Plastic surgery is something that needs to be done by an expert, but often it is difficult to find the right expert for what you have in mind. The person who does your surgery has a big impact upon your results, so you want to be sure that you choose your practitioner carefully to ensure that you get the results that you are looking for.
How do you select a plastic surgeon?
Check their qualifications. You want to select a plastic surgeon that has certification from a national or international Board of Plastic Surgery. This lets you know that they have additional training in plastic surgery and have made the effort to become certified. This also helps you to know that they have the proper education and training to be performing cosmetic surgery on you.
Do they have hospital privileges?
A reputable
plastic surgeon will have privileges to practice at an accredited hospital near their office.
Ask about their experience with your type of surgery
Don't be afraid that you will upset them. Be your own advocate and ask questions about their experience with your surgery, including how many patients that they have done the procedure on, etc.
Ask for references
Any reputable plastic surgeon will have before and after pictures for you to look at and, if you ask, should be able to give you some references that you can contact yourself. If this is an issue, you will want to look for a different surgeon.
How do you like the doctor?
If you are not comfortable with the doctor, then you need to look elsewhere. You want to find a doctor that you feel comfortable talking about what you want and what you expect with. Otherwise, you may be left feeling unsatisfied with your care or with your results, simply because you will not be able to communicate what you want or expect.
By learning how to select a plastic surgeon that is right for you, you will be more satisfied with your results and your care. Be an informed patient and choose your plastic surgeon carefully.