Choosing the right plastic surgeon

Choosing the right plastic surgeon may be the most important first decision you can make when considering cosmetic procedures to enhance your appearance. A skilled surgeon can produce results bordering on the miraculous. New, inexperienced or less qualified surgeons may actually do more harm than good.

The Internet and celebrity news magazines are full of stories about botched plastic surgeries. Still, if you take a closer look you may discover that many undesirable outcomes were performed on celebrity patients who seem addicted to plastic surgery. Unfortunately, their obsessions with cosmetic surgery give both the procedures and practitioners a bad name.

This is why it’s vitally important for you to choose a plastic surgeon that you trust, a surgeon who can answer your questions, address your concerns, outline the benefits and risks, and share any other information that will help you make an informed decision about procedures that will affect your body.

So who should you look for?

Start with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Professional credentials should include The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

For best results (and why would you want anything less?) talk to a plastic surgeon who has at least six years of surgical experience, including at least four years of cosmetic and plastic surgery experience.

Ask about the surgeon’s expertise in specific procedures, whether the surgical facilities are accredited and whether the surgeon’s work has been reviewed and evaluated by his professional peers.

The top plastic and cosmetic surgeons follow a strict ethics code. They also pursue ongoing medical education to remain up-to-date in the latest methods and technologies for optimal patient results.

While consulting with cosmetic surgeons, ask to see photographic examples of their work, typically “before” and “after” images, to help you gauge the actual results they achieve for their patients. Many plastic surgeons post photo galleries on their websites, enabling you to do your research before you visit their offices.

Above all, you should feel comfortable with the surgeon who may be performing your plastic or cosmetic surgery. The issue of trust is crucial to your peace of mind before, during -- and long after – your cosmetic surgery procedure. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Your surgeon should explain everything to your satisfaction, including payment policies and options. Alternatives to surgery may also be possible, and the surgeon should be willing to point out and discuss these options.

If you feel pressured or cajoled in any way, you may be in the wrong doctor’s office.

Remember, the final decision is always yours.