The first step for anyone interested in a cosmetic procedure is learning how to choose the right plastic surgeon. If you are considering elective surgery, you want to make sure you take the time and do the research needed to find the best possible surgeon. This individual will have influence over your health, well-being, and appearance, so you should settle for nothing short of the best. In addition to their technical skills, you also want to make sure you have a surgeon you can trust. You want this individual to make you feel safe, secure and confident going into the procedure.
It can be difficult to figure out who is the best surgeon for you. If you are interested in learning more about how to choose the right plastic surgeon, take a look at the 9 signs we’ve determined that mark finding the right plastic surgeon for you.
1. Someone Close to You Recommends Them
The best way to find a great plastic surgeon is through a recommendation. If you have a friend, family member, coworker or even an acquaintance that had a great experience with a local plastic surgeon, that is a great place to start. You can meet directly with this person and ask them a series of questions about their experience with their surgeon.
If nobody in your immediate network has had a positive plastic surgery experience, ask a healthcare professional, especially if you’re already seeing a specialist for something like a breathing issue or cosmetic service.
2. The Surgeon Has Excellent Reviews
The Internet is such a useful tool. With just a swipe of your finger or a click of the mouse, you can instantly explore hundreds of reviews and testimonials for any local plastic surgeon. Read through as many of these reviews as possible, taking note of the patient’s experience with the surgeon and their results following the surgery. Each patient will go about the review process differently, so make sure to read a variety of different reviews instead of just relying on one or two bad ones. Any surgeon you agree to see should have a large number of verified reviews from trusted sources, have reviews that include reviews of patients who had the procedure you are interested in having, have a score of 4.5 or greater and include comments regarding the technical outcome, the interaction with the surgeon, the surgical facility and the staff.
3. They Do Not Pressure You Into Surgery
It should be an immediate red flag if you find that the plastic surgeon and their staff are very pushy with you, using sales tactics to try to “close the deal.” While it’s normal for any office to have sales and marketing tactics to draw in potential patients, they cross the line when they try to rush you into making a decision. This is not buying a TV—it is opting for surgery. Any good surgeon should give you the time you need to make an informed decision. You are more than a potential sale, and your surgeon should be making decisions in your best interests, not in the best interest of their bank account. Choose a surgeon and staff who is focused on meeting your needs and is that clearly is concerned with your safety.
4. They Are Communicative and Polite During a Consultation
The surgical consultation is the most important part of the entire vetting process and a key component of learning how to choose the right surgeon for you. You want to go into the consultation with the mindset that you are putting the surgeon through a job interview and you should walk away from the office impressed. Come to the consultation with a list of questions you want to ask the surgeon, including questions about their experience and background, as well as specific questions regarding your procedure. Make sure the surgeon is not only answering your questions, but is also communicating with you in a relatable and down-to-earth manner. You do not want a surgeon who only speaks to you using medical jargon. Instead, you want a surgeon who will partner with you to make sure you are informed during every step of the process. You want to feel comfortable and confident.
5. The Surgeon Is Qualified to Perform Your Desired Procedure
During your consultation, you want to make sure your surgeon is qualified. They should be an American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) certified plastic surgeon, preferably with an American Society of Plastic Surgeons membership. Some “cosmetic” practitioners are not actually doctors who are certified for surgery, as their practice mainly consists of injectables and laser procedures. You are able to check if your surgeon is certified on the ABPS website (www.plasticsurgery.org), searching through an online database to find their certification.
You also want to make sure your surgeon is a specialist in your desired procedure. Many plastic surgeons specialize in one field, meaning they do not have experience or expertise in other types of surgeries. For example, a doctor who solely specializes in breast implants may not be qualified to perform eyelid surgery. It is especially important to find a qualified specialist if you are looking to undergo an uncommon surgery.
6. The Plan Is Right For Your Goals
Plastic surgery should not be a one-size-fits-all approach. Each individual is unique and has unique concerns, health issues, motivations and goals. Every plastic surgeon will have different preferences and styles in regard to their surgical approach and should be able to offer a custom solution for each patient. The plastic surgeon should be able to explain various options and explain clearly the benefits and drawbacks associated with different options. They should be able to work with you to find the solution that will serve your needs best.
7. The Staff Is Experienced and Friendly
The surgeon is not going to complete your procedure on their own. They rely on their team of dedicated employees, and you want to make sure these individuals are skilled professionals. Each and every interaction with the staff should be a positive one, and if you feel you were not treated kindly by a staff member or that they did not know what they are doing, that is a red flag to look for a plastic surgeon elsewhere.
8. The Surgical Site Is Accredited and Incredible
You need to make sure your surgery will be performed at an accredited hospital or an AAAASF-accredited surgical facility and operating room. Some surgeons will even have an on-site surgical facility, allowing patients convenient access to the operating facility. Ask if the center is dedicated to plastic surgery and if a medical doctor trained in Anesthesiology will be providing your anesthesia or if the surgeon or his nurse will have to perform this function as well.
9. It Just Feels Right
Go with your gut. The key to learning how to choose the right plastic surgeon is trusting your instincts. If you have a bond with the surgeon and immediately trust them, that can sometimes be enough to make a decision. Of course, you only want to opt for an experienced and board-certified surgeon with an outstanding reputation, but you will be developing a relationship with them as well. The most important aspect is that you are comfortable with this person and that they make you feel safe and secure.
Choose a Trusted Plastic Surgeon in Houston, Texas
If you are struggling with how to choose the right plastic surgeon for you, then we can help. Dr. Leo Lapuerta is a surgeon with an impeccable reputation, helping patients from all over the United States as well as Houston, Katy and Pearland, Texas, look their best. He is a triple-board-certified plastic surgeon, with over 20 years of experience and countless positive patient reviews and testimonials. Best of all, Dr. Lapuerta is a skilled communicator, partnering with the patient to help them reach their goals. If you are interested in learning more about Dr. Lapuerta or would like to schedule a consultation, contact us today.