Choosing an ideal plastic surgeon is not an easy decision. This is because you want to be sure that the person you are entrusting your body to is not only skilled and knowledgeable, but also someone you can trust.
You don’t want to have any regrets once you go under the knife, so make sure everything is planned to perfection. That includes choosing a plastic surgeon you trust. 50% of surgeons performing surgeries right now are below average.
We’ll look at some areas you should focus on when choosing someone. The person you choose doesn’t need to be perfect, but it will help if they tick off almost all the boxes we’re going to look at today. Here are eight ways that can help you narrow down your choices and find the best plastic surgeon for your needs:
1. Do Your Research
Your research should include reading reviews from past patients, looking up information on the surgeon’s website, and speaking to people you know who have had plastic surgery. You can also read articles like this one to get an idea of what to look for in a good surgeon.
2. Board Certification Is Essential
Board certification is the gold standard when it comes to choosing a plastic surgeon. This means that the surgeon has completed a residency and an accredited plastic surgery program.
They will also have taken and passed exams testing their knowledge of plastic surgery. This is someone who is fully qualified to perform plastic surgery procedures.
3. Ask About Any Hospital Privileges
A surgeon who has hospital privileges is someone who has been vetted by their peers and is deemed to be competent. This is a good sign that you can trust the surgeon. You should also ask about where the surgeon trained and whether they are part of any professional organizations. These are all good indicators of a surgeon’s skill and experience.
4. Look at Before and After Pictures
When looking at before and after pictures, pay attention to the results. There are some surgeons who focus on making their patients look as close to perfection as possible, while others strive for a more natural look.
Think about what you want and make sure the surgeon’s before and after photos reflect that. It’s also important to make sure that the surgeon has experience with the specific procedure you’re interested in.
5. Check for Reviews and Testimonials
When looking at reviews, pay attention to both positive and negative ones. A good surgeon will have some negative reviews, as no one is perfect. However, you should be wary of surgeons with mostly negative reviews.
Look for red flags such as complaints about poor communication, unprofessional staff, or subpar results. You can also ask the surgeon for testimonials from past patients. This can give you some insight into what it’s like to work with them.
6. Consider Your Surgeon’s Personality
This is perhaps the most important factor of all. You’ll be spending a lot of time with your surgeon leading up to your surgery, so it’s important that you feel comfortable with them. This means feeling like you can trust them and that they have your best interests at heart. Trust your gut instinct when it comes to personality.
If you’re not comfortable with the surgeon, then it’s probably best to look for someone else.
7. Location Matters, But It’s Not Everything
Last but not least, consider the location of the surgeon’s office. You’ll be spending a lot of time there, so you want it to be somewhere you’re comfortable with.
That being said, don’t discount a surgeon just because they’re not in your city. With modern technology, it’s easier than ever to consult with surgeons remotely. You can even have your surgery done at a location that’s more convenient for you.
Walk into a plastic surgery clinic with a list of questions you want to ask.
- What are the clinic’s success rates?
- How many times has the surgeon performed this procedure?
- Does the clinic have before and after photos I can look at?
- Is the surgeon board certified?
- What is the surgeon’s personality like?
- Do they have any hospital privileges?
- Where did they train, and are they part of any professional organizations?
- What are some reviews and testimonials from past patients?
8. Don’t Forget to Consider Your Budget
Plastic surgery can be expensive, so it’s important to consider your budget when selecting a surgeon. Make sure you know what the cost of the procedure will be and whether the surgeon accepts your insurance.
If you’re paying out of pocket, look for surgeons who offer financing options. This can help make the procedure more affordable.
Don’t let cost be the only factor you consider, though. The most important thing is to find a surgeon you’re comfortable with who will do a great job.
In Conclusion
When selecting a plastic surgeon, it’s important to do your research. Make sure you look at before and after pictures, check for reviews and testimonials, and consider the surgeon’s personality. You should also make sure they’re board certified.
Don’t forget to consider your budget when making your decision. Look for surgeons who offer financing options if you’re paying out of pocket.
Most importantly, trust your gut instinct. If you’re not comfortable with the surgeon, then it’s probably best to look for someone else. The right surgeon will make you feel at ease and help you achieve the results you’re looking for.
