What are your best tips for finding the right surgeon?
Posted July 23, 2019
Q&A: I have decided to have a surgical procedure done. Where do I even begin? What are your best tips for finding the right surgeon?
Dr. A:
The most important step, once you have decided to move forward with surgery, involves finding the right surgeon to manage your treatment plan. Investing your time and doing the research will introduce you to the various board-certified plastic surgeons in your area. A great surgeon will answer any questions you have about procedures, products or available treatments to help you reach your goals. They will give you honest feedback and discuss a clearly defined plan if surgery is truly the right option for you. You may have already spent time on the internet trying to find answers but that is just the beginning of your journey. Here are 6 tips to consider when researching a plastic surgeon.
Ask around
Talk to friends, family, co-workers, and your own personal physician about recommendations for a reputable board-certified plastic surgeon. Listen to conversations at the gym or in your social circles to see who is being talked about and how people feel about them. Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask questions.
Check out their website
Find out what their practice believes in and what their primary goals are when treating patients. What does their content say about them?
Look at photos
This is important but photos may not always be accessible on the internet. Ask the practice to see photos if they are not available. Some practices have a photo book that the patient care coordinator will review with them. These contain surgical pre and post op photos of patients that wish to maintain their privacy and not have their photos actively shared on public outlets. Some practices also have an ambassador program that allows you to speak or meet with patients that have had the surgery you are interested in.
Look at their ratings and reviews
Check out review sites such as RealSelf, WebMD, RateMDs or Vitals. Go to the American Society of Plastic Surgery and review the surgeon’s credentials. Read what previous patients have had to say. Many surgeons’ websites collect and post online reviews by patients from various outlets. Read them.
Visit their office
Schedule a consultation with the surgeon. Look around the office. Is the staff friendly and helpful? Is information readily available? Is the office attentive? Do the phones get answered in a timely fashion? Is it clean? What is your wait time? Is it a professional environment?
Meet with more than one surgeon
Talk to the surgeon and listen to their surgical plan. Are you on the same page? Are they available and do they listen to you? Who will see you after surgery? Do they make you uncomfortable? You may meet the first one and think “This is it” but remember, this is your journey, so you have the right to determine who is steering the ship.
Plastic surgery is typically an elective procedure rather than a medical necessity. It is a choice. Make sure you choose wisely when deciding who is leading your medical team and creating the change you desire. Do your research and ask questions so the confidence you felt when you were deciding who you wanted to do your surgery ultimately continues throughout the surgical process.
Every person deserves to feel confident in their skin. A consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Antimarino is an opportunity to ask questions and have a detailed discussion about Liposuction. With locations in Shadyside, Monroeville, Robinson, and Greensburg, it’s easy to schedule your private consultation or a virtual consultation with Bellissimo Plastic Surgery.