Tips on choosing the right plastic surgeon in your locality

Whether you have decided to go in for plastic surgery to enhance your looks or for reconstructive purposes, choosing the right plastic surgeon in your locality is important. The success and safety of the procedure depends on whether an experienced board-certified surgeon is handling it. The all important board certification Board certification doesn’t mean certification from just any medical or plastic surgery board, but the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The standards set by this board are stringent and serve to testify the skills of surgeons. Surgeons certified by this board are automatically enrolled as members of the ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons). The Internet is the best place to search for a board-certified plastic surgeon from your region. Once you identify the person check out his website, browse around; get information on his qualifications, board certification and experience. Board certification can be verified at abplsurg.org or plasticsurgery.org. Make sure that the surgical center is AAAASF-certified as this guarantees that it meets the necessary standards for equipment, procedures, safety, and staff credentials. Set up an initial consultation The first face-to-face with your surgeon is important. The impressions you form can help you decide whether he is the right physician for you. • Is the surgeon really interested in sitting with you and detailing all the cosmetic surgery procedures involved, understanding your physical and social requirements and expectations and briefing you about the potential risks? • Be aware that a plastic surgeon who claims that everything will be perfect and that there are no risks involved is reliable. Some surgeons schedule two or more meetings to decide if you are the right candidate for the surgery, and if you are, to explain the various details of the procedure. • Will you get comprehensive support right from the initial consultation through surgery and recovery? Don’t fall for inexpensive rates and landmark deals The overriding view of experts is to stay away from surgeons who offer extraordinarily cheap rates for the various procedures. There’s always a catch here. These centers may not hire experienced and board-certified surgeons, may not follow all the standard norms, or employ high-tech equipment or procedures. The price you have to pay for this could be a botched-up surgery with disastrous results. Never let pricing or a ‘convenient location’ influence your decision. Take your time and examine photos Spend time observing “before” and “after” photos. You need to see whether the changes appear natural. Of course, results vary with individuals, but these pictures can tell about the surgeon’s skill. You don’t have to commit to any plastic surgeon till you believe you’ve found the one you’re most comfortable with, and who conforms to these norms. Ask your family physician for references. Talk to friends or colleagues who have undergone a procedure and ask if they are impressed with the results. Going by these tips can help you in choosing the right plastic surgeon in your locality.