The decision to have plastic surgery should never be taken lightly. In this spirit, your first meeting with your prospective plastic surgeon is crucial. When chosen correctly, your board-certified plastic surgeon has spent upwards of 10 – 15 years in training to be able to perform your desired procedure. Your prospective surgeon has done their part of preparing, and now it is time for you to do your part to prepare for your consultation. Below you will find a plastic surgery checklist & five key points to remember while preparing for your first meeting.
Number one: Choosing a Plastic Surgeon. How do you choose a plastic surgeon? Not every physician is qualified or experienced in every procedure, and choosing the right plastic surgeon isn’t as simple as getting a referral. Referrals and Internet research can give you a place to start, but as a potential plastic surgery patient, you have a lot at stake – your safety and your appearance. With a multitude of medical practices throughout the country, you can immediately narrow your search down to physicians who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Do you want an occasional plastic surgeon, or someone who has gone the extra mile to attain and maintain credentialing? The ABPS has a rigorous qualification, examination, and recertification process that ensures your plastic surgeon is qualified and an expert in their field.
Number two: Use the five-point checklist. The five-point checklist is a guide to help you choose a plastic surgeon, and qualities to look for to maintain your safety. First, your prospective surgeon should be board certified by the appropriate specialty group for the procedure you are contemplating. Second, verify that your prospective surgeon has hospital privileges. Third, inquire about your surgeon’s specific experience. Fourth, ask your prospective surgeon to clarify all potential benefits, risks, and complications. Fifth, when it comes time for surgery, it should be performed in an accredited ambulatory facility.
Number three: The three “E’s.” Finding a true plastic surgery expert for your specific procedure is important. By asking these key three questions you can ensure that you have the surgeon with the best Experience, Expertise, and that can provide Exceptional results for the procedure you want. Is this one of the top procedures that you do every day? Do you teach, speak, or write about this procedure for the benefit of other plastic surgeons? Do you have long-term follow-up photos for this procedure? When consulting with prospective surgeons make sure to ask the three key questions to evaluate their experience, expertise, and exceptional results. Always remember, it is your body, you are the boss, and ultimately you get to make the decision. If you are not one hundred percent comfortable during your consultation, I urge you to continue your search elsewhere.
Number four: Know before you go. This means so much in that you need to do your research first. Be prepared and know what to expect, and, more importantly, what to ask your surgeon. Specifically, your top three concerns. If your prospective surgeon answers questions with “everything will be fine,” or “you will not feel a thing,” this should be a red flag that your surgeon is not being honest with you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. I encourage you to write down your concerns and bring them with you to the consultation, that way you can make sure you get answers and do not forget to ask a question you wanted to know the answer to.
Number five: Remember that everyone is famous on their own website. First look at the biography section of the plastic surgeon, this will give you information about their experience as well as certification. If there is no biography listed, ask yourself why. A great plastic surgeon will have nothing to hide. A well-organized website, with great design, and detailed information can tell you a lot about a prospective surgeon. Remember also that everyone can be famous on their own website, so when referencing credentialing make sure also to research what each certification means, how is it obtained, how is it maintained, and what qualifications one must have to get that certification.
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