More and more people have been opting for procedures to enhance their physical appearance. This phenomenon is no longer restricted to any gender as both men and women are now turning to cosmetic surgery providers expertise to attain the desired goals. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to approach the decision of selecting a surgeon with consideration and thoughtful judgment. Selecting the right provider is critical for safe, satisfactory outcomes.
Quick Navigation
Pitfalls one must avoid during cosmetic surgery
When considering cosmetic surgery, it is essential to do your due diligence to avoid pitfalls and recognize red flags with prospective surgeons. As much as it is known for its positive health benefits of plastic surgery, awareness of warning signs, and asking the right questions help patients make informed decisions about providers. This prevents choosing an unqualified or unethical surgeon, which can lead to surgical complications, poor results, or medical dangers.
Board Certification Matters
One of the first things to check with any prospective cosmetic surgeon is proper board certification. Confirm that your surgeon is certified specifically by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).
Be wary of any doctor claiming to be a “board-certified cosmetic surgeon” by any other board or organization. Some physicians and non-physicians promote themselves as “cosmetic surgeons” with little formal plastic surgery training. Check credentials carefully.
Membership in professional societies like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons also helps confirm your surgeon has proper qualifications. But board certification should be your starting point in vetting provider credentials.
Avoid Cosmetic Surgery “Mills”
Be cautious of cosmetic surgery centers that operate like “mills” – high-volume practices that rush patients through or keep churning about the benefits of botox. You want adequate time with your surgeon to discuss your goals, medical history, options, and procedure details.
A quality plastic surgery practice should never book “assembly line” style back-to-back surgeries. Your health and safety come first. Beware providers that focus on quantity over personalized patient-centered care.
Also, confirm exactly who will be performing your surgery. Will your main surgeon delegate to other physicians or residents? There are rare cases where “bait and switch” tactics are used. Make sure you know who is doing the procedure.
Don’t Be Pressured into Extra Procedures
A competent, ethical plastic surgeon will listen to your aesthetic goals and make recommendations to help you achieve realistic results. But be wary if your surgeon pressures you to agree to additional or more extensive procedures beyond what you planned.
While it’s reasonable for a surgeon to suggest complementary procedures, you should feel free from extra surgeries you’re unsure about. Quality plastic surgeons aim to understand patients’ goals and meet them.
For instance, if the surgeon mentions a full facelift, gather more information about what is a facelift, the difference between types of facelifts, etc. Make a decision only if you are fully convinced of the benefits.
Beware of Cost-cutting
Cosmetic surgery is real surgery, and legitimate plastic surgery practices have significant operational expenses related to staffing, facilities, equipment, and more. Be very cautious if a provider offers unusually low prices compared to other surgeons in your area.
Cheaper fees often indicate that cosmetic surgery providers have cut corners that impact your care and safety. For example, you wish an eyelid surgery and come across severely discounted pricing. It could mean they use unqualified staff instead of certified anesthesiologists. Opt for a plastic surgeon who helps you set realistic expectations about costs.
Confirm Accredited Facilities
Any board-certified plastic surgeon should operate only in accredited ambulatory facilities or hospitals. Accreditation ensures the facility meets stringent standards for safety equipment, trained staff, and surgeon credentials.
A provider operating out of an unaccredited office space instead of a certified hospital or surgery center could be a red flag of questionable qualifications and practices. Don’t risk your health and safety.
Realistic, Customized Consultations
During the consultation, quality plastic surgeons will thoroughly discuss your goals, medical history, and procedure details. Beware of rushed or impersonal consultations.
You want a provider focused on you as an individual, not quick cookie-cutter style meetings. Ensure the surgeon evaluates your unique anatomy and listens to your desired outcomes. Talk to multiple surgeons and compare consultations.
Transparency on Risks
Any legitimate surgeon will explain your planned procedure’s potential risks and complications. While risks are low, all surgeries carry some risks. A surgeon unwilling to candidly discuss risks may fail to take safety seriously.
Confirm your provider uses techniques designed to minimize risks like infection. But don’t expect perfection guarantees – a reputable surgeon helps you understand realistic results.
Natural-Looking Results
Take time to study before and after photos from prospective surgeons, ideally focusing on results from patients undergoing your planned procedures. As you evaluate photos of previous work, look for natural and aesthetically pleasing results.
The cosmetic surgery provider’s aesthetic sensibility should align with your own goals. Be wary of results that look artificial, tight, or overly enhanced in ways that don’t match your preferences. Choose a doctor who listens and aims to provide you with beautiful, natural-looking outcomes.
Referrals and Reviews
Talk to people you know who have had successful outcomes with their cosmetic procedures and ask for surgeon referrals. Also, research patient reviews and testimonials. This helps assess factors like bedside manner, professionalism, surgical skill, and handling of follow-up care.
No surgeon pleases every patient, but be concerned if you see consistent negative reviews about quality of care. Use referrals and reviews along with checking certifications, photos, and consultations to select your cosmetic surgery providers.
Trust Your Gut
Cosmetic surgery is highly personal. Ensure you feel comfortable with your surgeon’s bedside manner, communication style, and overall philosophy around patient care. You want a compassionate provider who can put you at ease.
Pay attention during consultations to how the office staff interacts with you. This reflects on the quality and character of the practice. If something seems off, listen to your gut. Finding the right surgeon is well worth it.
Do Your Homework
In today’s marketplace, there are many options for cosmetic surgery, both good and poor. While most plastic surgeons are skilled and ethical, patients must be vigilant when selecting a surgeon.
Invest time into checking certifications, studying before and after photos, reading reviews, understanding risks, assessing costs, and choosing accredited facilities. Take a meticulous approach to ensure you pick a plastic surgery provider who can deliver the safe, satisfying results you want. With the right Cosmetic Surgery Providers, your aesthetic goals can become reality.
