How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon Wisely

As plastic surgery procedures become more popular, many men and women are confused by the options they have in their area. It may seem like there are a lot of different doctors advertising the same surgeries at different prices. Why should you take the time to research your plastic surgeon? What difference does it make? What sort of things should you look for when deciding where to go for your elective cosmetic procedure? All of these questions are important for prospective patients to address before choosing a doctor to trust with your new face or nose.

Most men and women didn't go to medical school for a reason. The process is long and rigorous and the amount of material reviewed during the education is intimidating. As such, most men and women don't want to have to learn a lot about medicine just to be able to make an informed decision about which plastic surgeon to select. There are a few simple things to look for when choosing cosmetic surgery and you don't need a medical degree to do it.

First off, ensure your plastic surgeon is board-certified. This means that he or she has received the highest level of education in surgery and has been licensed by their state to perform operations. Be careful! State licensure does not restrict a physician to only practicing the medical specialty that they have been trained in. As such, an obstetrician can offer to perform surgery even though they have not completed specialized training to do so. This may account for many of the doctors that you see advertising cut-rate prices on expensive and detailed operations. In this case, it is safe to say that you get what you pay for. Choosing to cut corners on the budget by selecting a physician that isn't a plastic surgeon may mean more pain, longer healing time, and less satisfaction with the results.

Secondly, depending on which particular procedure you are interested in, you may want to find out if your plastic surgeon has completed specialized training after their medical education. Often called fellowships, this specialized training is very narrow and only focuses on one thing at a time. For example, some surgeons choose to specialize in hand reconstruction. Others do fellowships in burns. Still others attend extensive training to learn all of the advanced and latest techniques for face lifts.

Lastly, find a plastic surgeon that you are comfortable with. He or she should be able to easily address any questions you may have and you should feel at ease bringing up concerns. This sort of two-way communication will ensure that your goals are properly outlined and will help the doctor ensure that you are happy with the results of the procedure.

Following these tips and using common sense will go a long way to helping you choose a plastic surgeon in your area. It is much wiser to take the time to do your research before entering the operating room. You will be happier with the results in the long run.