You will have to live with the results of your cosmetic surgeon’s work for many years, if not the rest of your life. After a successful operation, you’ll feel like yourself again and have more self-assurance for the rest of your life. But, if you wind up in the hands of a less-than-qualified surgeon, you risk experiencing poor outcomes, which can result in more money, time, and emotional strain.
Credentials of the Facility and the Surgeon
Nowadays, most plastic surgeries are done in outpatient settings, such as clinics or doctors’ offices. In any case, you should verify the facility’s accreditation status, just as you would the surgeon’s board certification. Accreditation guarantees high-quality services by requiring all essentials like equipment, safety, surgeon certifications, and personnel levels to be met.
The mortality levels at accredited facilities must be fewer than one in 57,000, and the rate of significant complications must be less than half. The highest possible standard of care is guaranteed when selecting a certified facility.
History of Practicing the Plastic Surgery
It would be unfortunate to select your ideal plastic surgeon only to learn afterward that they have a track record of patient rip-offs. This is why it is essential to research a potential surgeon’s history of negligence and disciplinary action before making a choice.
Malpractice occurs when a doctor engages in unethical or careless behavior while providing a facelift or other medical care services. Malpractice can include recommending unnecessary cosmetic surgery or making a simple mistake during an otherwise routine operation.
Expertise and Experience in the Surgical Field
Professionalism and competence are essential for any surgical treatment. You shouldn’t hire a surgeon with minimal experience in plastic surgery (say, less than a year). You shouldn’t have a nose job from a plastic surgeon specializing in breast implants, and vice versa.
The more experience a plastic surgeon has, the greater their abilities will be. And the more likely it is that the outcome will be something you’re happy with. A similar consideration is your surgeon’s level of experience with the procedure(s) you choose to have done.
Just one more argument for the value of skill and experience? There is always a chance of something going wrong during plastic surgery. More training and practice mean your surgeon can better anticipate and avoid problems or at least lessen their severity if they do arise.
Inquire about how long they’ve been in practice during your first appointment. The next step is to inquire how frequently the doctor has conducted the treatment you are interested in obtaining. Also, ask about the frequency of complications and get before and after images.
Not Overselling the Additional Services
It’s a red sign if your surgeon tries to oversell you by offering additional treatments you won’t commit to or whose benefits you still don’t grasp after being explained.
Cosmetic chin implants might be a great addition to anyone with rhinoplasty (nose job). But if you inquire about the surgeon and rhinoplasty begins discussing liposuction of your thighs, you should look elsewhere for a doctor.
You should look for a cosmetic or reconstruction surgeon who will help you articulate your desired outcomes and set reasonable expectations for the process.
Credentials for Plastic Surgeons
Checking a doctor’s credentials should be your first step in hiring them. Plastic surgeons need an MD from a reputable medical school and an undergraduate degree to practice.
After completing medical school, all plastic surgeons spend three years as residents in the operating room. After that, they need to spend another three years specializing in plastic surgery before they can practice legally.
American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) certification is required for practicing plastic surgeons after fellowship and residency. This is the only organization in the United States that may grant plastic surgery certification. Additionally, only medical professionals who have passed the ABPS certification exam can call themselves plastic surgeons.
Finally, select a plastic surgeon from the American College of Surgeons. The doctor’s completion of a fellowship in a subspecialty, such as cosmetic or pediatric surgery, attests to their expertise in that field.
Conclusion
A plastic surgeon’s credentials in the field should be among your first considerations when selecting. A lack of relevant background knowledge, training, or experience in the relevant field further complicates determination.
Get recommendations and set up an appointment for a preliminary meeting before making a final decision. You can get a feel for the doctor’s personality and determine whether or not your insurer will pay for the surgery.
