Choosing the right plastic surgeon is critical to the success of your desired outcome. With so many providers out there, how do you ensure you are selecting the right one?
Plastic surgery has become increasingly popular in recent years, with a growing number of people opting for various procedures. However, selecting the right plastic surgeon is a critical decision that requires careful consideration.
A successful outcome depends on the surgeon’s expertise and experience, as well as proper communication between patient and surgeon.
Choosing the right plastic surgeon requires you to consider various aspects, such as their qualifications, track record, and communication style. It is essential to do your research and ask the right questions to ensure you are making an informed decision.
This post will provide you with a guide on how to choose the right plastic surgeon for you.
1. Make Sure They’re Board Certified
Find a cosmetic surgeon who has completed extensive training and passed rigorous exams to meet the highest standards of their specialty. Board certification also verifies that the surgeon is up-to-date on the latest surgical techniques and technologies.
It’s important to do your research and verify a surgeon’s credentials before trusting them with your appearance and well-being.
Key Questions to Ask:
- Are you board-certified by a recognized board?
- What specific training did you undergo for the procedures you offer?
2. Confirm Their Experience in the Specific Procedures You Want
Look for a surgeon who has a solid track record of performing successful surgeries in your desired area.
Review their credentials and ask them to see before-and-after photos of their past work. You should also ask for referrals from previous patients and read reviews to ensure you select a surgeon with an excellent reputation.
When evaluating before-and-after photos, there are specific criteria you should consider to ensure the best possible results for your procedure:
- Facial Procedures: Look for patients who have a similar facial structure, are around your age, and share similar concerns, such as a sagging neck or a prominent nose hump. This helps you gauge how well the surgeon can address issues similar to yours.
- Breast Procedures: Identify patients with a torso and breast shape similar to yours. For instance, if you have narrow shoulders and widely-spaced, small, asymmetrical breasts, find before images that match these qualities. This will give you a clearer sense of how the surgeon tailors the procedure to patients like you.
- Body Procedures: Look for patients who have a body shape similar to yours. If you carry extra weight around your hips or have a sagging tummy, examine how the surgeon has helped patients with similar issues. Be open to considering related procedures, as sometimes a concern you thought could be treated with liposuction might be better addressed with abdominoplasty.
Additionally, pay close attention to the consistency in a surgeon’s results. Do the outcomes align with how you want to look after your surgery? Consistent, high-quality results across multiple patients can be a good indicator of the surgeon’s skill and reliability.
By thoroughly reviewing credentials, before-and-after photos, and patient referrals, you can make a well-informed decision and choose a cosmetic surgeon who will deliver the results you desire.
Finally, trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, keep looking for a surgeon until you find one who meets your expectations.
3. Check Their Staff/Customer Service
It’s important to choose the right plastic surgeon when considering any sort of cosmetic procedure. One of the key things to look for when researching potential surgeons is the quality of their staff and customer service.
Your experience with the staff will set the tone for your entire surgical process, from consultation to recovery, so make sure that they are friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive to your needs.
A surgeon’s customer service skills can tell you a lot about their overall approach to patient care. Look for a surgeon who treats their patients with empathy, respect, and professionalism and who encourages open communication and feedback throughout the process.
Things to Look For:
- Is the staff friendly and helpful?
- Do I get materials that fully prepare me for the risks and realities of surgery and recovery?
- Are all fees clearly stated? Is the quote all-inclusive?
- When I contact the practice, do I receive a prompt reply?
4. Find Out About Their Place of Operation/Facility
When choosing a plastic surgeon, it’s important to research their place of operation or facility. This includes the surgical center or hospital where the procedure will be performed. You want to ensure that the facility is accredited and follows proper safety measures, as this will minimize the risk of complications during the surgery.
Things to Ask and Look For:
- Accreditation: Ask your surgeon where they perform surgery and find out that facility’s level of accreditation. Look for certifications such as AAAASF, AAAHC, JCAHO. These are reputable accrediting bodies that ensure high standards of safety and care.
- Anesthetist Qualifications: Inquire about the anesthetist’s qualifications. For safety, you want either a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) or a Board Certified Anesthesiologist to administer your anesthesia.
A reputable plastic surgeon will have a clean and modern facility that is outfitted with the latest equipment and technology. Visiting the facility and meeting with the surgical staff is also recommended, as it will give you a sense of their expertise and professionalism.
Overall, taking the time to research the surgeon’s place of operation can help ensure a safe and satisfactory outcome.
5. Pay Attention to How the Surgeon and Staff Make You Feel
A good plastic surgeon will take the time to listen to your concerns and needs and will be transparent in explaining the procedure and potential risks involved.
Their staff should also be friendly and helpful, creating a comfortable and welcoming environment. If you feel uncomfortable or rushed during consultations or interactions, it may be a sign that this surgeon is not the right fit for you.
Trust your instincts, and take the time to find a plastic surgeon who makes you feel confident and at ease.
Ask yourself:
- Do I like spending time with this surgeon?
- Do I trust this surgeon to recommend what’s safe and right for me?
- Would I feel comfortable asking this surgeon any questions I might have throughout the process?
- Do I feel comfortable disclosing my full medical history and habits to this surgeon? (This is critically important to your safety!)
Surgery is a significant event, and there can be curves in the path to your new look. You need to feel 100% comfortable with your cosmetic surgeon and their support team.
Choose a cosmetic surgeon whom you like and trust completely with your safety and results.
6. Choose a Surgeon Whose Aesthetic Sense Appeals to You
Choosing the right plastic surgeon is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the overall outcome of your surgery. Apart from checking their credentials and experience, it is important to look for a surgeon whose aesthetic sense appeals to you.
This means that you should have a clear idea about the changes you want to make, and then look for a surgeon who shares your vision and can deliver the desired results.
It is also important to ask for before-and-after pictures, read reviews from other patients, and take the time to discuss your concerns and expectations with the surgeon during the consultation.
By doing so, you can ensure that you select a plastic surgeon who can help you achieve optimal results with minimal risks.
Questions You Should Ask Your Surgeon During Your Cosmetic Surgery Consultation
Making the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery is a big one, and it’s important to take the time to research and fully understand the procedure and the surgeon who will be performing it.
One of the most important steps in the process is the consultation with the surgeon.
Here are some questions you should consider asking during your cosmetic surgery consultation:
- What is your experience with this procedure?
- What are the risks and possible complications?
- What can I expect during the procedure?
- What kind of aftercare will I need?
- What kind of results can I expect?
- Do you have any testimonials or references?
Going into a cosmetic surgery consultation with these questions in mind can help you feel more informed and confident in your decision.
Remember to take the time to research and choose a qualified and experienced surgeon for the best possible outcome.
Final Thoughts
Picking the right plastic surgeon is important to get the results you want and to stay safe. Think about their experience, if they have the right certifications, how they talk to you, and if their place is approved.
Doing your homework, talking to surgeons, and feeling good about your choice are important for a good experience with plastic surgery. Taking the time to choose the right surgeon can make your results much better.
Enhance your beauty journey with confidence. Choose the trusted expertise of Dr. Ali Sadeghi, aka Doctor Nola of Sadeghi Center for Plastic Surgery. Contact us today for a personalized consultation and embark on your transformational experience.