The number of patients turning to plastic surgery has increased dramatically over the last 2 decades. Patients no longer need to travel to distant states to work with seasoned practitioners. Techniques have dramatically improved and newer methods allow plastic surgeons to complete procedures with a high degree of safety and efficiency. If you have thought about undergoing cosmetic surgery, this article offers 8 practical tips to help you find the right plastic surgeon in Baton Rouge.
Start with an online search
The first place to start your search for a plastic surgeon is online. Simply conduct a search on Google or any other search engine with keywords such as ‘plastic surgeons in Baton Rouge’ or ‘plastic surgeons near me’. This should give you a list of top-ranking practitioners in your area. Make sure that you open the individual websites to learn more about what procedure options the surgeon offers and what techniques they use. Ultimately, you should be able to come up with a list of at least 2-3 top plastic surgeons to start with.
Ask for board certification
Plastic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS), which accredits professionals who adhere to the highest standards of quality and safety. It is important that you only work with certified surgeons because these have received a high level of training and have demonstrated to adhere to acceptable standards of safety and quality in the industry. Membership with professional organizations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is also another important indicator of a highly qualified plastic surgeon.
Assess the surgeon’s experience
Looking for experience is another great way to find a plastic surgeon who is well suited to perform your surgery. You want to learn how much experience the surgeon you are interested in has in the specific cosmetic procedure that you want to undergo. If they have specialized training in a specific area, that is another good thing. The right surgeon should have performed countless successful procedures of the same type that you are interested in.
Look at prior work photos
Before and after photos tell an important story. They give you an impression of the kind of results your plastic surgeon can be able to achieve based on the experiences of past patients. You’ll also be able to compare different results and match them with your own expectations. Most plastic surgeons publish before and after photo catalogs on their websites but you can also request to see the same during your initial consultation visit at Erick Sanchez, MD Plastic Surgery.
Read past patient reviews
Reviews from past patients can give you a lot of important information regarding a plastic surgeon’s approach. You’ll be able to learn more about their methods, customer service, and ability to deliver the results you are looking for. Plastic surgery reviews can be found on third-party platforms such as Yelp, Google Reviews, Real Self, and even Real Patient Ratings. Make sure that you are reading patient reviews specific to the procedure you intend to have and the particular plastic surgeon you want to work with.
Pay attention to the surgeon’s staff
As a patient, you need to be focused on the entire surgical experience, not just the final results. It is important that you are totally comfortable with both the plastic surgeon and their support team. So pay attention to how professional the surgeon’s office staff handle themselves during each visit. You want to make sure that you are entrusting the procedure to people who are committed to your well-being, satisfaction, and desired outcome.
Ask where procedures are performed
It is important to ensure that your surgery will be performed in an accredited operating room where your safety is a priority. Make sure to ask your plastic surgeon about the certification their surgical facilities have. These include accrediting bodies such as JCAHO, AAAASF, AAAHC, and IMQ which are typically issued and approved by state medical boards. The surgeon’s anesthetist should also be certified by either the board or the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
Assess rapport with the plastic surgeon
It is absolutely important that you only work with a plastic or cosmetic surgeon you have a rapport with. This will make it easier for both of you to communicate especially during the planning stages of the surgery. The surgeon’s staff should also be helpful and friendly. You should feel inspired and confident in the team’s abilities and unique approach to your plastic surgery. Also, make sure that all the costs of your procedure are properly stated, and you are aware of all risks and realities associated with the plastic surgery procedure you intend to have.
Conclusion
Remember that each patient’s journey is unique. The important thing is to do your homework and prepare adequately for your treatment. Your plastic surgeon should be able to give you a list of pre-op preparation steps during one of your consultation visits.