You’re excited, you did your research and nailed down the procedure or treatment you want to help you look and feel your best. So what’s next? What proceeds is without a doubt the most critical part of your entire plastic surgery story. And that is… selecting your surgeon! Choosing to undergo plastic surgery is a personal choice and is a significant decision with lasting implications. While a patient’s enthusiasm and optimism is important, it’s vital that patients not rush their decision on choosing a surgeon as their results from surgery—no matter how advanced or straightforward the procedure—depends entirely on the experience and skill of their surgeon. That’s why in this article we’ll be discussing many of the important factors to consider when choosing a surgeon, as well as a few questions potential patients need to ask. Let’s get into more detail.
1. Being board-certified IN plastic surgery: Surgeons can be board-certified in different fields, so it’s crucial patients ask whether they are certified in plastic surgery specifically. There are also major differences between ‘cosmetic surgery’ and ‘plastic surgery,’ and these variances range in the length of schooling as well as level of difficulty undergone, so patients should always seek board certification in plastic surgery.
2. Website & Social Media: This is a great place to start your research and give you an idea of the surgeon you’re considering. Explore their website and any particular information that interests you regarding your favoured surgery. You may also find before and after photos as well as the surgeon’s credentials. Look at their social media profiles to examine if they’re up to date and relevant. You may also find information and previous patient reviews about the surgeon on forums and websites so feel free to do your due diligence.
3. Word of Mouth: It’s rare that women or men like to brag about having had a treatment or procedure done, however if you have a close friend or relative you trust who can give you an idea of their experience with the surgeon, then that would be helpful. If that’s not an option, ask the surgeon to give you contact info of previous patients having undergone the same procedure for an idea of their experience with the surgeon, staff, facility and recovery period.
4. No Rush: A surgeon should never rush you into a decision. If they do, take it as a warning. Your surgeon should be happy to answer any and all the questions you may have about them and the procedure, as well as explain all the options you have to achieve the results you desire (surgical and/or nonsurgical). He or she should relay the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure to better guide you in the right direction.
5. Be Realistic: You should feel as though your surgeon is listening and understands what your goals are. However, if your goals are unrealistic, a good surgeon will let you know and provide you with the best option that will get you as close to your vision as possible. Goals may be unrealistic depending on the patient’s body, skin, age, gender and a number of other factors depending on the treatment or surgery.
6. Hospital Privileges: In case of emergency, it’s great to know that your surgeon has access to a hospital nearby. This is especially helpful for procedures taking place in out patient facilities. When in the hands of the right surgeon, that privilege is probably rarely used, however will put patients at ease knowing that should they need a hospital’s assistance, they have access.
7. Consultation: An in person consultation will tell you a lot about the surgeon. Really get a feel for whether the surgeon is listening to you, empathizing with you and providing you with realistic options. If you notice he or she resisting your questions or skirting around any inquiries then follow your intuition and continue with your search. It is important that patients go into the surgery feeling 100% confident not only about the surgery, but also about the surgeon. If you’re not feeling that way then maybe you need to rethink the surgeon and/or procedure. Along with a board-certification in plastic surgery, the surgeon should also have all qualifications displayed or with the ability to be easily accessed by any potential patient. This may be in their office or consult room.
While achieving your goals via plastic surgery can be exciting, patients should never rush or hurry a decision on choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon. When you’ve done your research and homework, you’re satisfied with your consult, all your questions have been answered and you feel 100% confident and comfortable with your surgeon, then you know you’ve made the right decision on choosing the right plastic surgeon for you!
Click here to book a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Adibfar and his medically-trained staff at Toronto’s Elements Spa.