Choosing a plastic surgeon isn’t always easy. It’s not as simple as Googling ‘plastic surgeon’ and calling up the first name that appears. You need to be proactive in verifying credentials, assessing skills, and checking the surgeon’s experience. It’s also not always as simple as asking your friends for advice or relying on the reviews posted by others online. After all, a great surgeon for one patient might not be the right plastic surgeon for you.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to find a top plastic surgeon and a few signs that can help you know when you’ve found the best match for you.
1. He or She Regularly Performs the Surgery You Want
A facial plastic surgeon might have a shining personality, a great bedside manner, and thousands of recommendations and positive reviews. But if you’re in the market for breast surgery or body surgery, a surgeon who specializes in facial plastic surgery isn’t going to be a good fit for you.
Start by identifying surgeons who specialize in the exact procedure you want. Check if they are members of reputable boards like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or the American Board of Plastic Surgery. These memberships ensure that the surgeon regularly performs the procedure you’re interested in and follows the highest safety standards. Ideally, your perfect match will be a surgeon who has hundreds, if not thousands, of surgeries under his or her belt. You also want a surgeon who has plenty of years of experience performing your surgery of choice and one who keeps up with advances and developments in the techniques to perform that surgery.
It’s also worth considering whether the surgeon participates in continuing education and training programs. Plastic surgery is a rapidly evolving field, with new technologies and techniques emerging regularly. A surgeon who actively seeks out advanced training in new procedures or stays up to date with the latest safety protocols is more likely to provide you with cutting-edge care. You might even ask potential surgeons about the last time they attended a professional development seminar or training. This demonstrates their commitment to excellence and staying at the forefront of the field.
2. You Feel Comfortable With the Surgeon
Most likely, you’ll receive general anesthesia during your plastic surgery. That means you won’t have to worry about chatting with Dr. Vitenas or having to listen to his or her jokes. But just because you won’t be awake during the procedure isn’t a reason to overlook bedside manner or rapport.
Before selecting a surgeon, schedule a consultation to assess their bedside manner. If something about the doctor feels off to you, you’re probably better off working with someone else. For example, if you feel uncomfortable explaining exactly what you want to the surgeon, that can have a negative effect on your results. More importantly, you’re likely not to be happy with your results if you feel that the surgeon wasn’t really listening to you or wasn’t taking your concerns seriously.
On the other hand, a surgeon you feel comfortable with will go above and beyond to make sure you understand what’s going to happen and why and what you can expect during your procedure. A good surgeon will also take the time to answer your questions thoroughly. A surgeon you’re comfortable with will do whatever he or she can to make sure the process is crystal clear and that you fully understand everything that’s going to happen.
It’s important to feel confident in the surgeon’s ability to communicate clearly and compassionately. During your consultation, pay attention to how they respond to your questions. Do they take the time to address your concerns thoroughly, or do they seem rushed? A surgeon who is willing to have an in-depth conversation about your needs and expectations is more likely to provide personalized care and ensure that you feel supported throughout the process. Feeling comfortable with the surgeon also means you can trust them to be honest with you about the potential risks and results of the surgery.
3. You’ve Checked the Surgeon’s Credentials
Rapport is important, but it’s not the only thing that matters. It’s essential to verify your surgeon’s credentials and board certifications. You also want to confirm that the surgeon you’re considering is who he or she claims to be. It’s important to ensure that he or she has the education and credentials to back him or her up.
Make sure that you only trust your face or body to a surgeon who has received board certification. Check if your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. These certifications ensure that your surgeon has passed rigorous exams and completed years of specialized training after medical school.
You should also verify where the surgeon completed their residency and fellowship training, as these programs provide additional, specialized experience. Surgeons who have trained at well-known hospitals or academic institutions may have gained access to state-of-the-art techniques and cutting-edge research. Don’t hesitate to ask your surgeon about their specific areas of expertise, especially if you’re considering a complex or uncommon procedure.
4. You’ve Looked at Before and After Photos and Liked What You Saw
Whether you’re considering liposuction, facial surgery, or a full mommy makeover, taking a look at before and after photos of past patients can give you a fair idea of what to expect. Reputable surgeons often showcase their work in before-and-after galleries on their website. If the results you see in the photos are in line with your expectations, are pleasant looking, and really do improve the patient’s figure or appearance, you can feel some degree of confidence that the surgeon will be able to produce similar results in you.
Pro Tip: When viewing before-and-after photos, make sure the patients in the photos have similar body types or facial structures to yours. This will give you a more realistic idea of your potential results.
Another helpful strategy is to request follow-up photos taken several months or even years after surgery. This gives you insight into how the surgeon’s work holds up over time, ensuring that you’re investing in results that will look great long-term. Some surgeons may also offer to connect you with previous patients who are willing to discuss their experiences. This can give you a personal perspective on the surgeon’s skills and the quality of their patient care.
5. You Have an Idea of What to Expect Before, During, and After Surgery
Your surgeon shouldn’t keep you in the dark about what happens during the surgery or what you can expect afterwards. Before moving forward, ask your surgeon for a detailed breakdown of the procedure, including preparation tips and recovery times, the plastic surgeon should give you the guidance you require for your procedure in advance. Whether or not you listen to the surgeon and follow directions might be a different story, but you should feel that your surgeon is giving you all the information you need to make an informed decision.
A well-qualified surgeon will also provide you with a post-operative care plan, ensuring you have all the information needed for a safe and smooth recovery. They will typically provide you with written instructions on post-surgical care, follow-up appointments, and recommendations for managing pain and minimizing scarring. Understanding these steps in advance will help you feel more confident and prepared for the recovery process.
It’s also crucial to ask your surgeon about their policies for follow-up care. Some surgeons include a certain number of post-operative visits in their fee, while others charge separately for each visit. Clarifying this upfront helps avoid confusion and ensures that you receive the support you need during your recovery.
How to Get Started: Finding the Right Surgeon for You
Finding the right plastic surgeon doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by checking credentials, reviewing photos, and scheduling consultations. Be sure to ask questions about the surgeon’s experience, the risks of the procedure, and the expected recovery time.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Paul Vitenas has regularly been named a top doctor and has received numerous awards for his work. He has experience performing a range of facial and body plastic surgery procedures. If you are in the Houston, Texas, area and are looking for the right plastic surgeon, call 281-909-4058 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Vitenas today.