Plastic surgery is a highly personalized experience. Doing your homework and finding a surgeon that reflects your aesthetic preferences is important.
Look for online reviews, patient testimonials, and before-and-after photos of procedures you’re considering.
Also, check if the plastic surgeon Bellevue is affiliated with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, which requires its members to meet rigorous training and safety standards.
Qualifications
Whether reconstructive or cosmetic, plastic surgeons must meet certain qualifications to operate in their field. You’ll want to ensure they’re board-certified by a medical board (either the American Board of Surgery or the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada).
They should also have an excellent educational background. This means a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, and physics or a pre-med program to prepare them for medical school.
After graduating from med school, plastic surgeons must pass the MCAT and complete their post-graduate training. This will include specific courses in breast, craniofacial, cosmetic, hand, and microsurgical procedures.
They must also have great communication skills because they’ll work closely with nurses, assistants, and anesthesiologists. Delaying information clearly and calmly can help ensure that all aspects of an operation run smoothly. This is particularly important as complications can occur during surgery and could put patients’ lives at risk.
Reputation
A surgeon’s reputation is an important factor when considering a cosmetic procedure. Patients should look for past patient reviews and a high patient satisfaction rate. They should also look at the surgeon’s website to see how they interact with their patients online.
Surgeons with a good reputation will be transparent about the risks of their procedures and offer realistic expectations. They can also answer questions about how long the procedure will take, what to expect during recovery, and other concerns.
As with any business, a plastic surgeon’s reputation is crucial in attracting and retaining clients. However, unlike other businesses, plastic surgery is a personal service that requires a special level of trust and intimacy. For this reason, patients should carefully consider all the options available to them and choose a surgeon with whom they feel comfortable. They should also request a referral from their primary care physician, trusted friends, and family.
Fees
Before you choose a plastic surgeon, ask about their fees and whether or not they accept health insurance. However, shopping by price isn’t the best or safest way to find a qualified and experienced surgeon.
Instead, you should look for surgeons with extensive experience performing the type of procedure(s) you’re interested in and ask to see photos from their portfolios. Be sure to look for before-and-after photos that showcase results achieved by patients similar to you.
It’s also a good idea to consult several plastic surgeons before deciding. You should feel comfortable communicating with your doctor and expressing your aesthetic preferences during consultations. In addition, you should ask to see testimonials from previous patients about their experiences. This will help you get a feel for the surgeon’s style, personality, and level of patient care. You’ll know if you made the right choice when you find a plastic surgeon whose values and approach to treatment align with your own.
Aftercare
A good plastic surgeon will be there to guide you through your transformation journey – not just during the surgery but post-surgery, too. They should help you understand your recovery period and ensure you’re comfortable and can care for yourself at home as you heal.
Finally, remember that you’ll only get the best results from a surgeon who takes your safety seriously. If you encounter a surgeon who doesn’t prioritize your well-being, don’t hesitate to walk away.
When you find a surgeon that ticks all the boxes, set up a consultation in person. Be sure to ask about their qualifications, including what procedure(s) they specialize in. Check whether they’re ABPS-certified, indicating they have the right training and experience. Discussing your aesthetic goals with the surgeon is important, as they can offer advice on what is realistic for you and your body.
