Getting cosmetic surgery can be an exciting but also an intimidating process. You are anxious to get that new look, but you have lots of questions. One of the best ways to ease your worries and make sure your procedure is as smooth as possible is to find the best plastic surgeon. In order to do this, you need to know what you are looking for and what questions you need to ask. Here are some helpful suggestions.
1. Look in the right places. There are plenty of cosmetic surgeons out there and it can be hard to know where to find a good one. A good rule of thumb is to ask people you trust for references. These might be friends, family members, or acquaintances that have had similar plastic surgery performed. You might also try asking your general practitioner if she has any recommendations. She may be more familiar with the names and reputations of the plastic surgeons in your area and can suggest a good one.
2. Do a background check. Once you have found one or more possible surgeons, check out their credentials and their level of experience. Ask whether they have been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This is the only official board that is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. You should also find out where the doctor received his training and what specialties he practices. You may also want to learn how many years the surgeon has been in business. Generally, a plastic surgeon with several years under his belt will be quicker and more skilled in performing your plastic surgery. Another factor to consider is whether or not the doctor has hospital privileges. Even if your procedure is performed in an outpatient facility, a good surgeon will have operating privileges at an accredited hospital. This means that the surgeon's competency has been reviewed and accepted by the hospital's formal review committee.
3. Interview the surgeons. Once you have narrowed your search down to a few options, schedule initial consultation visits with each of them. This will give you the chance to get an overall feeling about the doctor and staff and whether they would be a good fit for you. It will also provide you the opportunity to ask several important questions about the risks of your cosmetic surgery as well as the length and extent of the recovery. These visits can also be used to compare costs.
4. Compare surgeon fees. All plastic surgeons can determine their own fee schedule for procedures, but because of competition they tend to keep their prices relatively close to their closest fellow surgeons. You may want to compare the total costs among the different surgeons in order to get the best deal. Be cautious though, because sometimes higher fee are a result of more experience and greater demand. So getting the lowest price on your cosmetic surgery does not necessarily mean you are getting the best surgeon. One important cost-related question though, may be if and how much each plastic surgeon charges for revision surgeries as often patients must return for additional corrective surgeries.
Finding a great cosmetic surgeon is a simple process but it will require some work and research on your part. Take the time to ask the right questions and you will have a much better chance at satisfying and long-lasting plastic surgery results.
While many have experienced the ongoing benefits of a mineral essential facial or body work at the nearby spa, you may be in the market for something more in depth and permanent, such as a mini-face lift, liposuction, or overall full-body lift. If you are considering plastic surgery patient, or are in search of a new doctor, it's important to choose your surgeon wisely. Like you would any major purchase, it's important to ask the right questions and make an informed decision.
Your neighborhood plastic surgeon may have a plush office, great marketing pieces, and the latest technology, so he has to be the best, right? Not necessarily. There are many things to consider, besides the comfy office chairs. It's important to know as much as possible before going under the knife - such as the surgeon's skills, experience, and credentials. The following are questions to ask before deciding who will perform your procedure:
1. Are you Board Certified?
There are several certifying boards for plastic surgeons, as well as surgical societies of which a surgeon may be a member. The gold standard is The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This certification indicates the surgeon has achieved extensive specialized training which speaks to his or her commitment to excellence and superior knowledge. You may also verify the surgeon's certification online at the ABPS Website.
2. How many times have you done this particular procedure?
So many people don't think to ask this question, perhaps because they don't want seem rude in questioning a surgeon's experience. But how important are your looks? Always ask about the surgeon's level of experience, especially if you are undergoing a newer treatment.
3. What other medical staff will assist with the procedure?
Who is going to be a part of your surgeon's surgical support team? What are their qualifications? Who will be administering and monitoring the anesthesia? If your procedure will be performed at a teaching hospital, will there be any medical students or interns involved in the case? It's important to know who will be a part of your procedure.
4. What are the risks associated with the procedure?
Typically, the biggest risk to a patient during a procedure is from the general anesthesia. This type of anesthesia requires a highly trained specialist to administer and monitor the effects on the patient. The safest option is to use a localized anesthesia. This may be recommended if the surgeon has a need to communicate with you during the surgery. However, most procedures are not possible with only a local anesthetic.
5. Can I see before and after pictures of patients on whom you've performed the same or similar procedures?
First and foremost, ask your surgeon if the images shown to you are actual patients of this particular surgeon. Plastic surgeons sometimes use "stock" photos in their promotional materials. Or a supplier of a particular piece of surgical equipment might provide surgeons with photos showing the results that have been achieved using their technique or equipment.
6. What is the complication rate with this procedure?
A surgeon should be able to tell you how many complications they have had with your particular procedure, without violating the privacy of his or her other patients. Your surgeon should be able to provide an actual count or percentage rate so that you feel comfortable about making the most informed choice as possible.
7. Can you provide me with 3-4 references to patients who have had this procedure?
A surgeon should be able to provide you with nothing less than the glowing reports of satisfied patients. These references may also be able to provide you with insight on what to expect from the experience in regards to recovery, pain management and downtime.
8. What is the breakdown of fees for this procedure?
In addition to a surgeon's fee, you will also be paying anesthesia fees, operating room fees, lab fees, and more. Request a written breakdown along with the total, so you' completely aware of the bottom line before proceeding.
Both Abigail Aaronson & are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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