Plastic Surgery

Maybe you’ve suffered an injury that needs cosmetic surgery to make you feel normal again. Maybe you just want bigger lips or smaller breasts. Whatever your reasons for seeking a plastic surgeon, you’ll need to be careful about your selection. Here are just eight ways to make sure that you choose a skilled professional.

#1. Ask for Recommendations and Referrals

Instead of blindly searching the web, ask your friends and family if they know any good plastic surgeons. You might be surprised by the aunt who had a neck lift or the friend who re-shaped her ears as a teenager. Also, make sure to look for reviews or testimonials. For instance, if you’re looking for a Bakersfield cosmetic surgeon, on a website like Desired Beauty’s, you’ll find video and written testimonials from patients in addition to actual before and after photos. A cosmetic surgeon’s website is a great place to start to research them.

Your personal doctor might also be able to put you in contact with a plastic surgeon; some people need reconstructive work after an accident, and their doctors pave the way for their procedures.

#2. Check Their Credentials

Once you have a shortlist of names, it’s time to start narrowing down your options. The first step is making sure that the surgeon is actually qualified in the field of plastic surgery. Have they been certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS)? Are they affiliated with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)? Do they contribute to the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS)?

#3. Look for a Specialist

Be wary of plastic surgeons who have a dozen different “practice areas” listed on their website. This jack-of-all-trades approach means that they’re a dabbler and not a specialist. A better approach is to find someone who only does tummy tucks or who works exclusively on scar removal; they’ll have years of experience in that specific area, so you can rest assured that they know what they’re doing.

#4. Browse Their Image Galleries

Plastic surgeons should have plenty of “before and after” photos to show prospective patients. If they’re not available on their website, they’re probably hanging around their office. It’s important to look at real pictures of their work before you commit to their services; anyone can speak importantly about their skills, but only the photos can prove that they’re being honest. A picture is worth a thousand words.

#5. Widen Your Scale

If you can’t find any top-notch plastic surgeons in your area, don’t be afraid to expand your search a little. It might be worth driving a few hours to meet with a skilled, reputable professional who can give you exactly what you want. Just make sure that they aren’t <i>too</i> far away; you’ll want to be relatively close in case of any post-surgery complications.

#6. Evaluate Their Customer Service

How do you contact the clinic? How will you pay your surgery bills? Do you have plenty of options? Is there an emergency number if something goes wrong after your procedure? Do they have social media accounts that you can follow? How long does it take them to respond to emails? These are all things to consider before you settle on a particular plastic surgeon.

#7. Ask About Their Staff

Your plastic surgeon isn’t the only person who will be attending you. Depending on the facility, there might also be nurses, anesthesiologists, medical assistants and other healthcare or beauty experts. You’ll need to feel comfortable with all of them if you want to have a successful surgery. Research the clinic staff just as intently as you research the head surgeon, and make sure that everyone is equally qualified to help you.

#8. Schedule a Consultation

You’ll want to have several face-to-face meetings with your plastic surgeon before you sign on the dotted line. Not only is this critical for hammering out the details of prices, schedules and procedures, but it will also let you get a feel for the surgeon’s personality. Do you get along with them? Do you feel like your thoughts and opinions are valued? Or do you feel like your surgeon is pressuring you to get work done that you don’t want?

These are just a few things to keep in mind if you’re seeking the services of a plastic surgeon. Whether you’re hoping for a simple nose job or an extensive round of liposuction, it’s important that you feel confident with your choice of medical professionals. If you don’t have full trust in your plastic surgeon, don’t go under their knife!