Finding the right surgeon for a cosmetic procedure requires researching your options. Here is everything to know about how to choose a cosmetic surgeon.
Cosmetic surgery is on the rise! In the span of a single year, almost 18 million people scheduled surgical and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures.
If you’re interested in cosmetic surgery, it’s important to choose a cosmetic surgeon you can trust.
With these six tips, you can feel confident before you undergo your chosen procedure.
Read on to discover how to find a cosmetic surgeon today.
How to Choose a Cosmetic Surgeon
1. Confirm They’re Certified
First, it’s important to choose a cosmetic surgeon who has the right credentials. Make sure they’re board-certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS). You can visit the website at: www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org for more information. If their credentials are outdated, remove them from your list of options.
A surgeon with board certification from the ABCS has undergone a rigorous certification process after spending 1-2 years of additional surgical training JUST in cosmetic surgery. This is beyond their original surgical training in general surgery, oral maxilla facial surgery, plastic surgery, dermatologic surgery, ENT, or oculofacial plastic. This board certification process includes 2 days of oral and written exams after submitting proof of hundreds of hours of experience in performing cosmetic surgery.
Finding a surgeon with the proper credentials will give you peace of mind. You’ll have an easier time trusting their abilities. Make sure they’re trained and qualified before scheduling your procedure.
2. Look for Accreditation
Take the time to check out each surgeon’s facility, too.
First, make sure their surgeries are performed in a surgical facility or ambulatory care center. Confirm that the facility is accredited as well.
Ensure these facilities follow proper standards for:
- Safety
- Staffing
- Surgeon credentials
- Equipment
Check for other credentials as you review each facility, including certifications like:
- Title XVIII Medicare participation
- State licensure
- Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)
- American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF)
This way, you can feel confident knowing the surgeon’s practice meets the highest standards for quality, safety, and patient care.
3. Consider Their Approach
It’s important to note that there’s no “one-size-fits-all” surgeon or cosmetic surgery practice. What works for a friend might not work for you. With that in mind, it’s important to consider each surgeon’s approach and style.
Cosmetic surgery is a very individualized journey. Your journey. This is not about your significant other, a friend, relative, or social media influencer, or even the surgeon you might be consulting. Just you. Your surgeon should not rush you to make any decisions. They should not push any procedures on you, ESPECIALLY something you yourself did not find troubling until the surgeon pointed it out to you. Remember: “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”, and when it comes to cosmetic procedures, you are the only “beholder”. No one else’s opinion should matter, because it’s not their body that is about to be altered. It’s yours.
Thus they should take the time to consider YOUR unique wants and goals, and not theirs. Also do not trust a surgeon who rushes to make guarantees and promises.
Cosmetic surgery requires more than training and medical knowledge, it requires a little artistry as well. As you review your options for surgeons, consider their style.
Ask each surgeon if you can see before and after photos of their work. Make sure their style aligns with your aesthetic goals. Otherwise, the surgeon you choose might struggle to meet your needs.
Remember, every patient is different. The surgeon should tailor the treatment based on your goals.
Ask each surgeon how they plan their surgeries. Consider how they go about customizing treatments.
Make sure the photos you review meet your standards as well.
4. Evaluate Their Experience
There are now over 13,000 cosmetic surgery businesses employing over 69,900 professionals in the US. Some professionals have more cosmetic surgery experience than others though. Before you choose a cosmetic surgeon, investigate their history.
Take the time to find out how long each surgeon has worked in the industry. Find someone with years of hands-on cosmetic surgery experience.
Each area of cosmetic surgery requires different skill sets too. It’s important to make sure their area of experience is relevant to your needs.
Think about the specific procedure(s) you want to request. Then, ask each surgeon how often they perform that procedure. Ask for before and after photos for that procedure as well.
If you can, find a cosmetic surgeon who specializes in the type of procedure you’re requesting.
Take a moment to consider who will be performing the anesthesia. Find out if they’re a board-certified anesthesiologist. Otherwise, ask if a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) will administer the anesthesia. Either option should be safe and acceptable.
5. Consider Your Comfort
During your consultation appointment, take a moment to consider your comfort level.
You should feel completely comfortable with the surgeon and their support team. Make sure you trust them with your safety and the results of your procedure(s).
Think about whether you’re comfortable asking the surgeon questions. Are they easy to talk to? Do they put you at ease? Are they rushed or in a hurry?
Make sure you’re comfortable disclosing your full medical history as well. Discussing your lifestyle and history is important to ensure your safety.
Also consider the staff. Are they friendly and helpful? Did anyone provide you with materials that outline the risks and realities involved?
Don’t forget to leave without asking for a cost estimate. Make sure the procedure suits your cosmetic surgery budget.
Gather multiple estimates to gauge the average cost for your procedure.
6. Read Reviews
Before you make your final decision, consider reading online patient reviews. Patient reviews can help you learn from the people who were once in your shoes.
You can find reviews on the surgeon’s Healthgrades.com profile or RealSelf.com. Check the facility’s Better Business Bureau and Google My Business listings as well.
Find a surgeon who has years of cosmetic surgery experience and a strong reputation among their clients. If you see too many negative reviews, remove them from your list.
Finding a surgeon with a positive reputation can help you find a surgeon you can trust.
Select the Best: How to Choose a Cosmetic Surgeon with Ease
Don’t feel rushed to choose a cosmetic surgeon. Instead, use these tips to consider your options. Make sure you’re choosing a surgeon you trust with your health and safety.
Then, schedule a procedure to accomplish your beauty goals!
Eager to get started? We can’t wait to help.
Contact us at (402) 391-4558 today to discuss your cosmetic surgery needs.
