In a world flooded with advice and opinions from multiple sources like family, the internet, and the media, it’s hard to decide on something important like finding the right cosmetic surgeon. Finding the best cosmetic surgeon involves a lot of conversations, research, knowledge, and consultations. After all, the surgeon you pick will change your appearance for the rest of your life. Follow these tips below to ensure you choose the best cosmetic surgeon for your procedure.
Confirm Credentials
Nowadays, it’s easy to fall for quack doctors calling themselves “cosmetic surgeons.” Avoid this by ascertaining that your best pick is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). A board-certified cosmetic surgeon must complete at least three years of plastic surgery residency training and pass comprehensive written and oral exams.
The ABPS aims to produce experienced, ethical, and knowledgeable cosmetic surgeons. Besides the ABPS, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPSA) is another board that ensures its members have proper training and follow safety guidelines and standards.
If the surgeon is a member of the ASPS and ABPS, it means they’re qualified to perform your cosmetic surgery procedure. Moreover, being a member of these boards means that the surgeon doesn’t have cases of malpractice claims or disciplinary actions.
Consider Your Personal Preference
Choosing a cosmetic surgeon you can feel comfortable around would be best. Schedule an in-person consultation after you have shortlisted your cosmetic surgeons. Many clinics offer free consultations for all prospective clients. During your consultation, check your surgeon’s communication, professionalism, and how the staff operates. Find out if they offer all your options and are willing to make you understand all the concepts.
Remember that a cosmetic surgeon should perform your procedure in an accredited setup. This is crucial because an accredited facility meets national standards for safety, personnel, equipment, and surgeon credentials.
Get Referrals
Your healthcare provider, friends, and family can help you find the best cosmetic surgeon. Create a referral list of the best recommended cosmetic surgeons, and take time and research extensively on each one of them. Many websites might help you with this step. Type “best cosmetic surgeon in Philadelphia” on your search engine, and all the best plastic surgeons in Philadelphia will appear. With that, you can narrow down your list by finding out if they offer free consultations or not. An in-person consultation helps make an assessment if you’re fit for the procedure and if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Ask Tons of Questions
During the consultation, check if the personnel are friendly, if the office is clean, or if you feel comfortable. Moreover, it would be best to ask some of these questions as well:
- Is this procedure right for me?
- Do you use anesthesia?
- Do you specialize in cosmetic surgery?
- Can I see your before and after pictures?
- Have you performed this procedure before?
The right cosmetic surgeon for you will answer these questions better and guarantee your needs and preferences. They’ll ask many questions as well. Please be ready to answer questions regarding your:
- Expected results
- Lifestyle
- Medical history concerns
Check for Customer Ratings and Reviews
Reading online reviews on what other people say about cosmetic surgeons gives you valuable insight into how they run their practice. The reviews and ratings normally reflect patients’ experiences with booking appointments, office environment, wait times, and personnel friendliness. Some patients share photos; you can look them up and decide if that is what you want. This will boost your confidence in the surgeon and the process.
Recognize Red Flags
If anything the surgeon says or does makes you uncomfortable, don’t choose them. Some potential red flags include:
- Trying to guarantee results
- Lack of before and after photos
- Refusal to answer questions
- A surgeon that dismisses the risks of procedures and possible complications
- A surgeon that won’t be involved in follow-up care
Review Pricing
Pricing certainly matters. However, don’t be stingy on this investment. Keep in mind that inexpensive procedures might turn costly if the results are unsatisfactory. Discuss the expenses with the physician by asking for a breakdown of all charges. Besides the surgeon’s fees, you might expect charges for the anesthesia, operating room, etc. Compare the prices between several referrals to gauge who best fits your budget for your desired procedure.
Give It a Proper Thought
Cosmetic surgery is a major decision. It might be a doubtful and confusing process. It may also trigger your anxiety on how will be the outcome. You can read more in this article on ways that can help you lessen your anxiety.
Always compare and contrast all possibilities and use these tips to find yourself the best cosmetic surgeon.
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