choosing a plastic surgeon

Prospective cosmetic surgery patients have no shortage of important decisions to make before their procedure can take place. Arguably, the most crucial among these choices is determining which plastic surgeon is the right choice to perform your surgery. For most patients, this is a complex decision that depends on several factors. That’s why I wanted to take some time to discuss these factors and lay out some essential rules that prospective patients should follow when selecting a plastic surgeon.

 1.) Make Safety a Priority

Seeking the most appealing, long-lasting aesthetic results is a top priority for many patients, but it’s important not to forget that safety is a critical factor too. Even though many cosmetic procedures may seem minor, it is still surgery and it should be taken seriously. This also means avoiding plastic surgery tourism to countries with more lax safety standards during plastic surgery.

2.) Ask About their Board-Certifications

A simple way to verify a plastic surgeon’s credentials is to find out if they are board-certified as a plastic surgeon by a credible board like the American Board of Plastic Surgeons (ABPS). Additionally, membership in medical associations like the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ISAPS) is also something to keep an eye out for. Keep in mind, not all these associations are created equal.

3.) Seek Experience with Your Procedure

It’s important to find a skilled plastic surgeon who has considerable experience performing your specific cosmetic procedure. Find out how long they have been performing your procedure(s) and whether or not they have developed any special techniques which may be able to further assist you.

4.) Make the Most of Your Consultation

Pre-surgery consultation appointments can provide a great chance to get to know your prospective plastic surgeon and confirm that they are a good fit for your needs and preferences. I recommend requesting to see before and after pictures of other patients, they have performed your procedure on in the past to get a sense of their aesthetic sensibility. If you don’t feel 100% confident in your plastic surgeon following your consultation, it’s time to reconsider your options.

Doing research and being prepared during your search can greatly increase your chances of safely achieving the outstanding, long-lasting results you desire and having the best plastic surgery experience possible. In the long run, you’ll be happy you put in the time. For more information or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more news, tips, and updates.