How Do I Choose the Best Plastic Surgery Specialists?

When choosing plastic surgery specialists, it is important to investigate the educational and professional credentials of each plastic surgeon who will be working on you. It is also important to check the reputation of the plastic surgery specialists by researching their disciplinary records and talking to former and current patients. When selecting a specialist to perform a particular type of cosmetic surgery, find out whether a surgeon has sufficient experience in performing that surgery. Ask about where a plastic surgeon performs his or her services and whether he or she has privileges at a local hospital. Finally, you should find out about the logistics of obtaining services through particular plastic surgery specialists, such as costs, payment plans, and pain control options.

In some jurisdictions, such as the United States, any medical doctor can offer plastic surgery services. This does not mean, however, that a doctor offering such services has undergone any significant training in cosmetic surgery or procedures. Many experts advise health care consumers to select plastic surgery specialists who hold certification from a recognized medical specialty board. Board-certified physicians typically have extensive training in their area of specialty and, as such, may be able to offer a higher degree of safety during a procedure as well as better results.

During the process of evaluating plastic surgery specialists, you should ask about each physician's education and background. Contact the licensing board for physicians in your jurisdiction and inquire as to the status of the license of each medical professional whom you are considering hiring. Ensure that the surgeon is properly licensed and does not have a history of malpractice lawsuits or disciplinary actions taken against him or her. Another option is to contact consumer groups in your area to find out if former patients have filed complaints against the doctor. You may also wish to speak to your own personal physician to find out if he or she can recommend plastic surgery specialists to you.

Ask a cosmetic surgeon about the cost of his or services. While you should certainly choose a surgeon who offers affordable fees, if you notice that a surgeon's fees are considerably less than other doctors in your area, this may be a sign that the doctor is desperate for clients, possibly because he or she performs substandard work or has a bad reputation. You should also ask about anesthesia, aftercare, as well as pain control after surgery. Ask about aftercare policies if you are having a procedure done on an outpatient basis. You'll want to ensure that you can reach your doctor and his or her staff at any time if you have complications or significant discomfort after surgery.