When you make the life-changing decision to have plastic surgery, you need to carefully consider who to entrust with your care. This process starts with doing your homework to identify and select an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. But with so many essential factors to consider, it’s necessary to understand which qualities to look for and the right questions to ask the plastic surgeon during your consultation.
So, before you start your internet search, review our guidelines on how to choose the best plastic surgeon for your unique needs.
The Best Plastic Surgeons Are Board Certified
When considering a transformative cosmetic procedure, selecting a board-certified surgeon is a must. Being board certified means the surgeon has successfully undergone years of rigorous training and testing, and is recognized by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the organization responsible for setting high ethical and safety standards for the field of plastic surgery.
To be certified by the ABPS, a surgeon must:
- Graduate from an accredited medical school
- Complete at least 6 years of additional training as a resident surgeon
- Have a minimum of 3 years of plastic surgery-focused training
- Pass the board’s written and oral exams
You can check if your prospective plastic surgeon is board-certified by contacting their office or entering their name and searching the ABPS website.
WARNING:
This feature contains nudity. Please click OK to confirm you are at least 18 years of age and are not offended by such material.
Ensure Your Surgeon Has a Proven Track Record
Perhaps a friend’s stunning facelift prompts you to ask for her surgeon’s contact information. That’s great—assuming you’re exploring a facial procedure. However, if your primary concern is breast enhancement, you will need to ensure that the surgeon has experience performing procedures such as breast augmentation and breast lift. Likewise, if you want to sculpt your physique, you must identify a surgeon with proven body contouring expertise. Delving into your surgeon’s breadth of experience is particularly important if you’re considering combining surgical procedures.
The best way to check a surgeon’s “track record” is by viewing their full gallery of before and after photos and reading real patient reviews. Be sure to look for consistency in results for the procedure you’re considering.
Prepare for Your Surgical Consultation
Your one-on-one consultation is ideal for addressing your aesthetic concerns, gauging the surgeon’s skill, and establishing rapport and trust. We suggest you make the most of this opportunity by asking your surgeon the following key questions:
- What are your credentials, and are you board certified?
- How often do you perform my requested procedure?
- What are the risks associated with my procedure?
- What anesthesia will be administered during my procedure?
- How much will my procedure cost, and do you offer financing options?
- Can you share before and after photos of patients who’ve had my requested procedure?
- Who can I contact with questions before and after my procedure?
This helpful ABPS checklist contains additional relevant questions to pose during your plastic surgery consultation.
Evaluate Your Comfort Level
While skills and experience are paramount when choosing the right plastic surgeon, communication, comfort, and trust are equally important. Before committing to a plastic surgeon (and their practice), ask yourself:
- Does the surgeon take the time to get to know me during my consultation?
- Is the surgeon willing to listen patiently to my questions and concerns—and address them thoroughly?
- Do I feel comfortable openly communicating my aesthetic insecurities, fears, and goals?
- Are my interactions with the surgeon’s staff positive?
- Is the practice atmosphere professional yet also warm and inviting?
Even if you’re highly introverted, it’s essential to “put yourself out there” when vetting plastic surgery practices. Having a high level of rapport and trust with the team responsible for your safety, care, and results is critical.
Have Realistic Expectations
While plastic surgery can be life-changing, it’s essential to embark on your procedure with realistic expectations. Doing your homework and having the right mindset sets you up for a positive aesthetic journey. A reputable plastic surgeon will help you explore your options and honestly assess your candidacy for your desired procedure.
Remember, your results have the potential to be transformative, but not all procedures yield permanent results. Your age and lifestyle habits impact the outcome and longevity of your surgical results. Again, the “right” plastic surgeon will be transparent and help you navigate your aesthetic journey.
Request Your Consultation With Dr. Nimtz
Dr. Jared Nimtz is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience performing surgical and nonsurgical procedures, from rhinoplasty to tummy tuck to BOTOX® Cosmetic. He completed a highly selective 6-year integrated internship, residency, and plastic surgery program at the University of Kentucky, and he is an active member of prestigious plastic surgery societies, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and The Aesthetic Society. He is passionate about delivering natural-looking results that help you look and feel your best!
Begin your transformation by requesting a consultation with Dr. Nimtz online or calling our practice at (859) 277-9435. We can’t wait to get to know you and help you transform and refresh!
Leave a Reply