Choosing the right plastic surgeon is vital in achieving dramatic plastic surgery results. You want to feel comfortable with your surgeon and feel confident in their abilities. You should be able to have a frank discussion about your wants and desires. But a friendly surgeon isn’t the only characteristic you should look for when choosing your plastic surgeon. Facial surgery requires a surgeon with extensive skill and experience. These are 5 questions you should ask your facial plastic surgeon before booking your surgery.
1. Are You Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
Being aware of someone’s credentials is essential when choosing a plastic surgeon. Being board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is an indication that your doctor is experienced, knowledgeable, and dedicated to health and safety. To become board certified, a surgeon must pass a written, oral, and observational exam that tests their skills, familiarity with new technology, and safety protocol. Choosing a surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery gives you just that extra peace of mind that you are in safe hands.
2. What’s Your Approach to Facial Plastic Surgery?
A quality surgeon should only suggest procedures and techniques that fit their patients. You want your facial surgeon to focus on achieving natural results that match your facial features. If you are considering a facelift, your surgeon should explain how they address both surface skin and underlying muscles because this provides you with the longest lasting, most dramatic results possible.
3. Can You See Their Before & After Photos?
An experienced, qualified plastic surgeon should have a gallery of before and after photos that they show their prospective patients. This allows you to see the skill and type of results your potential surgeon achieves. Make a note of any visible scarring and how dramatic their results look. Discuss what techniques the surgeon used to achieve those results.
4. What’s Your Experience?
Being board certified and providing good before and after photos is a strong indicator of your surgeon’s experience. However, many plastic surgeons perform different types of plastic surgery. Ask your surgeon how often they perform the procedure you are considering. How many do they perform in a year? What is their technique for your procedure? You want a surgeon who is comfortable and confident with the exact procedure they will be performing on you.
5. What Is Post-Operative Care Like?
You should know how you will be treated following your surgery. Will your doctor be performing all of your post-operative appointments? Are they and their staff available if you have questions or concerns during your recovery? How many times do they expect to see you in their office after your surgery? It is important that your surgeon is involved in your follow-up care to ensure that you are healing appropriately.