How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon
5 tips for evaluating Atlanta plastic surgeons for your cosmetic surgery procedure
Making the decision to have cosmetic surgery is a big one and just as important is choosing the right plastic surgeon to perform your surgery. Here are guidelines to follow in making that important selection.
Make sure the plastic surgeon is board-certified in plastic surgery.
Select a board-certified plastic surgeon for your surgery. Don’t be fooled by claims of certification by boards other than the American Board of Plastic Surgery – it is the only one recognized by the American Association of Medical Specialties.
Find out how much experience the plastic surgeon has in the procedure you want to have.
Your surgeon should have years of experience performing the cosmetic surgery procedure that you are interested in. Check out before & after photos on their website to see results. And during your consultation, ask to see more examples of the procedure you are considering.
Prepare for your consultation with the plastic surgeon.
Start by reviewing websites of Atlanta plastic surgeons and by asking friends and family who have had cosmetic surgery for recommendations. Plan to visit two or three plastic surgeons before you make your decision. Reviewing websites can narrow down your selection but in-person meetings are essential.
You want to choose a plastic surgeon with whom you have confidence and are comfortable because the best results are achieved when you and your surgeon communicate openly and work together to achieve realistic goals.
Be picky about the surgical facility you select for your cosmetic surgery procedure.
Because you are reading this, you likely have decided not to cut corners with your health and well-being. All procedures that require deep sedation and monitoring should be performed in a facility where they can be provided by a board-certified physician anesthesiologist.
If anesthesia is administered by an anesthetist who is supervised by an anesthesiologist (MD) on the premises, you have nothing to worry about. But many facilities today have a nurse anesthetist who is supervised by the plastic surgeon performing the procedure or by an anesthesiologist that is not physically present. You should think twice about surgery performed in that location. You want your surgeon to focus on your surgery and not to be distracted by the responsibility of the anesthesia as well. Likewise, a supervising anesthesiologist should be at the location if an anesthetist is administering the anesthesia.
Utilize hospitals or surgery centers with full operating room accreditation, intensive care capabilities and overnight stay options.Does the practice have a dedicated patient coordinator?
The role of a patient coordinator is a very important one in a cosmetic surgery practice. In addition to scheduling your surgery and performing the usual duties you would expect from a patient coordinator, he/she should be available to assist with non-medical needs of cosmetic surgery patients as well.
This person is like a concierge who has experience in cosmetic surgery. He/she is happy to take your calls and provide answers to your questions as well as be available to help out with all of the details surrounding your surgery, from providing financing options to assisting with lodging arrangements for out-of-town patients and making recommendations for a smooth recovery.