Completion of a plastic surgery residency is an essential requirement when picking a surgeon. Although it seems obvious that cosmetic surgery is a procedure that should be performed by someone trained in plastic surgery, this is not always the case. There are many physicians who perform cosmetic surgery who haven’t completed plastic surgery training. They frequently refer to themselves as cosmetic surgeons and have trained in a variety of other areas. Board-certification is also extremely important. This means that your surgeon has undergone testing and peer review. He or she has satisfied certain criteria that are associated with surgical excellence.
One of the most important factors is your surgeon’s level of experience. Surgeons who have extensive experience with aesthetic surgery tend to have higher success rates.
Equally important is your comfort level with your plastic surgeon. Your plastic surgeon should be someone that you’re comfortable talking to. If possible, it’s important to talk with patients who have had their cosmetic surgery performed by the same plastic surgeon. It’s also a good idea to have consultations with multiple surgeons so you have a basis for comparison.
Take your time with this very important decision. If you have questions, doubts, or anxiety regarding this issue, don’t proceed until they are resolved. Remember, aesthetic surgery is an elective surgery and you shouldn’t proceed unless you’re prepared in every way. Picking the right plastic surgeon is one of the most important types of preparation.
