There are both practical and personal considerations when choosing a plastic surgeon. While the internet can be a great tool for researching your options, it can also be easy to get caught up in the glitz and glamour. Certain surgeons are fantastic at self-marketing on Instagram. This doesn’t make them bad surgeons—often the opposite. But just because a plastic surgeon is “hot” in the media doesn’t mean that he or she is the right choice for you. Furthermore, it’s important to keep in mind that before and after photos may be misleading. Is the angle in the two photos the same? What about the lighting? You want to make sure that you aren’t getting sold a false bill of goods. Here are some other factors to consider when it comes to how to choose the best plastic surgeon.
Choose a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
First and foremost, you want to find a plastic surgeon who is technically proficient and who has extensive experience in your procedure of interest. This is one of the best ways to ensure that your surgery will be safe and that your result will be exemplary. One of the simplest short-cuts for discovering qualified plastic surgeons is to look for those who are Board-Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery in your area. As a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon myself, I can attest to the fact that the protocol for attaining certification is extremely rigorous. It requires years of study, practice and testing. Furthermore, the study is on-going as certification must be continually renewed. When you see a surgeon who is board-certified, you know that he or she is up-to-date in the latest techniques and innovations. In addition, a solid surgeon will clearly review the pros and cons of surgery. Recovery is inevitable and discussing that is an important part of any surgical plan. Lastly, should there be any issues with surgery: infection, hematoma or challenging healing, a thoughtful surgeon will discuss these beforehand and review plans of action to address each issue.
Schedule an In-Person Consultation
Once you have your list of potential surgeons, I strongly recommend that you schedule an in-person consultation with your top choices. Most of us charge a consultation fee that may or may not be applied toward the procedure cost if you move forward. But even if it’s not, this is money well spent. A surgical procedure is a big deal and spending a few extra bucks to make certain that you are in the right hands is definitely worth the cost. The consultation is a time for the plastic surgeon to get to know you and perform a thorough physical exam. It is also a chance for you to get to know the surgeon. You do not need to be best friends with your surgeon, but the relationship is personal. This person is literally going to be working on your body. You are not only going to be seeing each other in either pre-op or post-op appointments for up to year, but recovery from surgery can have its ups and downs. It’s critical that you trust your surgeon and his or her team as you need to feel comfortable asking for whatever you need.
Some things to pay attention to in the consultation are:
- Does the surgeon listen attentively?
- Does the surgeon try to “sell” you on a procedure that you don’t want?
- Is the treatment plan explained fully?
- Is the surgeon honest about recovery?
- Does the surgeon seem distracted or rushed during your meeting?
- Do you feel that he or she understands your desired goal?
Tips for Ensuring that Surgeon Understands Your Desired “Look”
Besides technical proficiency, the second critical factor when choosing the best plastic surgeon for you is that you want someone who has the artistic eye to deliver your desired aesthetic. Make sure that you go on your potential plastic surgeon’s websites. Read through their bios and practice philosophy, and look at the before & after photos. Boston area patients come to me, for example, because they know that I will deliver a natural looking result. It’s a pillar of my practice philosophy. However, it can take some back and forth to get to the point where the patient and I understand each other. This is where online research can be a game changer as it allows you to pin photos of people with the “look” you want to achieve which will help us cut through any potential miscommunication. Often, a patient comes in asking for X procedure. But once I examine them and go through photos, it’s clear that it’ll take Y procedure to deliver the desired outcome. I also pride myself on being very honest. There are times when the end result that a patient wants is simply not attainable on his or her anatomy. I will go over other options that may get you close, but I will never tell you that I can deliver an impossible result.
Other Considerations when Choosing the Best Plastic Surgeon
A few other considerations when choosing the best plastic surgeon for you are:
- Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) or hospital?
- Board-certified anesthesia and nursing team?
- Office location in relation to your home
I perform my surgical procedures in an accredited surgery center and in the hospital. Generally, the deciding factor between the two is the length of the surgery. More time in the operating room (OR) may increase the likelihood of a complication so I recommend longer surgeries to be done in a hospital setting. However, some patients feel more comfortable in a hospital regardless of the procedure so this is something for you to consider and discuss during your initial consultation. I also encourage patients to go over the credentials of a surgeon’s team, particularly the anesthesiologist. And last, is the surgeon’s office close to your home? In the first few weeks after your procedure, you will be coming in frequently so if you live far away, make sure that you’re comfortable with the drive.
To find out more about any other surgical or non-surgical procedure with Dr. Sean Doherty at his Boston or Chestnut Hill office, contact us today or call (617) 450-0070 to schedule a consultation.