How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon: Everything You Need to Know

Plastic surgery procedures are on the rise in the United States. In 2018 there were a quarter of a million more procedures performed than the year prior. So if you’re considering plastic surgery, you’re in good company.

Before you start saving your pennies for a procedure, you need to choose a surgeon. Don’t pick the first person you hear a good review about, though. You are trusting your life with these physicians so you need to take time to pick the right one.

Keep reading to find our tips on how to choose a plastic surgeon.

Check Their Credentials

The first thing to do to narrow down your list of potential surgeons is to check credentials.

All possible candidates need a certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Canadians should look for a certification from The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

Board certification provides peace of mind. Surgeons with these credentials have met stringent safety requirements and medical skill prerequisites.

Inquire About Their Expertise

While credentials and certification are essential, so is experience. Meet with all potential surgeons for an interview before choosing your doctor. Some specialize in specific procedures so inquire what their most performed surgeries are.

A doctor who specializes in breast surgeries may not be the best choice if you’re looking at rhinoplasty. In that case, you might consider using a surgeon who performs a lot of nose surgeries.

Ask them how often they do the surgery you’re considering. Try to find someone who has does the surgery once a week and has done so for the last five years. The more practice they have at the procedure, the better they’ll be.

Ask for References and Reviews

Word of mouth is a great way to find recommendations on just about anything these days. Plastic surgeons are no exception to this rule. Ask any potential candidate for references from previous clients.

Type in your surgeon’s name into Google and see what results come up. Bloggers may be raving about their positive surgery experience. You might also find blogs or news articles outlining bad experiences or potential lawsuits.

We also recommend reading their facilities reviews on Google. Remember, though, businesses can request reviews be removed if they violate Google’s policies. It’s best to find reviews on other platforms and even through social media.

Let The Results Speak for Themselves

Ask every surgeon you interview for before and after photos of their work. They should have a book to provide you when you first meet that showcases their results.

Tech-savvy facilities will have examples of their work on their website, too. This will allow you to glimpse at their results before you even book an initial consultation.

Choose a Plastic Surgeon Today

You shouldn’t choose a plastic surgeon without first researching. Now that you know how to find the right one for you, you can make a better and more informed decision.

Keep reading our Health blogs for more helpful articles like this one.