subject: Finding The Right Plastic Surgeon [print this page] Choosing a plastic surgeon may not be as easy as getting a referral from your doctor. Not only do you need to find an experienced plastic surgeon in your area, you'll probably want to find one that specializes in the procedure that you plan to have done. You will also want to be sure that you feel comfortable with his ability to alter your body to a new shape that you'll enjoy. So, how do you go about embarking on the search for the perfect surgeon?
Compiling a List of Potential Surgeons
Begin with your primary care physician. He'll probably have some local specialists with whom he's worked in the past or that his other patients have recommended. You can also do an online search or look through your local phone book to find local doctors. Finally, if you've had a friend who's had a similar procedure done (and was satisfied with the results), ask about her doctor's information.
Once you have a list of names, you can do some Internet research to narrow down your list, so interviews won't be too overwhelming. Read reviews that other patients have written, look at before and after photos that are posted on his practice website, and explore the website for information about his education, experience, and his plastic surgery specialty.
Now that you have a list of at least three plastic surgeon offices to contact, schedule interviews to meet each doctor. During the interview you'll get to know the doctor's personality, his specialty, and many other important facts.
During the Interview
Do your homework ahead of time! Know what you want to accomplish through this surgery and be able to explain it well to your potential doctor. You'll also want to prepare a thorough list of any questions you may have about the procedure or about the doctor's practice.
Even if you've viewed some on the Internet, ask to see before and after photos of the doctor's work. Ask about the various procedures and results, and make sure you like the look of the results that this doctor has provided in the past.
Ask each specialist about his credentials and qualifications. Do they have any special recognition for their work? Also ask about their surgical experience as well as the number of surgeries they've performed - especially the specific type that you are planning to have done. Feel free to ask about complications that have occurred in the past and how the doctor handled them.
During your interview, you'll want to pay attention to the personality and probable bedside manner of the plastic surgeon. Would you be comfortable discussing more personal topics with him? For instance, if you were to consider having a breast alteration, would you feel comfortable discussing this procedure and various topics that surround it?
Take the Responsibility of Finding the Best Plastic Surgeon
Don't simply take the first recommendation that comes along. Instead, take the responsibility of finding the best specialist for your procedure on your own shoulders. You can never be too thorough when you're looking for someone to alter your body!
