Picking a plastic surgeon is one of the most important steps you’ll take during your plastic surgery journey. This is because your results, safety, and experience will highly depend on your plastic surgeon and their approach to your procedure. As you consider your options, here are some important factors to keep in mind while looking in your area.
Are they board certified and with whom?
Patients can – and unfortunately often do – undergo plastic surgery procedures from medical professionals who are not trained in cosmetic or plastic surgery procedures. Sometimes, they can even offer discounted prices to lure in patients. It’s highly important to always verify that your chosen plastic surgeon is board certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, or the American Board of Surgery. You can usually see these badges on their website, and you can also search for their practice on their respective board’s website.
These certifications offer a safeguard against poor practice because board certified plastic surgeons will have undergone many different education and training programs and are held accountable to their board. Even your plastic surgeon’s board can matter when considering your options, since plastic surgeons generally have training in things like reconstructive surgery and don’t necessarily specialize in cosmetic surgery. On the other hand, cosmetic surgeons train entirely in cosmetic surgical procedures. Be sure to consider your procedure and which type of surgeon would fit best.
Does their results gallery match your goals?
Any reputable plastic surgeon will display before-and-after photos on their website or in their office. From viewing these, you can assess how skilled your plastic surgeon is in your chosen procedure and whether you can expect the results you’re looking for. Good things to look for include symmetry, scarring, and whether the results fit the patient’s existing form and anatomy. If it looks like your plastic surgeon can only produce one type of result, it most likely means they will be unable to tailor your results to flatter your body.
Are you comfortable with them?
Having a good relationship with your plastic surgeon is highly important to the rest of your surgical process. Be sure to assess whether you feel comfortable with them and whether it seems like they truly listen to your goals and concerns. It’s important not to confuse this with a professional recommendation, however, since plastic surgeons have the goal of producing the best version of their patients that they can. A good plastic surgeon will recommend the best way to achieve your goals but will still consider your unique wishes and concerns.
The process of finding the right plastic surgeon for you can be a long one, but it’s incredibly important. Dr. Rosenberg is a double board certified plastic surgeon in the Baltimore area who has many years of producing excellent results for his patients. To schedule a consultation, contact our office by calling (410) 324-3071 or filling out our online form.
