Choosing a plastic surgeon is one of the most difficult and stressful parts of getting cosmetic surgery. The choice you make for your surgeon will influence your life for years to come, and whether or not that influence is a positive or negative one depends on the surgeon you choose. The right plastic surgeon could change your life for the better, while an inexperienced one could leave you with poor results, leading to additional costs, time, and heartache. Luckily plastic surgery has become more and more popular in recent years, and surgeons have increased in quantity and skill because of this.
Finding a qualified and experienced surgeon isn’t always easy, but as long as you do your research you shouldn’t worry.
The first thing you should look for is to find a plastic surgeon who is board certified.
Many people think this means that you can depend on state medical boards to tell you if someone is board certified, but this is not always accurate because the government does not require surgeons to be specifically trained in the procedures they offer to patients. This means that a doctor with general surgical training or other medical training could try out plastic surgery for the larger profits without actually being properly trained or board certified. A great place to check to see if the surgeon you are considering is board certified is by checking the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The board is dedicated exclusively to plastic surgeons who are educated, trained, and certified in plastic surgery, and they are recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialities. The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery is different from the American Board of Plastic Surgery group in that it is not recognized by The American Board of Medical Specialities. This is a significant difference that should not be overlooked, and it could make all the difference in your results. You should also look for a surgeon who is experienced.
Amazing results in plastic surgery often come from a surgeon who has practiced their skills for many years.
Some surgeons have specialties that they are particularly skilled at performing. There are significant differences in operating on a nose as compared to a breast so your surgeon having experience with whatever cosmetic procedure you want to be done makes a huge difference in your results. You should also be sure that your surgeon’s style fits what you like. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder so it’s possible that what your surgeon thinks looks great doesn’t look good to you. Looking at a surgeon’s past work through before and after photos could help you determine if you like their style. Many plastic surgeons have Instagram pages now so you can check to see if they have an Instagram where you can view their experience and style. If that’s not an option, you can check their website, ask for photos through email or view them in person at your office visit. Looking at patients who have similar features as you could be helpful as well.
Trusting your surgeon is a big deal.
Make sure you are comfortable. Make sure you trust the facility and make sure the customer service is how you want it to be. You need to feel comfortable asking your surgeon questions, you need to feel safe, and you need to be comfortable letting your surgeon know exactly what you want. The facility being used should have some sort of accreditation such as AAAASF, AAAHC, JCAHO, or IMQ certification. The anesthetist’s qualifications need to be looked at. Customer service is also something that not many people consider when it comes to choosing a surgeon, but this could make a significant difference in your experience. Dealing with unfriendly staff, added fees, and terrible communication could make this strenuous experience even more stressful and tiring.
Dr. Peterson holds a license to practice medicine in Kansas, Wisconsin and Missouri. He is a member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and American Board of Otolaryngology. He is a member of the Kansas City Plastic Surgery Society, Kansas Medical Society and Shawnee County Medical Society. He serves as Director of the Topeka Cleft Lip and Palate Team and is a member of the American Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Association. If you think our office is right for you feel free to call us at (785) 260-8652 or visit our website for a direct chat and more information.
