Choosing a plastic surgeon to perform your cosmetic procedure is one of the most nerve-wracking decisions you'll have to make. Not only is it essential to choose a well-qualified cosmetic surgeon, but you'll want to choose one that shares your aesthetic sensibilities, has a pleasing bedside manner, and is easily accessible.
While it may be easy to choose what procedure you want performed, you may find that it takes you quite a while to find the right plastic surgeon for you. Here are a few factors to consider when making this important choice.
1. Distance: There are some fantastic and highly specialized plastic surgeons around the country that can combine aesthetic artistry with superior medical skills. While many people find that its well worth the expense and time spent traveling to a specific cosmetic surgeon, for others it just might not be feasible. It also makes the issue of aftercare and follow-ups more difficult. Some patients may develop complications over time and your original surgeon may not be accessible to you when you need them.
2. Money: Some areas of the country, and certain surgeons, will naturally command a higher price for cosmetic surgery. Before you start consulting with potential plastic surgeons, create a budget and research possible financing options, if necessary.
3. Popularity: Although you want to choose the best possible cosmetic surgeon, don't just go by popularity alone. Individual consultations, before and after photos, and your own gut instincts are worth more than a few talk show appearances. You may find some very competent and qualified local surgeons that offer more reasonable prices and shorter waiting lists.
4. Qualifications: Before even bothering to call a surgeon, check their qualifications! You should only choose a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). It's also wise to review their education, years of experience, and check for any malpractice suits against them.
5. Bedside Manner It's not just about skill. A good plastic surgeon should make you feel comfortable and confident. He should give you a detailed consultation, answer all your questions, and have plenty of informational material for you to review. At no time, should you feel rushed or pressured into making a decision.
6. Aesthetic Views: You may have found a qualified, certified, and friendly cosmetic surgeon, but after looking at his before and after photos, you're afraid you'll get the same button nose that every other patient before you has ended up with. Do your aesthetic sensibilities match those of your surgeon? Some compromise may be necessary due to physical limitations, but if a surgeon's vision deviates too much from your own, keep looking.
The internet can be a valuable research tool in your search, as well as recommendations from friends, family, and certain facets of the media. However, the decision you make should ultimately be based on your own instincts and your surgeon's qualifications.
Even the best cosmetic surgeons have been known to make mistakes or have patients who suffer from complications, so personal trust and confidence is the key to having a successful surgery.
Your selection of a plastic surgeon to alter a physical feature of your body is a very intimate decision. You need to find a professional who makes you feel comfortable personally and in whose skill and competence you feel confident. Whether you have already met with a plastic surgeon or are just beginning to look for one, you need to be satisfied by what you discover in these three essential areas: education, experience, and communication.
Educational Credentials for Your Plastic Surgeon
The educational background of a docotor should be made easily available to you both at the surgeon's office and at the surgeon's website, if one exists. Many doctors do not put their diplomas on the wall because of vanity. It is important for doctors to openly disclose and display their educational credentials. You should as the doctor or a staff member about medical school and residency training.
When considering a plastic surgeon, you should also feel free to verify the educational background. This can be done fairly easily by doing an internet search for your state's medical licensing board. You would be able to verify that your potential plastic surgeon has an active medical license, and often the medical school where the plastic surgeon graduated will be listed as well ? as it is at California's medical board.
The Experience of a Plastic Surgeon
Even if a plastic surgeon has excellent educational credentials, it does not mean that he or she is necessarily the right plastic surgeon for you. Specialties and expertise vary among plastic surgeons. For example, a plastic surgeon might focus on and be very accomplished in breast augmentation surgery. But if you are looking for a plastic surgeon to do a facelift, then this would not be a good match.
It is important that you ask your potential physician what procedures he or she does most often. The plastic surgeon should be up front about areas of expertise and willing to refer you to someone else if what you need would be better done by someone else.
Communication with a Plastic Surgeon
Speaking with your surgeon during a consultation is when you will discover the surgeon's interpersonal skills. You should feel that this individual is attentive and responsive to your deeply personal concerns about your body. The plastic surgeon should also answer all your questions with candor and explain the details of your desired procedure, including possible risks and recovery time.
Additionally, a plastic surgeon should also query you about your reasons for seeking your procedure. You should not be allowed to jump into a plastic surgery without thinking through your motivations. A well-informed decision on your part is in the best interests of you and the plastic surgeon. Sometimes it takes several visits, and perhaps months or even years to decide on having a procedure. These things are elective so there is no hurry!
As you search for a plastic surgeon, be sure to carefully weigh all your concerns and the skill set offered by any plastic surgeon with whom you meet.
Both Abigail Aaronson & Lloyd Krieger 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.
Abigail Aaronson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Breast Enlargements, Tummy Tucks Before and After and Rhinoplasty. If you're looking for a plastic surgeon CA area, who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, c. Abigail Aaronson's top article generates over 201000 views. to your Favourites.