Permanent cosmetics

How to Choose a Cosmetic Surgeon

HOW TO CHOOSE A COSMETIC SURGEON

Cosmetic surgery treatment has become a part of our modern everyday living. It not only helps us look better, but it improves our self-confidence. Cosmetic surgery gives others the notion we care about ourselves, and therefore care about how others feel in our presence. In 2017 there were 175 million cosmetic surgery procedures performed in the United States. The choice of a cosmetic surgeon is critical for achieving the best possible outcome.

Creating good communication with your Plastic Surgeon, during the initial consultation, and in subsequent visits, helps to nurture the best professional relationship. This relationship can last through time. You will then be more comfortable asking the doctor and staff questions. To make sure you are choosing the right cosmetic surgeon, please follow these steps to get the best care.

Choose a Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon

The best cosmetic surgeon is one that has received the best training, continues to learn new techniques, cares about their patients, and is most responsible and honest. Essentially, the best doctor puts the patient’s needs above their own. Various medical boards and medical societies convert that theme into reality with strict codes.

ASAPSThere are medical boards and medical societies. Boards generally certify a doctor after they have completed their training. Medical societies ensure that doctors are performing well and responsibly while they are in the practice of their specialty. For example, the American Board of Plastic Surgery is a medical society. This society ensures ongoing cosmetic surgery learning. They also certify that doctors are safe surgeons. In the aesthetic surgery realm, The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) certifies surgeons in the area of cosmetic surgery. A good start in looking for a cosmetic surgeon would be the ASAPS website.

The choice of who will perform the anesthesia is vital to the heath of the patient. Options include a nurse, a board-certified anesthesiologist, and the surgeon. A discussion about anesthesia at the initial surgical consultation can help expand on these alternatives. The surgeon can help pick which is the safest and most comfortable choice.

Learn the Surgeon’s Specialty

How to Choose a Cosmetic SurgeonSurgeons have differing training and perform different types of surgery. Their skill is based on their interest and experience. It is important that the surgeon has received training in the area of interest to the patient. You should also be concerned if the doctor has continued to perform a sufficient number of those surgeries. To find out what surgeries the doctor is performing, ask the surgeon at your consult. You can also look for references from various web sites. Sometimes, patients can even meet other patients at the office and can share the experience of their care with prospective patients.

Quality Operating Facility

To receive the safest and best care with cosmetic surgery, the facility in which a patient has surgery must be certified by an outside, independent group. These groups ensure compliance with high current standards for care and the safety of patients before, during, and after surgery.

Some doctors have chosen to perform cosmetic surgery in their surgery center. There are many benefits when the surgeon uses his own facility. The patient’s experience can be customized in a private setting. In a private surgery center, the staff sees only patients having a limited kind of surgery. Patients can expect better treatment as these staffs know the process of the treating physician. In general, when the surgery center limits their care to specific types of surgery, the patient will have a better experience.

Consider the Aesthetic Sense of Your Surgeon

Nose Job - RhinoplastyCosmetic Surgeons are human beings and thus have differing senses of beauty. Patients may want specific things from their procedure. It’s important for the patient to discuss the goals for surgery and get an aesthetic sense of things. Since the patient and doctor have their sense of beauty, there must be a melding of ideas. Looking at before and after pictures of other patients can jump-start the process and provide a baseline for your expectations. A procedure can be individually crafted for a patient to serve their needs.

When looking at before and after photos, it is important to see your “body type”, not only to discuss the aesthetic goals but to ensure that the doctor can carry out what you wish at your surgery.

Ensure That You Are Comfortable with the Surgical Environment

The most important part of choosing your plastic surgeon is that you want to enjoy your entire experience. The bond a patient forms with a doctor starts at the first consultation and may continue for many years. We want patients to not only get the best cosmetic results but also to have comfortable and even enjoyable care.

David Newman, MD
davidadamnewman@gmail.com

Dr. David Newman is a board certified plastic surgeon practicing in the Temecula/Murrieta area. He is the also the director of the Newman Plastic Surgery Center. Dr. Newman has been practicing for 30 years.