Plastic Surgery Articles

Once you’ve made the decision to enhance your appearance with a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure, the next big decision is choosing your plastic surgeon. In my opinion there are really three things to look for; Board Certification, friend experiences, and websites. The most important credentialing information that should be assured first before anything else is the process of board certification in plastic surgery, specifically. Many cosmetic surgeons are “Board Certified” however there is only one board of plastic surgery that is recognized and certifies you a surgeon that has done the specific training and has demonstrated competence as judged by his or her peers. Make sure you choose wisely.

1. American Board of Plastic Surgery Certified
Make sure your surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This assures you that the surgeon actually trained in a certified program of plastic surgery and according to his or her peers he or she represents the specialty well. The certification and maintenance of the certification should assure one that the surgeon is committed to a lifelong process of excellence and values what his peers think of his work as well. It is a non-biased source that is really a starting point on which to begin your search and evaluation after which you might want look at other aspects of the practice to see if you are a good match. For more information contact ABPS.org

2. Friends
Friends and relatives will often have someone they recommend. Again, make sure the surgeon is board certified in plastic surgery and find out about their experience. This can be especially helpful if they have had the same procedure done. Ask about their results and the process as well how they were treated and if they would go back. If you don’t know anyone well enough to ask about their experience you may find some personal testimonials on the surgeon’s websites or Facebook.

3. Websites
The websites, blogs, and Facebook accounts seem to be the other common place from where you can see if you will have a good personality fit and from which you can personally evaluate the office and the practice as well as the surgeon anonymously. It is another place where you will want to make sure that the surgeon you are considering is board certified in Plastics Surgery as well, and this should be the first thing you look for to determine whether or not you even need to look any further. Before and after photos of the procedure you are interested in can also be reviewed so that you can personally evaluate the surgeon’s better results. When doing this find someone with a similar build so that you can get a reasonable idea about what you might expect from a similar procedure.

All of three of these methods are helpful and you will certainly develop a feel for the provider’s practice and a comfort level with the experience prior to visiting the staff and office. You will often find yourself being drawn to the one that you will feel most comfortable with and in most cases it will be the right decision for you. Remember, start the search with the most important qualifying characteristic – Board Certification in Plastic Surgery.

Contact Sacramento Plastic Surgeon Charles Perry M.D. Today to setup a consultation

Written by: Charles Perry M.D.