The most important stage of the plastic surgery process is choosing the right surgeon. When patients choose surgeons they are comfortable with, they are much more likely to be happy with the results of their procedure. Choosing a surgeon should be an involved process with several important steps.
An excellent way to start is by asking for recommendations from friends, relatives, or co-workers who have undergone a similar procedure. Another good option is to ask for a referral from a medical health professional – either a personal acquaintance or a primary care physician.
Any high-quality surgeon should be happy to provide detailed information on their past performance, including before-and-after pictures and testimonials. Patients should consult a number of surgeons before selecting the one they think is best for their case.
The most important indicator of a surgeon’s ability is his or her level of experience and past performance. The more successful procedures of a given type that a doctor has performed, the better he or she will be able to deal with the particulars of a new case. Board certification by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or another similar organization is a good indicator of the quality of care a surgeon will provide. It is important to remember, however, that practical experience and procedure-specific expertise are the qualities that truly distinguish the best surgeons. Another key to achieving satisfactory results is to be active in the decision-making process. A good surgeon should ask patients what they want, and should clearly and confidently answer questions. He or she should provide all the relevant information, including risks, alternatives, and fees, and then leave the final decision to the patient. Ultimately, the right surgeon will make the patient feel comfortable, confident, and well-informed. If patients know what to expect, they are much more likely to be satisfied with the results of plastic surgery.