training, and medical knowledge. Their style should align with your aesthetic goals. The surgeon should also tailor the treatment based on your needs.
Take a look at before and after photos of each surgeon’s previous clients. Look at photos relevant to the procedure you’re interested in. If the results don’t meet your expectations, look elsewhere.
6. Ask About Affiliations
Ask each surgeon on your list if they’re affiliated with a hospital. If they don’t have hospital privileges to perform a surgery, consider it a red flag.
Make sure you’re choosing a surgeon who will prioritize your safety. If there are complications, they should have access to a hospital facility.
7. Schedule a Consultation
Schedule a consultation appointment with two or three surgeons on your list. Make sure to have a list of questions you want to ask ahead of time.
Your consultation appointment will make sure you’re both on the same page about your goals and expectations.
Ask about costs, financing, and procedure incentives, too.
Make sure you address any concerns you have about what happens before, during, and after treatment. For example, perhaps you want to find the best plastic surgeon who is capable of minimizing scars. In that case, ask the surgeon how they plan on reducing the appearance of breast implant scars during the procedure.
8. Consider Your Comfort
As you speak with each plastic surgeon, make sure to consider your comfort. Remain wary of red flags, too.
For example, perhaps their bedside manner is lacking. If they rush you or push you to choose a specific procedure, choose someone else.
Make sure you’re comfortable with the plastic surgeon you choose.
9. Look at the Offices
Look around the clinic or medical facility. Make sure you’re comfortable where you’ll receive the procedure. If the office looks neglected, the staff likely neglects patients, too.
Make sure the operating room remains clean and sterile as well.
10. Listen to Your Gut
Once you use these tips on how to choose a plastic surgeon, review your notes.
Did you spot any red flags? Consider which surgeons you weren’t comfortable around, too. Then, remove those options from your list.
Choose a surgeon you trust before getting plastic surgery.
How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon: 10 Tips for Making an Informed Choice
Learning how to choose a plastic surgeon is easier than you might think. Use these 10 tips to start your search. Then, choose a surgeon you feel comfortable with.
Finding someone with the experience, expertise, and skills you need can improve the outcome of your surgery.
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