Considering Plastic Surgery? Tips For Finding The Correct Doctor
3 min read
Determining the correct doctor for your plastic surgery needs is the first and most important part of the process. You want a doctor that can deliver a successful procedure that will leave you with greater confidence and feeling more like yourself. Finding the right doctor will require you to consider some important factors.
Some of these include certifications, level of expertise, and experience in plastic surgery. Cosmetic surgeries are life-changing operations that should be handled with the utmost diligence. The process may seem a bit overwhelming, but with a few pointers, it can be a straightforward process.
Read on to learn what to consider when finding the correct doctor.
Table of Contents
Check Their Board Certification
Doctors are expected to meet high-level safety requirements and have the requisite medical skills needed to perform specific forms of plastic surgery. The only way to ensure this when finding the correct doctor is by checking their board certifications.
Check that the prospective surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). While not a certifying board, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) membership is a big plus. The members undergo continuous medical training and must maintain top-level patient satisfaction and safety standards to retain membership.
Are Their Results Exceptional?
Another critical factor when finding the correct doctor is checking their before and after pictures of previous surgeries, reviews, and testimonials. Most surgeons will always have a gallery of photos for prospective clients to review. Ensure that at least two or more of the after photos are recent to ensure their work is consistent.
Check Out Their Facility
Finding the correct doctor for your cosmetic surgery will also include vetting their facility. They should have an accommodating and accredited facility. Plastic surgery can be handled outside a hospital, but the facility must have the highest attainable standards of patient care, quality, and safety.
Look for any of the following certifications:
- Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organisations (JCAHO)
- Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health
- American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF)
- State licensure
Look For Expertise In Your Desired Surgery
On top of proper education and training, your potential surgeon should have experience performing the kind of surgery you want. Plastic surgeons specialize in specific procedures; your desired procedure should feature in their top three.
Every area of plastic surgery demands a different skill set. For instance, a breast lift primarily involves changing to the soft tissue, while a nose job procedure involves operating on cartilage, bone, and breathing passages.
Find out how many of these procedures the surgeon performs in a week. Multiple procedures weekly over the years is an assurance of their ability to deliver.
The Bottom Line
Finding a surgeon you can trust may take a few tries, but with proper considerations in mind, you are more likely to find them. Once you have checked their accreditations, facility, and expertise, trusting the doctor becomes much easier. Take time with your search and make consultations until you land on someone you can trust.
