7 Things to Watch Out For When Looking For a Cosmetic Surgeon

With the demand for cosmetic surgery growing every year, clinics are springing up like mushrooms after the rain. Finding a good cosmetic surgeon to suit personal needs is becoming harder and harder.

Meanwhile, the expertise and professionalism of the surgeon directly affect the client’s satisfaction. Since the majority of people are choosing surgery to improve their appearance, mistakes are out of the question.

Before you choose a surgeon, you have to be ready for a long search. The more time you spend on selecting the right professional, the more likely you are to be satisfied with the result.

In this article, we’ll share things to watch out for when choosing a surgeon.

1. Lack of Certification

A cosmetic surgeon must be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. It’s the only board, which the American Board of Medical Specialists recognizes. Your surgeon may have other certifications, such as the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. However, a specialist without the ABPS certification shouldn’t be considered.

This certification ensures that the surgeon is properly trained, has sufficient experience and education, complies with all the necessary standards, and follows ethics.

When you make an appointment, ask about certifications. A certified doctor would be happy to share such information with any potential patient. If your question about certification is ignored, look for your surgeon elsewhere.

2. Low Price

Cosmetic surgery isn’t covered by insurance. The cost of such procedures is rather high. That’s why many people are looking for ways to save. Scammers and charlatans take advantage of such a desire and offer low prices on expensive procedures.

A procedure with a price tag much lower than usual has all the chances of going wrong. Remember, no matter how simple it seems, cosmetic surgery is a full-time surgical procedure with possible complications. An inexperienced surgeon using poor equipment may make a lethal mistake.

Low prices should raise a red flag. If you see a highly appealing price tag, take more time than usual to research the surgeon’s credentials.

3. Poorly Equipped Clinic

While looking for a surgeon, you have to pay attention to the clinic he or she works in. Even the most qualified surgeon can’t do proper work without professional assistance. How many nurses does the clinic employ? What kind of equipment does it use? Does the clinic appear clean and inviting? How many people can it accommodate simultaneously?

While it’s hard to make a decision about the clinic for someone who doesn’t have the experience, you can search for reviews. You can also visit the clinic and look around. If something seems off, ask questions.

One of the most important things to ask is what procedures the clinic has in place in case complications occur. If the doctor can’t provide a straightforward answer, look for another clinic.

4. Unsatisfactory Portfolio

One of the best ways to figure out if the particular cosmetic surgeon suits your needs is to ask for before and after photos. Of course, some people may not want to share their pictures, but a respectable doctor usually has at least a couple of them to show.

Look at the photos closely. Are you happy with what you see? Or does something seem strange? While you can’t make the final decision based on photos, they can help you make a choice.

Don’t hesitate to visit several clinics to look at the before and after photos for comparison.

5. Bad Gut Feeling

Intuition could be highly important for choosing a cosmetic surgeon. Do you feel comfortable around the doctor? Does everything he or she says sound good to you? Some women may only feel good when speaking with female cosmetic surgeons while male doctors make them nervous.

Others don’t like the surgeon’s straightforward manners or hate too much babying. Take the time to listen to your gut feeling. What does it tell you? If everything seems perfect, but you feel uneasy, go on to another candidate.

6. Lack of Information

Your cosmetic surgeon should become your guide in the surgery realm. These professionals must ask hundreds of questions while sharing loads of information. Without proper preparation and education, plastic surgery could go awry.

If the doctor doesn’t ask you many questions or hesitates to answer yours, it’s a bad sign. The surgeon must provide answers to all of your questions, share sources of information, check that you understand what needs to be done, and much more.

If you feel as if you have to wheedle the information out, you should consider another surgeon.

7. No Follow-Up Care

Follow-up care is vital to the success of your recovery period. Does the surgeon offer follow-up care? Is it included in the price of the surgery? Can you call the doctor at any time after the surgery if something bothers you?

Ask these questions before signing a contract with the clinic. Without proper follow-up care, you may experience discomfort, or worse, serious complications.

Find out what the surgeon’s policy is about revisions. What if you aren’t happy with the results?

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best cosmetic surgeon for your needs may take time. Don’t hesitate to make appointments with several specialists and compare what they have to offer. Use the above tips to avoid common mistakes. Remember, the more time and effort you invest in the surgeon selection, the more likely you are to enjoy the results of your cosmetic surgery.