Thinking About Atlanta Aesthetic Surgery? What to Look for in a Qualified Plastic Surgeon
The surgeons at Atlanta Plastic Surgery are dedicated to patient education which is why they find it important to emphasize that patients researching potential surgeons should look for more than a medical degree and a license to practice. While many potential patients often get caught up in the newest technologies and techniques, there’s no equipment that can replace the expertise of a plastic surgeon with years of experience, like those found at Atlanta Plastic Surgery.
Every doctor who receives a medical degree is required to go through years of applied preparation, a residency, and specialty training within a certain field. However, it is important to remember that the best and worst of each graduating class all receive a degree. A medical license offers the least amount of information about a surgeon in terms of credentials, as it gives the doctor a general ability to practice. While a medical degree and license are required, those researching plastic surgery procedures should pay closer attention to certification(s).
It’s also beneficial if the surgeon is a member of plastic surgery organizations like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) or the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. Each organization’s requirements include a certain number of years spent in training, gaining surgical experience, and performing plastic surgery. Some organizations require a certain number of continuing education courses and adherence to a specific code of ethics.
Whether you’re in the market for a breast augmentation, facial procedure, tummy tuck, or liposuction, it is important to ask or research your surgeon for proof of credentials. Another way to research doctors is to look at their before and after photo galleries. By determining which doctor’s aesthetic skill best fits your cosmetic surgery needs, you can narrow your research. Another important aspect of finding your perfect plastic surgeon is determining the right personality fit.
While a surgeon may produce the plastic surgery results you are looking for, you should never feel uncomfortable discussing your cosmetic procedure needs or questions. If a surgeon is ever condescending or rude, makes you feel uncomfortable, and/or doesn’t take your concerns seriously during a consultation, you should remember that the final decision about whom to entrust lies with you. A good way to confirm your feeling toward a doctor is to check out reviews on third-party websites like Google or HealthGrades. You may be willing to forgo your own comfort for the results of that particular doctor, but remember that you may need to see that surgeon for follow-up appointments to monitor healing and progress for years to come.
Another consideration of finding a suitable cosmetic surgeon is the cost of plastic surgery factor. While we all love a good deal, the adage “you get what you pay for” is most definitely true in plastic surgery. For example, the cost of a facelift will differ from doctor to doctor, but you should be suspicious of a significantly lower price and cosmetic surgery is not an area in which we recommend sacrificing your overall experience for a break on your wallet—especially because you may have to return to a different plastic surgeon for a revisionary procedure if you’re unhappy with your results.
Whether you’re looking into noninvasive procedures like chemical peels and laser skin resurfacing, or researching liposuction for men or breast lift procedures, make sure your thoroughly investigate your plastic surgeon’s qualifications, recommendations or testimonials, and before and after galleries. Also, remember that the cost of a particular cosmetic procedure can be an indicator of potential results and service.
At Atlanta Plastic Surgery, every single one of our surgeons prides him or herself on providing optimal patient care and support. For more information on our surgeons or a particular procedure, we encourage you to contact us at any of our 3 locations in Atlanta (Northside), Alpharetta, and Newnan.
