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Due to the rising popularity of plastic surgeries, many inexperienced and unlicensed medical practitioners are following suit in the hopes of increasing their income and client base. Therefore, you must exert effort to find the right surgeon that best suits your cosmetic needs and preferences. Consulting a list of the top 10 plastic surgeons in your area can also help narrow down your options. Here are eight tips and factors to consider when choosing a plastic surgeon.
Do your research
As with any endeavor, conducting proper research is essential. Search for reputable plastic surgeons within your area who have proven track records. If you intend to undergo Breast Augmentation in Columbus, Ohio, research reputable and experienced providers that fit your budget and aesthetic needs.
Once you have narrowed down your candidates, check their credentials and ensure they’re board certified and highly experienced. Not all practitioners are adept at handling all types of procedures, so scrutinizing their qualifications is necessary. You must also investigate if your chosen surgeon has been charged with malpractice or has a disciplinary record.
Ask for referrals
Aside from checking nearby plastic surgeons, it would also help if you get referrals from trusted relatives and friends who recently went under the knife. If there’s none in your social circle, widen your search by asking your physician or other acquaintances working in the healthcare industry. Healthcare professionals can be great recommendation sources as they may know some of the best surgeons in their respective niches.
Read client reviews
Reading patient reviews is essential when choosing a plastic surgeon. While most plastic surgeons have their own websites, refrain from relying solely on client testimonials, as some may be biased. Check third-party platforms and utilize social media when searching for genuine client reviews.
Find online communities dedicated to plastic surgery, as many patients actively document their plastic surgery journey and are more than willing to give their recommendations. By reading patient reviews, you can learn how your potential surgeon interacts with their patients, pre, and post-surgery.
Inspect the facility
The facility where your plastic surgeon will operate is integral to your plastic surgery journey. Regardless if your surgery will occur in a reputable hospital or a small clinic, you must ensure that the quality of patient care and safety is at the highest standards.
Inspect the operating facility and assess the workplace environment. Is the place clean and tidy? Are the staff approachable and friendly? Do they have a long wait time or strictly follow the appointment schedule? You should also consider the location as traveling for long hours to and fro for a test, or additional treatment is not ideal, especially post-surgery.
Evaluate compatibility
Plastic surgery is a significant undertaking, so working with a surgeon you feel comfortable with is essential. Interview as many practitioners as possible until you find someone you can completely trust. Assess how your potential surgeon and their staff communicate with you. Do they listen attentively or seem distracted during consultations? Are they transparent when responding to your questions, or do they tend to brush off your concerns? Regardless of how prominent or skilled your potential plastic surgeon is, if they constantly make you uncomfortable or anxious, it would be best to move on to your next option.
Consider their approach
Every plastic surgeon has their own specialty, so you must choose someone who suits your situation and understands your aesthetic needs and preferences. Ask for before and after photos of past patients and look for clients with similar features and qualities. For instance, if you plan to undergo nose reshaping, find patients with the same nose structure. Evaluate their aesthetic style and how consistent their patient results are.
Trust your instincts
Since getting plastic surgery is relatively easy nowadays, it is more important than ever to trust your instincts when searching for a plastic surgeon. Aside from assessing their communication style and how well you connect, watch out for red flags during consultations. If they claim they can transform you into a new person or vow to make you look perfect, take it as a sign to walk away and look for another doctor. A trustworthy plastic surgeon will provide you with an honest and realistic perspective without making false promises. A plastic surgeon who sounds more like a salesman than a healthcare professional is a major red flag.
Don’t rush the process
While getting plastic surgery can be an exciting venture, it is crucial you take your time and avoid rushing the process. Plastic surgery is not a one-and-done process; it is a life-changing endeavor that requires dedication, commitment, and unwavering patience. If at any point you feel uncomfortable with your candidate surgeon, listen to your gut and restart your search. Remember that you’re entrusting yourself medically with this person, so finding a surgeon who understands your goals and respects your decisions is crucial.
Finding the right plastic surgeon doesn’t need to be complicated. Take note of these tips, and remember to follow your intuition.
