Better Brush Up: The Importance of Research before Plastic Surgery
If you read our previous blog about plastic surgery predictions in 2012, one of the predictions was that more patients would begin to do their research prior to undergoing plastic surgery. Far too often, patients search for plastic surgeons based on price. Although plastic surgery is quite a financial investment, it is one that is not easily discounted. Therefore, we caution patients to be wary of steep “deals,” as they often end in inferior plastic surgery results. If you are considering a cosmetic procedure, be sure to research your prospective surgeon and procedure(s).
One way we suggest researching prospective plastic surgeons is by reviewing their plastic surgery before and after photo galleries. In doing so, you will have the opportunity to see what procedures the surgeon performs and get an idea of his or her surgical results. Some plastic surgeons have certain areas of specialization. For instance, some of our highly skilled surgeons at Atlanta Plastic Surgery concentrate on breast and body procedures, while others perform mostly procedures of the face. Viewing before and after galleries will help you determine a surgeon’s specialty; this will help keep you from going to a breast surgeon for rhinoplasty (nose surgery).
Another way to conduct plastic surgery research is by reviewing doctors’ websites and reading their biographies to help determine their credentials and make sure they are qualified plastic surgeons. It is also beneficial to research the procedures you are interested in to learn a little more about what goes into the surgical process. During this time, be careful to look for valid sources rather than believing everything you find online. Most of the time, you can find accurate information about plastic surgery on plastic surgeons’ websites. Look for credentials like memberships to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, as these types of societies hold plastic surgeons accountable, which should ward against misinformation.
Finally, plastic surgery consultations are another important step in finding the right plastic surgeon. During a consultation, you will have the opportunity to get to know the prospective surgeon, review more of his or her before and after photos, and discuss your surgical goals and medical history. It is very important to feel comfortable with your surgeon, and it may be beneficial to schedule a few consultations with different surgeons. Be open to discussing what you are looking to achieve through plastic surgery. Patients often have an idea of what they are seeking, but are not always sure which procedure will get them there. We often see this situation in patients who are looking for a flatter abdomen, but aren’t sure if a tummy tuck or liposuction surgery will do the trick.
Plastic surgery is a serious matter and should be treated as such. It’s not a decision to make with the flip of a coin. Research is a necessary component of plastic surgery. We try to make this research process easier by providing educational information on our website and blog. If you are considering plastic surgery, be sure to explore your options to avoid plastic surgery complications. Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of Atlanta Plastic Surgery’s qualified plastic surgeons.
