A potential cosmetic surgery patient needs to know what to look for when selecting a plastic surgeon. But first they need to know what kind of plastic surgery they want to have performed. This could have rhinoplasty, face lift, tummy tuck, liposuction, dermabrasion, botox injections or any one of many rules, or even a combination of procedures. Some plastic surgeons are more skilled at one type of treatment than they are at others.
One good way to find a plastic surgeon is by word of mouth. The patient should speak to people they know who have used a plastic surgeon for their own procedures and are happy with the income. Some might have before and after photos that they're willing to share. The patient should also look up websites like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to help them find a local surgeon. Some have been reviewed on-line by their patients and former patients and these reviews should be read and considered.
All of the surgeons the patient may choose should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and in good standing with their state's medical boards and licensing agencies. There should be no unresolved malpractice suits pending against them, nor should they have a criminal record.
When the patient has the names and contact numbers of a few plastic surgeons, they should arrange for interviews. They will probably have to pay for these interviews, but it's possible that insurance covers them.
They should ask the surgeon how much training they've had in the surgery the patient is interested in. A plastic surgeon should have at least six years of experience as a surgeon and at least three years experience in plastic surgery. They should be actively participating in any required continuing education courses and be trained in the latest plastic surgery techniques. Plastic surgery is a specialty where the technological advances can be quite rapid.
The plastic surgeon should only work with accredited hospitals, clinics and other medical venues. The surgeon should be able to tell the patient which facilities these are and where they're located. They should be willing and eager to work with the patient to achieve the desired results of the plastic surgery that they're seeking, but should be realistic about what plastic surgery can and can not accomplish. The safety of their patients should be first and foremost with them.
The choice between plastic surgeers may come down to how close their office is to the patient's home and if it's convenient to get to. The patient should learn what the office hours are and if there are emergency hours. They should learn the name of and meet the person who would be covering for the surgeon at that time.
Because a lot of plastic surgery is considered elective, it may not be covered under medical insurance. If insurance does not cover the procedure the patient wants, they should ask if they would be allowed to pay under an installment plan.
When the patient has chosen the plastic surgeon, then they can ask more specific questions about the procedure they want and what to expect from it.