According to the American Society of Plastic Surgery, over 2.3 million individuals sought plastic surgery in 2020. A survey suggests that these numbers are most likely going to rise in the future. The same study indicates that out of 25,000 plastic surgery procedures, one person will experience a bad outcome. If you are considering any plastic surgery procedure, here are excellent tips to follow when looking for a plastic surgeon.
1. Research On The Credentials of the Plastic Surgeon
Ensure that the plastic surgeon you choose is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Board certification assures you that the doctor you have chosen has undergone the necessary training, certification, and mentorship to become a plastic surgeon.
Additionally, it would help if you did a thorough background check on your doctor to see if they have previously engaged in any medical malpractice or if they have had any disciplinary history. State-recognized plastic surgery websites and Healthgrades are excellent websites to obtain such information.
2. Customers Review
There is no reliable source of information other than hearing from the horse’s mouth. Customer reviews will highlight their experience with a doctor or a facility. Customer reviews will reveal information on:
- How does the doctor relate with the patients?
- How does the physician answer the patient’s questions?
- The comfort level of other patients
- The staff friendliness and the office environment
- Any bad experiences
3. The Physician’s Experience
It is crucial to choose a plastic surgeon who is skilled and experienced in the procedure you are considering. During the first visits with your doctor, it is imperative to ask how many procedures they may have done? Did any of the patients experience any complications? What are the likely complications to arise from the procedure?
An experienced plastic surgeon is more conversant with a procedure or a condition. The latter increases your chances of a better outcome and minimizes your risk of developing a complication. Also, if a difficulty does arise, an experienced physician will know the best way to manage this complication with minimal side effects.
4. The Hospital
Just like the doctors, there is a need for you to verify the hospital details. Ensure that the physician’s operating facility is accredited. Accreditation means that the hospital has met the strict standards of safety, staffing, surgeons credentials, and proper equipment. Accredited hospitals offer the best plastic surgery environment.
An accredited facility translates to better outcomes, better health care, and reduced chances of complications. It would be best to choose a hospital close to your area of residence because you may need to go back for follow-ups.
5. The Patient’s Comfort
The decision to do plastic surgery is very personal. Therefore, you need to have a safe space to air out all your concerns and fears. You will need to feel comfortable with your doctor to freely express what you want as the outcome of the plastic surgery.
There is a need to have good communication and impeccable professionalism between the doctor and the patient. Choose a physician you feel you are most comfortable with. Some patients opt for doctors of the same gender. You should be free to ask any questions that you may have concerning the procedure. The plastic surgeon should provide all the necessary information to you.
6. The Cost Of The Procedure
Cost is a vital factor in < a href="https://www.medicinenet.com/cosmetic_surgery_checklist_buyer_beware/views.htm" target="_blank">selecting the right plastic surgeon for you. Surgery is an invasive procedure, and more often than not, low prices translate to poor healthcare services. Conduct your research on the different pricing in the various institutions. The latter will highlight the range of cost of the procedure. Select a reputable institution and plastic surgeon whose cost will fit into your budget. Ensure that your budget covers miscellaneous costs like travel expenses and the fee if complications occur.
Note that most health coverage does not cover the cost of plastic surgery. The latter is because most insurance firms do not consider plastic surgery as a medical necessity. However, there are a few insurance firms that may consider covering the cost.
Rayanne Morriss is currently working towards her BA from Oregon State University. She loves to write, read, travel, and paint. She enjoys finding new coffee shops with friends and expanding her cooking skills with her husband.
