Most people have at least one thing that they would like to change about themselves. Whether it’s losing weight, getting whiter teeth, or changing their hair color, there’s always room for improvement. However, some changes require the expertise of an experienced professional–specifically those that have to do with changes to the face. And in these instances, it’s a good idea to consult a cosmetic surgeon.
If you’re considering cosmetic surgery, then you’re not alone. According to research, nearly 18 million people underwent plastic surgery in 2018. However, making changes to your appearance can be life-changing. And this means you need to be very careful when choosing a surgeon.
Luckily, there are ways to determine whether or not a surgeon is right for you. Let’s take a moment to discuss a few things that you should look for in a cosmetic surgeon.
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Board Certification
One of the most popular misconceptions that most people have is that if a doctor is approved by the state medical boards, then they are well-qualified. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. You see, the government doesn’t require doctors to be trained in the specific procedures that they offer. And this problem is especially pronounced when it comes to cosmetic surgery.
Sure, they may have general medical training but there are instances in which the doctor may simply offer cosmetic procedures to increase their profits–regardless of their specialties. So how can you weed out those who are not specifically trained in the procedure you require? It’s simple–ask each surgeon about their board certification. Specifically, does their certification from the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery?
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Experience
Another common misconception is that all cosmetic surgeons have the same abilities. When searching for a doctor, it’s important to remember that every area of surgery requires a different skill. Operating on the abdomen, which involves a lot of soft tissue, is completely different than operating on a nose, which involves bone and cartilage. This is why every surgeon has specific specialties.
You should look for a doctor who is board certified in the facial procedure that you’re interested in. Take the time to ask your potential surgeon how he trained in the procedure that you would like. Have they been performing the procedure for a long time?
How many times have they actually performed the procedure? Research shows that breast augmentation is the top cosmetic procedures in the U.S. so it stands to reason that most surgeons would have more experience with this procedure than others. So you need to take the time to zero in on a surgeon who spends most of their time on facial procedures.
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Appealing Aesthetics
It’s often been said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What looks great to one person may not be as impressive to another. Given that looks are subjective, before you make your final choice, you need to know what the doctor finds aesthetically pleasing.
In other words, you need to look at his or her past work and determine if this is the aesthetics that you want for yourself. According to top Miami cosmetic surgery expert, Andres Bustillo, the biggest mistake most surgeons make is that they do too much. So take a look at their portfolio.
Are you impressed with the before and after images? Do you notice that they have worked with patients who have facial features that are similar to yours? Are any of the clients around your age?
Most importantly, you need to consider how consistent the surgeon is. Have they done a great job with a few individuals but questionably on others? Make sure that their results are not hit or miss.
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Friendliness
Some patients become so caught up in the idea of their physical changes that they completely forget to take note of how they are being treated by the doctor and their staff. What does their disposition have to do with your medical procedure? Well, no matter how small the procedure, surgery is always a big deal.
And you can tell a lot about your future results based on how comfortable you feel with the surgeon and their team. So choose someone that you can trust. Do you enjoy spending time with this doctor? Do they make you feel safe?
Do you feel as if you can ask as many questions as you need to throughout the process? Are you comfortable sharing personal and confidential information with this individual? If so, then you’re on the right track. If not, then you may want to consider looking elsewhere.
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Hospital Privileges
If you want to ensure that your procedure goes as safely as possible, then it’s a good idea to choose a surgeon that has hospital privileges. In fact, if you’re consulting with a surgeon that does not have access to a hospital and can only perform the surgery in his or her office, you should consider it a major red flag.
Sure, cosmetic procedures are very common. In fact, in 2016 alone, Americans spent well over $16 billion on cosmetic surgeries. However, you’ll feel much more comfortable knowing that there are more professionals available should any complications arise.
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Inviting Environment
First impressions can say a lot about a person. This is especially the case when it comes to an office space. When choosing a cosmetic surgeon, you need to observe your surroundings. If you choose to work with this surgeon, you will likely be spending a considerable amount of time there.
Does it feel welcoming? Or is it cold and sterile? Most importantly, does the office seem well-kept and tidy?
These small details may not seem like much, but they can really add up. The environment can play a huge role in your experience.
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Professionalism
Another major piece of the puzzle is professionalism. The ideal cosmetic surgeon knows that is important to make sure their clients are always treated with respect and dignity. And their level of professionalism can often be conveyed as soon as you step into their office. For instance, does their staff seem polite and interested in helping you?
Do they offer helpful materials that can help to educate and inform you about the procedures that you’re interested in as well as the recovery process? Do they clearly communicate the fees and costs? If you contact them by phone, do you receive a timely and professional response?
The Takeaway
Cosmetic surgery can vastly improve your looks and your level of confidence. However, if you want the best results, then you have to work with the top professionals. And this largely entails your doing the proper research before making your final decision.
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