There is no doubt that the demand for plastic surgery is growing. More than 17.5 million cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures were performed in 2017, and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons predicts that number was even higher for 2018. Although plastic surgery procedures are in demand, searching for the right plastic surgeon can be a little intimidating. Find out how to select the best plastic surgeon for you (p.s., we think it’s Dr. Jack Peterson) with these tips.
Go Beyond Google. Yes, of course you can type in search terms such as “best plastic surgeon near me” or “plastic surgeon” plus your zip code, and the internet will spit back a list of suggestions. But, are these individuals the best of the best? Or, are they just ranked higher because of their SEO?
Check Credentials. Look past diplomas. Look for plastic surgeons with board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The ABPS is the only plastic surgery board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties, making it the mark of distinction that your plastic surgeon is educated and experienced.
Ask for Pictures. If you’re looking for a breast-augmentation procedure, you want a plastic surgeon who has experience in the breast-augmentation procedure. If you’re looking for rhinoplasty, you want someone who is not new to performing a nose job. Ask potential providers for their before and after photos of previous clients.
Ask for References. Yes, it is perfectly acceptable and encouraged to ask for references from previous patients. We recommend that you contact two or three of those references to ask what they liked (or didn’t like) about the surgeon and their experience.
Check for Access. Look for plastic surgeons who have access to accredited and/or state-licensed surgical facilities. These facilities are regularly inspected and must meet high expectations for surgical procedures. Some providers perform procedures in their office or attached surgical centers, so be sure to check with the state if they are licensed to do so.
Don’t Skip the Consultation. Plastic surgery is not something to rush, and neither is finding a plastic surgeon. We suggest scheduling consultations with every provider you are considering to ask questions, get information about your procedure and get a feel for the doctor in general.
Are you looking for a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced, educated and can deliver the results you want? Look no further than Dr. Peterson! Call 785-234-9000 to schedule your consultation now.