While most plastic surgeons are well trained, choosing the plastic surgeon who is right for you can be a complicated task. Bedside manner, surgical results, and quality of care are all important, but other aspects also need to be considered. Yes, not all plastic surgeons are created equal.
In the era of insurance dictating many of our medical providers, it is crucial you not put your trust in a plastic surgeon simply because he or she accepts your insurance or has a fancy sign on the building. Rather than leave your important surgery to chance, learn what to look for so you can choose the doctor who is right for you.
Find a board-certified doctor. In fact, don’t even consider a consultation with someone who is not certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. That’s the seal of approval telling you this is a knowledgeable and reputable physician.
Ask where your surgery will be performed. Often, outpatient procedures are not done at a hospital but in a surgical center. Look for credibility with association/accreditation seals or logos on medical facilities by one of these agencies:
- State licensing organization
- Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
- American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities
- Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care
- Title XVIII Medicare
If the plastic surgeon is performing the procedures at their office, the office surgical suite should be certified by a reputable credentialing body to ensure it meets the necessary standards of care.
Consider the right fit. Find a doctor you connect with, and who is straightforward about your surgery and timeline for healing. Your plastic surgeon should be confident in the procedure to be performed and by the time you walk out of the office, you should feel confident about your care. If that’s not the feeling you get, please make another appointment to discuss further or seek a second opinion. Never feel guilty about seeking a second opinion.
Look at before-and-after photos. Every surgeon has an artistic style to go along with their medical expertise. Looking at pictures allows a better understanding of the results you might be able to obtain. Being realistic regarding your expectations is perhaps the most important advice for looking at pictures beforehand. While a result might look great on the monitor, it might not be a realistic result for you. If you see a lot of results that look like they would be a good fit for Hollywood – but you prefer a down-home Midwest look – that surgeon might not be the right fit for you. Certain institutions might not allow plastic surgeons to show their post-operative results because of institution policies. If that is the case, look at the patient reviews online. Patient reviews are a powerful tool to obtain a better understanding regarding the kind of care you can expect.
Don’t let yourself be rushed into surgery. An experienced doctor knows surgery works best on your timeframe. If you’re not ready, don’t feel pressured into doing anything sooner. I strongly encourage you to schedule as many appointments as necessary to discuss your surgery. No question is dumb. Ask anything that comes to mind.
Pedro Rodriguez, MD, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
