Choosing to move forward with plastic surgery is not an easy decision. It means you have thought about your options and decided that this is the best solution to address your functional issues or aesthetic concerns. There are so many factors to think about, including what specific treatment is ideal, the cost of the surgery, what to expect during recovery, and more. Choosing the right plastic surgeon is another important consideration in order to ensure a successful procedure outcome. In this blog post, we highlight 6 steps towards finding the right specialist for the job.

1. Work with board-certified plastic surgeons

There are numerous plastic surgeons listed out there and it may appear impossible to differentiate seasoned professionals from unscrupulous practitioners. Asking for board certification is the best way to identify qualified surgeons who bright the right skills to the practice. The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is an independent organization that provides this certification to surgeons who offer the highest levels of care. Membership with professional bodies in plastic surgery (such as the American Society of Plastic Surgery) is another important highlight that can point to a highly qualified and seasoned surgeon.

2. Review past education, training, and experience

Ask your surgeon about their education and training in the field of plastic surgery. More importantly, find out how much experience they have in the specific procedure that you are interested in. How many years have they performed this specific procedure? Do they have any additional training that sets them apart? What do their before and after photos say? Asking these questions will give you a pretty good impression of what you can expect from anyone surgeon. While highly experienced surgeons tend to charge more, they may be able to achieve a better surgical outcome.

3. Vet the surgeon’s facility for accreditation

Plastic surgeries may be performed at a plastic surgeon’s in-office operating room or any accredited surgical facility. The venue of the procedure will be determined by the type of cosmetic surgery being performed. Nonetheless, it is important that you make sure your surgery will be performed at a location that has ambulatory certification by state or national licensing bodies. This is important to ensure that in case of an emergency, the facility has the staff, training, and equipment needed to respond.

4. Assess the surgeon’s style and approach

Different plastic surgeons bring different styles and approaches to the operating table. This is so because plastic surgery isn’t just about science, it is also about being artistic. You want to work with a specialist who understands your expectations and who can create a unique treatment plan to achieve your goals. The surgeon’s before and after photos should tell part of the story but you also want to ask what specific techniques the surgeon uses to achieve the desired outcome.

5. Read reviews or talk to past customers

Reviews and feedback from past customers provide invaluable information regarding the surgeon’s approach and expertise. Ask for a few contacts of past patients who received the same treatment. Get in touch to learn what they liked about the surgeon and if there are any areas where there were shortcomings. This way, you should be able to make the decision whether to work with a specific surgeon or not.

6. Evaluate the surgeon’s customer service

Last but not lastly, assess your comfort level with the surgeon. Are you happy about how they answer your questions? Do they seem honest and focused on achieving the desired outcome? How is their support staff? Are they friendly? You should be able to develop a rapport with the surgeon who is going to perform your surgery. So, make sure you tune in and pay attention to the little details that are otherwise easy to miss.

Conclusion

Selecting the right plastic surgeon is important so you achieve the best possible outcome from your surgery. Rather than just checking online and working with any name that crops up in your city, put into consideration the factors above.