Factors to Consider When Choosing A Plastic Surgeon
The decision to undergo a plastic surgery procedure is one that should not be taken lightly, and rarely is. As with any kind of surgical procedures, there are always risks and these risks are only increased when the procedure is being performed by someone less than qualified to do the job. It can be scary and dangerous for prospective patients trying to navigate their way around to get a procedure performed when they don’t know what they should be looking for in a Plastic Surgeon. So, what should you consider when choosing a Plastic Surgeon?
Finding the right Plastic Surgeon for you may take more than a few clicks of the mouse, but it shouldn’t be harder than finding a needle in a haystack. While there are literally millions of Plastic Surgeons worldwide, once you know what you’re looking for that number will become much more manageable. The very first thing you will want to look for is board certification. Many people do not realize that not everyone who says they are a Plastic Surgeon are actually certified in that field. Furthermore, you will want to check if the certification is current. In years past, certification was a once in a lifetime thing, but these days, to improve performance and enhance safety, certification must be renewed every six to ten years.
Board certification can be checked quite easily through the American Board of Medical Specialties website. You can check online or call (800) 776-2378 to inquire about a specific Plastic Surgeon. Board certification is important because it vouches that a Plastic Surgeon has gone through the proper training, education, experience and testing necessary to be able to perform various Plastic Surgery procedures. While you’re at it, you’ll want to find out about their education, their training, and their experience. How long have they been doing it? What is their track record like? What is their reputation amongst their peers in the medical community and their previous patients? These are all strong deciding factors.
Finding out how their previous patients feel about their experience with them can be very influential and you can do this by reading patient testimonials on the web. Another good idea to look at patients before and after photos. This will give you a good feel for the aesthetic eye and consistency of the Plastic Surgeon. While each patient will have come in with difference goals, bodies, and concerns than your own, the overall results should be something that pleases your aesthetic eye, too.
Once you feel you have thoroughly checked out any number of Plastic Surgeons you are considering, you will want to schedule a consultation with your top contender(s). A consultation is not unlike a job interview- both for you and for the Plastic Surgeon- to see if you are a good fit. There will be a number of things being evaluated in this meeting. The Plastic Surgeon will want to hear your goals, concerns, medical history, and expectations. You will want to ask questions, get to know the Plastic Surgeon and asses your impression of them. You are going to want to choose a Plastic Surgeon with whom you feel comfortable enough with to ask the tough questions and confident enough in to trust their ability to deliver you safely from the operating room on procedure day with the results you desire.
By taking your time and carefully considering each step of the journey, you will find the right Plastic Surgeon for you. At Columbus Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery our patients needs come first. We invite you to get to know the four incredible, board certified Plastic Surgeons here at Columbus Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery: Timothy Treece, M.D., Susan Vasko, M.D., Robert Heck, M.D., and John Wakelin, M.D.
