Whether it’s a facelift, tummy tuck or another procedure, it’s bound to be an exciting time!

But if you haven’t yet settled on an Atlanta Plastic Surgeon to perform your procedure, then you have another big decision to make.

Who will you entrust with the surgery? It’s clearly not a choice to be taken lightly.

Read on to learn how to choose the surgeon who’s going to be just right for you, and why Atlanta Face & Body may be the best option for you.

What Should You Do While Seeking A Plastic Surgeon?

When you first begin your search, you may focus solely on your desired results. But remember, you want to ensure that you will be safe throughout this entire journey and that you’re working with a qualified Atlanta Plastic Surgeon.

That’s why we’ve compiled this checklist to help you in selecting a plastic surgeon.

1. Get References

You’re not the first person ever to get plastic surgery. So ask around.

Turn to family and friends for recommendations. Or ask your personal physician or other people you may know in the healthcare industry to refer you to an Atlanta Plastic Surgeon whom they know – or whom they know has a good reputation.

You can also reach out to people you know who have had plastic surgery. Ask them about their experience and if they are pleased with the results.

Then there’s the internet. Reviewing sites is a great way to start collecting information and see what the buzz is around plastic surgery. One word of warning though – online reviews are not always authentic.

As tempting as it is to opt for doctors with only positive reviews and rule out any sites that have a few bad reviews, don’t do it. Since reviews are not vetted, it’s become a common business practice to pay people to write positive reviews or pay them not to write negative ones.

A doctor with a few negative reviews but mostly positive ones is likely to be more truthful and authentic. That would be the sort of doctor you want.

2. Ensure Board-Certification

Once you’ve come to a decision about which Atlanta Plastic Surgeon you want, the prospective surgeon should be board certified by the appropriate specialty group for the procedure you want.

You can further narrow down this search to physicians who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). With this certification, you’ll know that your surgeon has gone through a rigorous qualification, examination, and recertification process that makes him or her an expert in the field.

After all, you don’t want a part-time plastic surgeon. You want someone who is committed enough to have to taken the necessary steps to attain such credentials. Dr. Elizabeth at Atlanta Face & Body is a Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon.

3. Study the Surgeon’s Website

What does the biography section tell you? What kind of education, experience, and certification has your Atlanta Plastic Surgeon received?

It’s important to know all of this information. And if this information is lacking, that’s a red flag. It indicates that the surgeon has something to hide.

Also, keep in mind that everybody wants to look like a superstar on their website. So if your surgeon has a slew of certifications, be sure to research what each certification means, how is it obtained, how is it maintained, and what qualifications are required get that certification.

If you would like to research Dr. Elizabeth’s certifications, you may view them here.

4. Ask Questions

Once you’ve studied the websites and done all of the homework, be sure to go into the first appointment with your Atlanta Plastic Surgeon armed with questions.

First of all, you have every right to inquire about your surgeon’s specific experience; ensuring that he or she has the experience and expertise they’ve claimed. A qualified surgeon will have no issue answering those questions.

Once you’ve established credibility, ask your prospective surgeon to clarify all of the potential benefits, risks, and complications connected with your procedure.

If the stock response is, “everything will be fine,” then you can bet your surgeon is not being honest with you. Though plastic surgery is relatively safe, there is always the possibility of complications depending on each patient’s unique medical history.

Therefore, you want a plastic surgeon who is forthright with information about the potential complications involved. Dr. Elizabeth and her staff at Atlanta Face & Body is happy to answer any and all questions you may have about potential procedures.

5. Discuss Recovery

Your prospective surgeon needs to explain what you can expect in the first 24-48 hours after the procedure. He or she should also explain how to get in touch with his or her staff, if necessary. All of this is crucial to your safety. The staff at Atlanta Face & Body will help design a customized post-procedure plan designed for your best recovery outcome.

6. Insist on An Accredited Ambulatory Facility

If you’ve already verified that your Atlanta Plastic Surgeon is board-certified, this won’t be necessary since every board-certified plastic surgeon is required to operate in an accredited ambulatory facility.

Subject to internal and external inspection by credentialing agencies, these facilities are of the highest standard. Plus, they have the emergency equipment and training necessary to respond to such situations.

7. Inquire About the Anesthetist/Anesthesiologist

Equally important in the success of your procedure is the anesthetist/anesthesiologist. You want to be as relaxed and pain-free as possible.

That’s why you need to be sure that your Atlanta Plastic Surgeon employs only a carefully selected and certified anesthetist or anesthesiologist. This should be an extremely important factor in your choice.

8. Get Other Opinions

If you’re feeling solid in your choice, you may not need this step. But it sure can’t hurt.

After all, you’re entrusting your body and your well-being to this person. So that means you get to be choosy.

Selecting a plastic surgeon is an interview process. Even if you like the first one, consider another one or two consultations with other surgeons. There might be another that has that certain something the others were lacking.

Find the Right Atlanta Plastic Surgeon for You

There are so many great reasons to have plastic surgery. Whatever your reason, you want to make a well-informed decision.

We at Atlanta Face & Body would be happy to help you on your journey.

Contact us to book an appointment and learn more about plastic surgery. We look forward to meeting you!