Plastic Surgeon: A Friend's Recommendation

What should you do when a friend recommends a plastic surgeon? You may already have someone in mind. You may have no idea where you want to go. What is the best response in this situation? You have several options to choose from and because this elective surgery is completely your decision, choosing the professional to work with is all about what works for you as well.

Be Gracious:
When someone offers the name and number of their plastic surgeon, it means that they feel confident with the results that they achieved. There are qualities that they see in this person that they believe would make him or her a good fit for your needs. Always acknowledge what they are offering and thank them for the suggestion. If you don't want to hurt the friend's feelings, you can write down the name and contact information. Even if you have no intention of calling and setting up and appointment, it shows them that you appreciate their offer.

Do a Little Research:
If you haven't decided on a plastic surgeon, you may want to schedule a consultation with your friend's practitioner. If you are having a similar procedure done and you really liked their results, it might be in your best interest to meet with the doctor and discuss the options available to you. If he or she offers a free consultation, that's even better. It can never hurt to get multiple opinions on a procedure. Take advantage of the fact that this is someone that has helped a friend. It doesn't mean that this is the person that you need to choose as your plastic surgeon, but it does give you the option.

Going to the Consultation:
Choosing a professional to work with is such a personal decision. There is a chance that you will go to the first consultation and just not quite fit well with the physician. Don't feel guilty that you aren't going to be able to have the procedure by a friend's doctor. You can choose to tell that that you went to a consultation and things just didn't work out or you can just omit the fact that you even made an appointment and let them know when you do find the right person.

Overlooking the Offer:
If you already have a plastic surgeon that you are happy with, there is no reason to consult with someone else. In this case, after having graciously thanked the person that offered up the information, you can just put it aside. Any procedure that you have done is about you and is completely your decision. You can just skip over letting them know anything if you want, or just tell them about the professional that you did choose.

While it might seem like this can have the potential to create tension between you and a friend, it doesn't have to be that way. Choose the right person for you and do your best to come across as appreciative of any suggestions. But, when push comes to shove, stick with the doctor that you feel best with.