Getting plastic surgery done can be a life-changing experience, but it’s often also a serious surgical procedure and should be treated as such. While it is normal and safe to get a plastic surgery procedure, you still must trust the person you choose to shape your body.
If you’re considering plastic surgery but aren’t sure where to start in regards to your plastic surgeon, this guide is for you.
Just like with any surgery you get done, you want the best plastic surgeon to perform your procedure. Read below to learn how to make this important decision.
Know What You Want First
Before searching “plastic surgeon near me,” consider exactly what you want to get from the surgery and why you want to get it. There’s a good chance your plastic surgeon will ask these questions too.
If you’re looking to get a breast augmentation, research the different types and specifics that you’d like. Then, start looking for plastic surgeons that specialize in this.
Most plastic surgeons perform a wide array of procedures, but you don’t want one that only does one boob job a year.
If you’re unsure of what you want before you consult with a plastic surgeon, they could end up talking you into getting something that you may not want. This is not out of any malice but more due to you not being ready for the consultation.
To avoid this, be sure of your decision for plastic surgery before your consultation.
Check Their Board Certification
Once you’ve made your decision, it’s time to research different plastic surgeons. The first thing you should look for is board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
This automatically ensures that the plastic surgeon has met rigorous standards and has gone through extensive training.
Along with this, you want to choose a plastic surgeon that works at an accredited facility. At these facilities, accreditation standards are held to make sure that all patient safety standards are met.
So, by choosing a surgeon and facility that is certified, you can have the peace of mind that you’ll be taken care of properly.
Ask Them About Their Experience
Experience is just as, if not more important, than board certification. Specifically, you want to make sure your plastic surgeon is highly experienced in the procedure you want to get, and they perform it often.
Ask them how comfortable they are doing your procedure and how many they do a year. It would be best if you asked for specifics, as even liposuction can vary from case to case and from surgeon to surgeon.
If you’re getting multiple procedures done, such as with the Mommy Makeover, it’s even more critical that they are experienced in different fields.
Remember, if this particular surgeon isn’t experienced in what you need, there is sure to be one that is, so don’t be pressured into choosing one that isn’t.
Look at Before and After Photos
You can ask to see before and after photos of those that had the same procedure done. While looking at pictures taken a month or year later will help you see the long-term success, you should also ask to see photos taken right after the procedure was done.
This can help show you what to expect when it comes to recovery time, and you can see the surgeon’s work for yourself before committing your body to it.
Make Sure Your Desired Aesthetic Matches
Some may say that what a plastic surgeon does is considered art. Depending on how intense your procedure is, you want to ensure that the plastic surgeon’s aesthetic matches yours.
If the before and after pictures don’t please you, make sure to say so. While the plastic surgeon may consider it a success, if it doesn’t match the look you’re going for, you should make a consultation with another surgeon.
Besides just aesthetics, you also want to be comfortable around your plastic surgeon. Their goals should meet up with yours, and it shouldn’t be difficult to communicate with them.
You should be able to have all of your questions answered and feel heard by the end of your consultation. If this isn’t the case, then they may not match up with what you need and want.
Don’t Skimp on the Price
It’s true; any cosmetic surgery can be costly. Yet, if you want quality care, you shouldn’t go out of your way looking for sales or a good deal.
You could be compromising your health, as cheaper surgeons are also usually newer surgeons with less experience.
While this isn’t always necessarily a negative thing, a surgeon with less experience is more likely to make mistakes. This is not something you want, especially when it comes to plastic surgery.
If the cost is an issue for you and you choose to go with a less experienced surgeon, make sure to vet them intensely, so you get the care you deserve.
Time to Choose Your Plastic Surgeon
While it may seem intimidating when you first begin your search for a plastic surgeon, it doesn’t have to be. Knowing what you want and sticking to that can help you get started, and doing your research on your surgeons can help ensure the highest quality of care.
Remember, your surgeon’s job is to provide you with care, so don’t be afraid to ask them any questions you have.
In between researching plastic surgeons, you may be looking for more health and beauty advice like this. If that’s the case, you should check out more of our blog!