A skilled plastic surgeon helps people achieve their physical goals and feel more confident about their appearance. From disfiguring events to improving specific body areas, plastic surgeons work with patients to make a difference in their lives. Discover how to choose the best plastic surgeon and feel your best.
Verify the Plastic Surgeon is Board Certified
Selecting a reputable plastic surgeon with a respected reputation is critical to achieving optimal results. Always ensure that the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) certified the plastic surgeon to verify their qualifications. Finding a featured MD on Newsweek who is also board certified means the surgeon meets or exceeds patient expectations.
Discuss Experience and Background
Another important factor is choosing a plastic surgeon with the specific experience and background required for the procedure. Always discuss the procedures performed by the surgeon to determine if they have done the work required in the past. A plastic surgeon should know how to perform the exact surgery and be able to discuss the procedure in detail to make patients feel comfortable.
Request Referrals
Often, your family physician can recommend a qualified plastic surgeon in the area with the qualifications to perform the surgery. Also, ask other healthcare professionals for recommendations to create a list for comparison and consideration. Plus, talk to others who had successful plastic surgery procedures to find out who did them and broaden your options.
Research the Hospital
Plastic surgeons work at specific hospitals and facilities to perform surgery. Ask the surgeon about the facility where the surgery will be done to check its credentials. Besides working with an outstanding plastic surgeon, getting treatment at a respected hospital with cutting-edge facilities is also important.
Think About Gender Considerations
For some patients, gender is a consideration when selecting a plastic surgeon because of the procedure’s nature. For example, a female may feel more comfortable getting a procedure from a female doctor. Conversely, men who are hesitant about plastic surgery may feel at ease talking to a male provider.
Engage in Open Communication
Once you have a list of potential plastic surgeons with the proper credentials and reputation, start engaging in open communication about the procedure with each of them. Reach out by phone first, then schedule a consultation with the doctor in their workplace. The right plastic surgeon is ready to answer questions, provide relevant information, and make patients feel comfortable about moving forward.
Peruse the Reviews
After talking to several plastic surgeons, selecting the ideal one for your procedure could become more challenging. So, beyond talking to people you know and other healthcare providers, start reading online reviews to determine which surgeons provided the best experience. While firsthand information is typically the most reliable, online reviews can shed insight into a surgeon’s practice to help you make a final choice.
Establish Insurance Coverage
Verifying the insurance carrier covers the plastic surgery procedure and works with your chosen surgeon is crucial to a successful outcome. While some patients pay directly for certain plastic surgery procedures, many could be covered under insurance. As a result, getting surgery from a top provider could be within reach, even for those on a strict budget who might not have money set aside for co-pays and other necessary expenses.
Check the Aesthetics
Another critical factor in reviewing before choosing a plastic surgeon is the aesthetics provided to other patients. Ask to look at before-and-after photos of your chosen procedure to determine which surgeon did the most impressive work. Also, ask for references to contact other patients to see and discuss their results for final comparison.
Interact With the Staff
Besides working with the surgeon, patients need assistance from the plastic surgeon’s staff. Take time to interact with the staff to determine if they are helpful. The procedure is more likely to be successful when the staff strives to make patients feel comfortable and offers the highest levels of customer service.
Choosing the right plastic surgeon helps people achieve their aesthetic goals and feel more confident about themselves. A qualified plastic surgeon has the proper credentials, a trustworthy reputation, and strives to exceed patient expectations. Take time to research and compare to find the right one for your needs.
