What to look for in a plastic surgeon

How to choose a plastic surgeon

These days, plastic (cosmetic) surgery has become commonplace. What was once the domain only of the wealthy and done under shroud of darkness is now widely performed on people from all walks of life and without the shame that was once associated with it.

Whether your plastic surgery is elective or reconstructive, it’s important to choose the right plastic surgeon for the job. Look for things like their qualifications and experience, but also their personality, bedside manner and reputation. Top cosmetic surgeons will excel in all of these areas, not just in their skills in the operating room.

When you are looking to find a plastic surgeon, you should determine if the surgeon is qualified, has he been certified and what is his or her professional reputation.  (Image by Pixabay.com)

Check surgeon's qualifications

Any surgeon is technically able to perform plastic surgery, even if he has not specifically taken a speciality in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Due to the popularity of cosmetic surgery in recent years, many general surgeons have opened plastic surgery clinics. Plastic surgery is a very lucrative business! For that reason, it is so important to check the qualifications of any surgeon you are considering going with, to ensure that he is does, in fact, have the qualifications, training and experience that you want in someone who is going to be operating on you.

What should those qualifications be? First, a qualified plastic surgeon should have graduated from a recognized school. Further, he should be specifically licensed in plastic surgery, not just in general surgery. What that means is that he has undergone hands-on, practical training in plastic surgery, has completed a plastic surgery residency program and has completed special training in the field of plastic surgery. They may have even gone on to specialize in either reconstructive or plastic surgery in particular, making them even more qualified and experienced in those specific fields.

Find a certified plastic surgeon

Look for a surgeon who has been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. To be certified, they must have at least six years of training as well as surgical experience in a training institution, followed by another three years of professional experience. Also, members are expected to adhere to a predetermined set of ethical standards. Those qualifications should be an indication that the surgeon is highly trained and professional.

It’s also important to find a plastic surgeon such as ilikeplastic that is qualified and experienced in performing the particular procedure you want to have done. For example, if you are looking to have a breast enhancement, don’t go with a plastic surgeon who specializes in nose jobs. Be sure his scope of expertise matches your needs.

Choose a reputable surgeon

Be sure the surgeon is reputable. Talk to previous patients and the doctor’s colleagues to get their opinion on what the surgeon is like to work with. Check sites such where patients can rate their doctors for some insider information about their experience with the doctor. Although everyone’s opinions are different, if most of the sources you consult have negative things to say about the doctor, red flags should go up. If reputable sources indicate that the doctor is trustworthy, skilled, talented and has a good beside manner, however, that’s a good indication that he could be a good choice for you.

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