About 11.3 million cosmetic surgical operations were done worldwide in 2019. With social media’s increasing emphasis on aesthetics and the reducing stigma associated with cosmetic surgery, it’s no longer uncommon for a person of any age and gender to undergo elective procedures.
As the demand for these operations grows, so does the number of people providing their services. So, how do you pick the best plastic surgeon — and, maybe more importantly, the best plastic surgeon for you?
It can be a daunting process (and an exasperatingly long one if you are eager to see the outcomes). However, this is a crucial decision, and it is in your best interest to be thorough.
Keep reading to know how to find and choose the best plastic surgeon.
Board-Certified Best Plastic Surgeon
No matter the plastic surgery procedure you want, ensure you work with a board-certified plastic surgeon. That will help, especially for procedures involving Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport injections.
Board-certified surgeons are very qualified to practice and perform surgical procedures. Due to their extensive training and certification, plastic surgeons have a wealth of experience.
Such surgeons have low complication rates and the greatest results in their beauty procedures. For a plastic surgeon to receive certification, they must:
- Earn a degree from an accredited and prestigious medical school.
- Finish the residency program for plastic surgery
- Complete 3-years of general surgery
- Have 2-years of professional experience
- Pass a few oral and written exams administered by the (ABPS) American Board of Plastic Surgery.
The Plastic Surgeon’s Experience
Experience is key when choosing the best plastic surgeon. You will have better results if you work with an experienced surgeon in a procedure or condition.
Experience will allow the surgeon to prevent complications and promptly recognize them. The surgeon must have experience treating people with the same condition you have.
Vet the Facility’s Quality
When choosing a plastic surgeon, ensure their hospital facility has accreditation and accommodating. Top-rated hospitals have better survival rates and few complications.
To know if the facility has accreditation, look for at least one of these certifications:
- State licensure
- (AAASF) American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities
- (JCAHO) Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
- Title XVIII Medicare participation
- Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care
It’s also vital to consider the facility’s location. You might have to visit the surgeon’s office a few times for tests, consultations, and procedures.
The location should encourage timely care.
Patient Reviews
When selecting a plastic surgeon, you must have total confidence in your decision. Please read what others say about the surgeon to know how they operate their medical practice.
Patient reviews reflect their experience with the surgeon. From scheduling their appointments, office environment, wait time, and customer service.
You will also learn the level of patient-doctor trust and their time with patients.
Get Recommendations
Finding the best plastic surgeon will take time. It will be great to speak with friends and relatives that you respect their recommendations.
Talk to people you’re sure will give honest opinions. But, remember that each procedure is personal, and everyone has unique experiences.
Though seeking advice is okay, ensuring you’re happy with your selection is crucial.
Websites and Social Media
By checking out the plastic surgeon’s website and social media presence, you will see anything recent from them. Online interaction between patients and surgeons is great.
That way, you can understand the procedure without being at the facility. You will also know the surgeon’s vision and conduct.
You will see some patients’ before and after pictures on the surgeon’s social media and website.
Find Someone You Can Trust
You might take some time to find a plastic surgeon you can trust. It’s much like finding the right personal trainer or family doctor.
Having a good personal rapport with your surgical team is important. That makes all the difference between a good and great plastic surgery experience.
After finding a surgeon you can connect with, you will be honest in your discussions.
The surgeon will outline a realistic recovery timeline and help you through the recovery process.
Check Their Communication Style
Ensure you’re comfortable talking to the plastic surgeon you choose. The surgeon should support your information needs.
After meeting with the surgeon, ask some questions and check how they respond. Is the surgeon answering your questions in a way you can understand?
Are the options they are providing personalized for your needs? The best plastic surgeon should show some interest in knowing more about you.
The surgeon can consider your treatment preferences and respect your decision-making process.
What to Ask During Consultation
Are you wondering what to discuss in the consultation room with your plastic surgeon? Here are a 9-questions to ask to ensure you’re right making the decision:
1. What Procedure(s) Are Best for Me?
You already have a certain treatment or procedure you want. But, first, have a conversation with the plastic surgeon to know the best course of action for your case.
Though the decision is up to you, your surgeon will take a holistic look at your situation. They will then offer a series of surgical options potentially good for you.
2. How Often Do You Perform the Procedure?
The more practitioners perform a procedure, the more they specialize in it. You will get a better sense of their expertise by knowing how often they perform the recommended procedure.
3. Are You Willing to Connect Me With Previous Patients?
If your friend didn’t recommend you to the surgeon, ask to talk to an existing patient. If they are willing to, you will learn more about the surgeon’s practice and experience.
4. What Is the Procedure’s Cost Breakdown?
Insurance companies consider beauty and cosmetic procedures as electives. So, they don’t often cover them in the insurance. These procedures are also expensive.
Remember, prices will vary from practice to practice and the cost presentation. Ask for a comprehensive cost overview to avoid all hidden fees and surprises.
Though it’s impossible to foresee complications, having a sense of all extra fees will aid you in budgeting accordingly.
Note that your insurance may partially or fully subsidize certain cases. So, ensure you check with your insurer before booking.
5. How Many Pre-Op Appointments Do You Need?
You might be thinking about the recovery time required after your surgical procedure. But, what about the time you will spend with pre-op preparation?
The surgeon must do tests on you, from blood work to imaging, and secure some assets before the procedure. Ensure you know the timeline from the day you book to the last follow-up appointment.
That way, you can commit.
6. Does the Procedure Need Anesthesia?
On top of knowing whether your procedure will need anesthesia or sedation, you need to know who will administer it. The anesthetist should be board certified or a certified registered nurse anesthetist.
You will also plan for your ride home and post-surgery care if you know whether the procedure will need sedation.
7. Do You Have a Medical Professional on Call to Answer My Post-Op Questions?
Your research might be excellent, and the written post-op instructions are clear. But, questions may arise during your recovery period that needs immediate help.
On top of the traditional phone calls, practitioners now offer live chats on their websites. Patients can speak to surgeons, nurses, and physician assistants in real-time.
8. How Long Will Results Take?
Most surgeons will say that the healing time often depends on the patient. But, some general timelines will shed some light on the expected final result.
Though some results of certain procedures are immediate, some may take years or more to reveal themselves fully. So, ensure you manage your expectations and patience level beforehand.
9. How Many Follow-Up Appointments Will I Have?
The exact number of post-op appointments varies with the procedure. However, you will need at least one follow-up within the first week.
That might be the needed check-in for an injectable treatment requiring Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport. For a surgical procedure, expect to meet with your surgeon a few times in the first month after the procedure.
Find the Best Plastic Surgeon
Since you now know more about how to choose a plastic surgeon, you’re ready to get the best plastic surgeon in your area. Choosing a plastic surgeon for your needs will be vital in achieving your desired outcome.
Ask enough questions to ensure you’re satisfied with your selection before choosing a surgeon.
At Atlanta Face & Body, our center focuses on every aspect of your comfort, convenience, and privacy. We are an AAAHV Accredited facility due to our high-quality care and substantial compliance.
Contact us today to book your appointment.
