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What to Consider When Choosing a Plastic Surgeon

By Himshikha Shukla

May 24, 2023

When considering cosmetic or reconstructive plastic surgery, making an informed decision about who will perform your procedure can be overwhelming. One of the most crucial choices to make is who will serve as your surgeon.

Selecting an experienced surgeon is key to ensuring you will be pleased with the outcome of your surgery. Finding an ideal candidate requires extensive research and an in-depth consultation session.

Qualifications

Many prospective patients begin their search for a plastic surgeon by seeking advice from friends, family and even primary care physicians and obstetrician/gynecologists. It’s wise to verify whether any surgeon you’re considering has received board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery before making your final selection.

An experienced cosmetic surgeon will take the time to provide you with an in-depth explanation of their background, training and special qualifications associated with your procedure of choice. They may show before-and-after photos as well as written patient testimonials; additionally they should discuss potential risks or complications that could occur with this particular process.

As well as inquiring about their expertise, it’s advisable to inquire about whether or not your surgeon holds hospital privileges. A surgeon with hospital privileges has been reviewed by a medical staff committee and determined as being capable of carrying out procedures in case complications arise during their procedure. He or she should also be able to describe the quality of hospital and outpatient surgery centers where they belong.

Certifications

As part of your initial consultation, it’s crucial that you find out which board certification your surgeon holds. ABPS website provides an easy way of checking their credentials quickly. They should also possess hospital privileges in order to perform your desired procedure in an accredited facility.

A great surgeon should listen carefully to your goals and desires before providing honest guidance as to what’s possible and attainable for you. He or she should explain any associated medical risks as well as expected results based on your body.

Your surgeon must be knowledgeable of the latest surgical techniques and equipment, and keep up-to-date with advancements and innovations in his or her field. Experienced physicians often play an instrumental role in developing and refining new approaches while mentoring younger surgeons.

A good plastic surgeon serving Calgary and Edmonton, AB should provide compassionate and understanding service to their patients, taking into account family history and other relevant considerations when treating each one holistically. They should assess if or not an individual qualifies for cosmetic surgery and its success depending on his/her medical history.

Experience

As part of your consultation process, seek a surgeon who takes time to listen and discuss all available options with you. They should be able to explain all aspects of the procedure clearly as well as discuss any associated risks or benefits and answer all of your queries about how best to proceed.

Be sure to inquire whether the surgeon has hospital privileges for your surgery; this can ensure timely medical assistance should complications arise during or after your procedure. Furthermore, ensure they engage in continuing education activities to stay current with new innovations and techniques for performing it.

Ask potential plastic surgeons for photographs of their work and discuss what results you might expect. Every patient comes from different starting places aesthetically; therefore results may vary accordingly. A good plastic surgeon should be upfront with you about realistic expectations as well as ways to meet them; they may even present alternative approaches that might work better for you.

Hospital Credentials

Before choosing a plastic surgeon for cosmetic procedures, it’s essential to research their credentials thoroughly. Hospital privileges indicate that they are regularly reviewed; otherwise it would be wise to find another surgeon.

As well as making sure the physician is board-certified, you should look at their website to check their experience and assess if they’re the appropriate doctor for you. Many doctors provide before/after photos on their sites which can help determine whether they’re suitable for you or not.

At your first consultation, make sure that the surgeon listens and understands your desired outcomes for surgery. Feel comfortable asking any necessary questions and discussing non-invasive solutions as well. A good plastic surgeon should be upfront and honest when discussing risks involved with procedures; taking into account your medical history as part of that consideration should also help in making that determination if reconstructive procedures are right for you.

Reputation

Finding a plastic surgeon that will change your appearance permanently takes research and careful consideration, not simply typing “plastic surgeon near me”.

A surgeon’s website should feature before-and-after photos that you can review during your consultation, while increasingly more surgeons offer video clips showing how their procedures will transform patients.

Location is also essential when choosing where you will undergo surgery, so make sure that the facility you select meets high standards for safety, equipment, staffing and surgeon credentials. Accreditation guarantees this.

Plastic surgeons should approach your treatment holistically, taking into account your health history and cosmetic procedures while making sure they are safe and appropriate for you. If a surgeon doesn’t do this, this should be taken as an indicator that they might not be the right one – find another who does!

When researching your options, make sure the surgeon is board-certified, experienced in performing the procedure you’re considering (for example neck lipo before and after). Ask about their previous patients and ask for references. These simple steps can help you find a plastic surgeon that will be the best fit for you.