What to Look for When Choosing Your Plastic Surgeon for Procedures
Your health is your most important asset in this life and when you’re considering any sort of medical treatment, it’s important to do your research and select practitioners you trust. Most individuals don’t realize that within plastic surgery, dermatology, facial plastics (ENT) industry, treatments can be just as significant as general health surgeries. Some of the most popular aesthetic surgery procedures including breast augmentations and tummy tucks are still major surgeries that should only be performed by experienced board-certified surgeons. It’s always important, when looking for the right surgeon, to invest your time in researching any surgeon and procedure you undergo, cosmetic, plastic, or otherwise!
The Unfortunate Reality of Trusting Non-Board-Certified Surgeons
There have been more and more stories of patients trusting surgeons who aren’t qualified to operate. Many of these patients travel to countries for medical services in search of low-cost options on cosmetic surgery at cosmetic surgery centers that seem legitimate. Patients who don’t want to pay for the full cost of a plastic surgeon, knowingly go to someone with fewer qualifications. Doctors caution that bargain shopping for plastic surgeries can be very risky. Many of these cases end in dire consequences with life-altering complications.
The Importance of Choosing a Board-Certified Surgeon You Can Trust
The right surgeon will have the skills and experience to do safe, aesthetically pleasing work.
With careful research and an understanding of your wants and needs, these steps can help prepare you to find the right plastic surgeon:
Access to Credentials
When putting your health in someone’s hands, you want to ensure those hands can be trusted. Ensure you have transparent access to education, residency information, work history—everything that makes that surgeon qualified to be a trusted provider of medical and plastic surgery treatments.
Certification by The American Board of Plastic Surgery
Confirm your plastic surgeon is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. This is the only board that is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties to qualify doctors’ expertise and ability to perform plastic and reconstructive treatments and procedures. The certification is grueling, including residency and education requirements, as well as extensive testing.
You can search the ABPS website to confirm certifications.
Beware of claims to be Board Certified as a “Cosmetic Surgeon”
This term is very confusing for most of the public since it sounds credible, but it is not a medical specialty recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. There are no barriers to anyone making a claim to be a “cosmetic surgeon,” so be sure you investigate exactly what board they are referencing. For full plastic surgery skills, the surgeon should have the American Board of Plastic Surgery certification. Other qualifying surgical specialties include Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT)/Otolaryngology/Facial Plastics. For minimally invasive aesthetic procedures, Dermatology would be another qualifying specialty.
Positive Reviews
Search online for positive experiences and reviews, before and after shots, and even videos of procedures to ensure your surgeon is the real deal and produces positive, safe results for their patients.
Feel Comfortable with Your Surgeon
You need to feel fully comfortable with your plastic surgeon and their support team. Ask any questions or voice any concerns regarding your procedure without hesitation. Your medical history is important even if you’re seeking an aesthetic procedure. At ESANA Plastic Surgery Center & MedSpa, our founders and surgeons, Dr. Pan and Dr. Davila, always put patients’ health first. Transparency and experience are the forefront of their practice as they have both excelled through top medical schools and rigorous residency training programs, and continue to use their experience to educate others.
Remember that your health is your most important investment, and you need to choose a practitioner you can trust. Want to chat with our board-certified surgeons to ensure it’s the right fit? Make an appointment for your plastic surgery consultation today!
