Questioning Your Way to the Right Answer

Q: How do I know if I found a good surgeon?rnCosmetic surgery can be intimidating for anyone. Surgery is a serious matter, and plastic surgery is not without risk. There are numerous questions that will run through your mind. “Where do I start searching for a great surgeon?” “How do I know that I will be happy with my results?” “How will I pay for this? Will they accept insurance or CareCredit®?”rnAmidst all of these concerns, you have to also find a plastic surgeon that you trust. rnIt can be very difficult to choose a surgeon. Selecting the right surgeon can sometimes be one of the most difficult parts of the process. Sometimes internet searches can be misleading or misguiding, and physicians are well aware of this fact. During your research, you will repeatedly hear, “Make sure that your doctor is board certified!” The truth is, some board-certified surgeons also make mistakes, and while it is very important, it is not the only thing that you should take into consideration. Here are 3 simple questions to answer in order to help guide you to your decision. rnHow Do They Prove Their Experience?rnWe specifically recommend going into a consultation armed with questions to determine which plastic surgeon is best for you. Pay attention to how well they are able to answer your questions. rnHow often and how long have you been performing the treatment I am interested in?rnAre you board-certified and what was involved in receiving your certification? (Not all certifications have the same process.)rnCan I see before and after photos?rnWill you perform the treatment, or will it be delegated to someone else?rnHow available are you after the treatment?rnAre you affiliated with any academic institutions?rnThe most important thing is experience and expertise. These are two areas which are often overlooked but are highly important. Someone who does not often perform the specific procedure that you desire, is typically not be the best for you. Ultimately, you are seeking someone who specializes in it and whose passion is this procedure. What do Patients Say About Them?rnTalking to other patients is absolutely critical. You don’t want to solely be guided by review sites and blogs. Keep in mind you never know exactly who is reviewing the doctor from an anonymous post. Is it really an angry patient? Is it the competitor of a highly competent plastic surgeon? If it is a patient, what kind of patient are they? Sometimes, patients have what is known as Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). These are the patients who are overly fixated on a portion of their face or body in a way that is unhealthy. Their testimonials are not always the most reliable. The best testimonials are video testimonials or ones that are in-person so that you can see patient and their results for yourself.rnWhat Do Professionals Say About Them? In addition, talking to physicians, the operating room staff, and anesthesiologists, are great ways to learn more about the doctor. Medical providers will often have insight into the skills, experience, and techniques of a cosmetic surgeon that a layman may not see. If a plastic surgeon is outstanding, another physician may know just how rare his or her credentials and results actually are. On the other hand, a physician may be able to see poor quality in ways that you never even knew to identify. Start by asking your doctors if there are any cosmetic surgeons that they would recommend or that they trust. Your research process should be a careful and well-planned one. Many factors will arise in your search, and instead of placing too much emphasis on any one factor, look for a balanced and consistent bigger picture. Once you are confident that you have narrowed down your search to a few surgeons with great experience, it is best then interview the surgeons yourself and make sure you are comfortable with the surgeon. You want to make sure that the surgeon is going to have a great bedside manner, and that the surgeon will be there for you well after the procedure is done.