Other than the decision to get cosmetic plastic surgery, the most critical choice you’ll make is selecting a plastic surgeon to perform the procedure. Some people benefit from having a family member or friend make a personal referral. But how do you find a good plastic surgeon if you’re starting from scratch?
Above all, take enough time to evaluate your options before making a decision. And, even though virtually every person getting cosmetic surgery has a budget, don’t make cost the primary reason for choosing a surgeon. This is no time for bargain shopping.
4 Tips for Choosing the Best Plastic Surgeon for You
1. Look for the Right Certification
People are frequently told that they need to find a board-certified surgeon, but it is not always clear that the doctor needs to be certified in the appropriate specialty. Board certification is typically a way to ensure that a doctor has undergone extensive training. Still, if that training was for foot surgery, that doctor is probably not the one you want to do your facelift.
It’s important to check that the surgeon is certified (or eligible to be certified) by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. It’s the only cosmetic surgery board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
Even for some of the most commonly performed and generally straightforward procedures, such as breast augmentation, it’s essential to understand the level of skill and expertise necessary to create natural-looking results.
2. Read Patient Reviews
As with virtually every other choice people make these days, you can begin by reading reviews posted on reputable, third-party websites to see what actual patients have said about their experiences. Check out the surgeon’s website, where you should find a description of their training, qualifications, and experience performing the specific procedure you’re interested in getting.
3. Look at Before and After Pictures
While you’re on the plastic surgeon’s website, browse their before and after photos for that procedure. They will give you an idea of how often the surgeon performs that surgery, and you’ll see what they consider their best results.
As a surgeon who specializes in body contouring and breast enhancement procedures such as tummy tuck surgery and breast augmentation, I always want potential patients to view my before and after photos. Here are some Mommy Makeover before and after photos as an example of my patients’ results:
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4. Ask Medical Professionals for Recommendations
Another tip for finding a plastic surgeon is to ask your primary care physician or other medical professionals in the community where you plan to have the surgery performed. An excellent surgeon’s reputation is typically well-known among peers (as is the reputation of doctors who may not have the expertise you’re looking for).
The bottom line: There’s no substitute for doing your homework when finding someone who can create the desired results. You can learn more about the personal qualities to look for in a plastic surgeon in our related blog post.
Start With a Consultation
The consultation is extremely important when choosing a plastic surgeon. We invite people considering cosmetic surgery to use the online form to request a consultation at our Dallas-area practice. Dr. Bogdan or Dr. Cason can discuss the details of your procedure and answer all your questions. This is a time when our plastic surgeons foster open communication with their patients so they understand each person’s specific goals. You can also call our office at (817) 442-1236 to schedule an appointment.