5 Ways to Know You’ve Picked the Right Plastic Surgeon
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1. Education and Training
The greater the education and experience in the field of plastic surgery the surgeon has, the more qualified he or she is to provide you with the outcome you’re looking for. The typical plastic surgeon completes seven years of training after medical school.
2. Is He or She Board Certified in Plastic Surgery
This is very important! Even if your doctor is Boarded in a specialty other than Plastic Surgery. Plastic Surgeons undergo very specialized and extensive training. A Plastic Surgeon can not only surgically rebuild, but they can also enhance any area of the body.
3. Is Your Surgeon Committed To You?
A surgical procedure should be like a good story. It should have a beginning (consultation), middle (surgery), and end (post-surgical care). Is your doctor committed to this whole process? You will not receive quality care if you see your surgeon only before your anesthesia is administered. Ask yourself, do they seem committed to this process from start to finish? It's fine if you choose a Plastic Surgeon outside of a reasonable driving distance from your home. The question you should ask yourself, however, is “Do I have the resources to get to this doctor after my surgery?” Post-surgical care is critical to proper healing and desired outcomes. You also should be assured that your doctor is reachable after your procedure. Dr. Song gives his cell phone number to his surgery patients.
4. Do you like/trust your doctor?
Is your doctor well respected by other physicians? Do previous patients recommend this doctor? What do you know about this doctor as a person? Before committing to a surgery that will likely affect you for years to come, you should meet the doctor for a consultation. You should feel comfortable and reassured that you can communicate well with your Plastic Surgeon.
5. Office-Based Surgery or Hospital?
If your doctor recommends that you have your procedure at their office, make sure that your plastic surgeon has hospital privileges for the same procedure. Hospitals have strict rules in place for credentialing physicians. They must demonstrate the ability to use the equipment, as well as stringent safety standards to protect the patient. You want to know that these guidelines will also be followed in an office setting. It’s also in your best interest that if there is an unforeseen problem, your doctor can provide you with appropriate hospital care, should it be necessary.