How Do I Choose a Plastic Surgeon?

If you are considering getting any aesthetic or reconstructive surgery done, it’s important to find the right plastic surgeon for you. Factors people would normally consider when choosing a plastic surgeon might be the expenses, or the expertise of a cosmetic surgeon. These are all valid considerations, because you are entrusting your health and your body to the plastic surgeon you choose. 

How do you choose a plastic surgeon? By making a list of qualities you would expect to find in a good plastic surgeon and doing your research on the available surgeons in your area, you would be able to find a surgeon who matches your needs. Aside from factors such as education, expense, and expertise, you should also consider looking for a surgeon with a good reputation whom you can feel comfortable with. 

Qualities of a Reputable Surgeon 

Plastic surgeons work to reconstruct defects in the body, and they concentrate on getting these areas to look and function normally. Typically, they train under a post-graduate residency program for 5 - 7 years, which combines training in general and plastic surgery. 

One crucial thing to check when looking for a plastic surgeon is if he or she is board certified. Board certification means that a surgeon has been vetted by an independent third party such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The stringent qualifications and standards set by the American Board of Plastic Surgery ensures that surgeons with board certification have undergone sufficient training in hand surgery, reconstructive surgery, trauma surgery, congenital defect repair, disorders, and cosmetic surgery. 

Ideally, your cosmetic surgeon should also be affiliated with a hospital. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgery, you should not let plastic surgeons perform a procedure on you unless they have the privilege to perform the same procedure at a reputable hospital. Hospital access also means that if an issue arises during the surgery, resources and doctors will be available to you. If your plastic surgeon belongs to a highly rated hospital, this may also mean less complications and better survival rates for their patients. 

Another factor to think about is how much experience a plastic surgeon has had in your particular type of treatment. The American Society of Plastic Surgery suggests your candidate surgeon should have performed this procedure at least once a week for five years or more. Having done the procedure numerous times over the years ensures you that your cosmetic surgeon is qualified to perform it on you.

Red Flags: Obvious Signs of an Unqualified Plastic Surgeon

Aside from determining whether your plastic surgeon has the basic credentials, there are also certain red flags you should look out for. These include: 

1) The procedure is cheaper than you expected.

Not all plastic surgeries cost an exorbitant amount, but it’s unlikely that a high quality plastic surgery comes cheap either. If the price of the procedure seems too good to be true, then you should be on your toes, because it probably is. 

2) The surgeon doesn’t seem to know what they are talking about.

Take it as a warning sign if your plastic surgeon cannot seem to answer the questions you have about the procedure. Plastic surgeons make sure to tell you everything about the treatment clearly, such as the process, the risks, and the recovery period. Prior to consulting with a plastic surgeon, do your research and plan the questions you want to ask. 

3) The surgeon isn’t as professional as you’d like.

As a healthcare provider, a surgeon should be polite and helpful. They should discuss realistic outcomes with you (hardly any surgery has guarantees), rather than hardsell a procedure. They should also be willing to listen to you and encourage you to really think about the operation you want to undergo. If your surgeon rushes you in making a decision or avoids suggesting alternatives, consider that they might not be the right doctor for you. 

Tips on Finding the Right Surgeon For You 

Plastic surgery requires understanding and cooperation between surgeon and patient, so it is important to find the right one that suits you and your needs best. Here are some tips that will help you evaluate your candidates to see which one is the right one for you. 

• Interview multiple surgeons: Even if you already feel confident with the first surgeon you meet, it won’t hurt to consult with one or two more. Getting a second or third opinion is not a waste of time, because you may learn more about the procedure you are planning to undergo. Another good reason to consult with more than one cosmetic surgeon is that each of them may look at your situation differently. They may recommend alternatives that you might prefer, or offer an option that will better achieve the result you want. 
• Look beyond an affordable price: As the saying goes, “you get what you pay for”. Comparing the prices is often a good strategy to take before making a big financial decision, but the price shouldn’t be the deciding factor when choosing a surgeon. Since you’ll be living with the results of the plastic surgery, your priority should be your safety and the happiness with the outcome. 
• Get referrals from people you trust: A good way to gather a list of plastic surgeon candidates would be to ask your primary healthcare provider for their recommendations, since they are most familiar with you and your case. If you have friends or family who have already undergone a cosmetic surgery operation, it’s best to hear their input as well. By creating a referral list, you would have already narrowed down who are the plastic surgeons with a decent reputation. 
• Pay a visit to their office: Whether it is located in a small clinic or a large hospital, your potential plastic surgeon’s office can tell you a lot about your surgeon. By visiting ahead, you can inspect the cleanliness of the operating room and the hygiene of the attending staff. You can also observe how accommodating the staff is, and see whether or not they neglect other patients. It is also best to visit where the operation will be held so you can plan ahead on how you will get home after your cosmetic surgery. 
• Read up on patient reviews: Reading up on reviews left by other patients will give you an insight on their previous experiences. You can get an idea on how easy it is to schedule appointments, how long wait times are, and how professional your potential surgeon and their staff is. Patient reviews can also tell you more about what the patient-doctor dynamic is like, such as if the doctor considers your preferences and respects your decisions, or if they try to pressure you into doing certain procedures. 
• Prepare your questions: By preparing your questions ahead, you won’t be overwhelmed or lost when you consult with your doctor. Additionally, you can see how your cosmetic surgeon communicates and presents information. Some questions you can ask are:
• Which type of surgery would you recommend that will give me the result I want?
• What are the surgical and non-surgical options available to me? 
• How is the surgery performed, and how long does it take? 
• What are the pros, cons, and risks of the procedure? 
• How long have you been performing this procedure? 
• How long is the healing process?
• What restrictions can I expect to follow after the surgery? 
• Will this procedure merit a follow-up visit or regular maintenance sessions?
  

Meet the Best Plastic Surgeon at Masri Clinic 

Board certified plastic surgeons and highly trained estheticians comprise the team here at Masri Clinic. Headed by triple board certified Dr. Haitham Masri, we are committed to understanding your needs, concerns, and expectations. 

We make sure all of our clients achieve the results they desire through a detailed consultation session, and actively work with them to pair the results they want with the most appropriate treatment available. Our years of experience and our world-class facilities at Masri Clinic brings us to the forefront of the plastic surgery industry. Schedule a consultation with us today. 

Read more: How to Prepare for Plastic Surgery