Take the time to find the best surgeon.
Choosing to have plastic surgery is a big decision. Like any major purchase, it is important to "shop around." Researching and taking the time to find the best doctor will greatly increase the chances that you do not leave the operating table with a botched surgery. Respectfully ask pointed questions to several doctors to help you narrow down your options.
Certification
It is important to ask the doctor if she is board-certified. The most respected organization granting certification in the field is the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Knowing that the doctor is certified by this board provides you with assurances that she has fulfilled approved training in and demonstrated a deep knowledge of plastic surgery. Visit the American Board of Plastic Surgery's website to verify certification.
Record
Ask the doctor if he has ever been disciplined by the board or by the state. You do not want a doctor with a track record of illegal, unethical or negligent acts. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons' (ASPS) website is another place to research a doctor's history and qualifications.
Familiarity with Procedure
Find out how many times the doctor has performed the particular procedure you are electing to have. You do not want your plastic surgery to be new to the doctor. Also ask how often he has had patients return requesting an amendment to the original procedure. You can also ask if there are any former patients who have had the same procedure who would be willing to speak with you about their experience.
Location
If the surgery is not being done in a hospital, make sure the facility is licensed by the state and is certified by Medicare. This will ensure that the facility meets health and safety protocols. Also, if the surgery is not being done in a hospital, ask if the doctor is affiliated with any hospitals and has been granted permission by those hospitals to conduct plastic surgery. Hospitals have strict standards for their doctors and this will further ensure the doctor's record and qualifications. Keep in mind that a hospital has more resources if you have medical conditions that add risk to the procedure.
Procedural Details
Find out how the procedure is done and what risks are involved. Ask to see before and after photos of other people who have had the procedure. Risks vary depending on the procedure and on the patient and can include anything from major blood loss to infection. Find out how much bruising will happen and for how long. You will also want to know what form of anesthesia is used and what risks are involved with that.
Suitability for Surgery
Ask the doctor to give you an honest assessment of your suitability to have the procedure. You do not want a doctor who seems like she is purely driven by making a buck, but rather one who has your best interests in mind. Ask her if your expected outcome is realistic or not.
Checkups
It is essential to not just know about the procedure, but to know what happens after. Avoid any doctors who do not schedule post-surgery checkups. They should see you the next day as well as periodically over the next three months, if not longer.
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