You invest time, money, and resources into your plastic surgery procedure so it’s reasonable to want the best results possible for your investment. Ensuring the best outcome from your surgery begins with choosing the right plastic surgeon with the right skills, experience, expertise, and understanding of your vision.
While you will likely put a lot of time into researching the right surgeon, you’ll also need to rely on your instincts. In this post, I outline some important factors to consider.
Is the Surgeon Board Certified?
Board certification means a plastic surgeon is recognized by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the only board that assesses a surgeon’s skill in plastic surgery for the face and body. To be eligible for ABPS evaluation, the surgeon must have graduated from an accredited medical school and completed a minimum of 6 years of additional training as a resident surgeon, including at least 3 years dedicated to plastic surgery. They must then pass the board’s written and oral exams. These requirements ensure a board-certified plastic surgeon exceeds the highest levels of knowledge, safety, and ethics.
Certain plastic surgery procedures can have life-changing effects if not performed by an experienced and knowledgeable surgeon. I am certified by both the ABPS and the American Board of Surgery, and I’m a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. I’ve been continuously certified by ABPS since my initial certification in 1999. As an experienced, double board-certified plastic surgeon, my goal is to afford you peace of mind as you prepare to undergo an elective procedure.
What Type of Experience Do They Have in Your Specific Procedure?
Experience can mean different things when it comes to a plastic surgeon. Although your plastic surgeon may have handled hundreds or even thousands of plastic surgery procedures throughout the years, you should make sure that they have relevant experience in the type of surgery you seek.
When you meet with me for a consultation, I will gladly answer questions about the number of procedures I have performed, the type of patients I typically encounter, and the typical results I achieve for my patients. You can also review the before and after photos on my website, read real patient reviews, and watch their video testimonials.
How Comfortable Do You Feel With the Surgeon?
When choosing a plastic surgeon, pay attention to their communication style, willingness to answer questions, and manner. Have a list of questions about what you can expect during the procedure, the potential level of discomfort, the recovery process, and more.
The more you engage with a surgeon, the more you can get to know them and gauge your comfort level. Once you choose a plastic surgeon, you will have to spend a lot of time with them, so it’s important to have a high level of comfort and trust.
How Comfortable Do You Feel in the Office Itself?
A plastic surgeon’s interaction with their support staff can tell you a lot about them. When you go for a consultation, pay attention to the office atmosphere and whether the staff seems positive and supportive. Additionally, note your interactions with the staff to see if you will feel comfortable spending extended time with them.
Pay attention to the team’s manner and whether you feel they have your best interests at heart. At our medical practice, we will never pressure you into making a quick decision and will provide you with realistic expectations regarding your procedure.
Is the Surgery Facility Accredited?
Make sure to inquire about the surgery facility where the surgeon performs plastic surgery procedures and if the center is fully accredited. Beware of plastic surgeons who perform surgical procedures in an unlicensed facility due to cost benefits. An accredited surgery center is regularly monitored for quality, safety, and full transparency regarding emergency protocols.
Typically, you should check if the surgical center is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) or by The Joint Commission. You can be assured that your safety and comfort will be a high priority in an accredited facility like my own Vista Outpatient Surgery Center.
Where Can I Find a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon?
A good resource to find a board-certified plastic surgeon is the American Board of Plastic Surgery website. Here you can find other resources and verify if a surgeon pursues the required continuous certification. Additionally, you can check if there are any complaints filed against the surgeon.
It’s essential to do your due diligence when searching for a board-certified plastic surgeon, and it may seem overwhelming at first. Still, it’s one of the most important decisions you will make, so develop a game plan and work through the above questions with each plastic surgeon you consult.
As a double board-certified plastic surgeon myself, I am happy to meet with you to discuss your plastic surgery options and explain how my team performs procedures safely in my accredited private surgery center. You can request a consultation with me using our online form or call us at (818) 500-0823 to schedule an appointment.
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