When it comes to who you should choose for your plastic surgery procedure, it’s important to only select from board certified plastic surgeons.
This certification matters. If you know anything about how to become a plastic surgeon in the first place, you know that the process can be extremely challenging, with rigorous standards. But board certification means that your plastic surgeon will have been through a very rigorous training process — years of additional education and training even beyond medical school.
After this period, they will have had to pass a difficult written exam and a challenging oral exam, during which their past surgical work is scrutinized by the best in the plastic surgery medical field. Moreover, board certified plastic surgeons also participate in ongoing training to further their education and maintain awareness of the latest trends, techniques, and technologies.
Once you find a board certified plastic surgeon you are interested in, schedule a consultation appointment with them. At your appointment, be sure to ask these important follow-up questions in addition to any others you have.
Questions to Ask Candidate Surgeons
1. Can you tell me more about your training and education?
Inquire where they were educated and for how long they have been practicing. Learn about their other certifications and affiliations, plus any awards or accolades they’ve received. You may want to ask for proof of board certification as well.
2. Do you specialize in cosmetic or reconstructive surgery?
Either one can be optimal, depending on what types of cosmetic surgery or reconstructive surgery you are interested in. Inquire about other medical specialties or areas of expertise as well. Some surgeons focus on neck, head, and facial plastic surgery over body contouring, for example.
3. How many years of experience do you have in performing the procedure(s) I am considering?
You want to know that your board certified surgeon has performed the procedure(s) you’re interested in before. In fact, it’s best if they’ve performed it successfully many times.
4. Can you show me before and after photos of patients who have had the same procedure?
Nearly all board certified plastic surgeons have a gallery of before and after pictures they can show their patients. These can help you get an idea of the quality of results you can expect following your own surgery.
5. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?
Most surgeons work with one or more anesthesiologists on a regular basis. They will be the ones administering either general anesthesia or local anesthesia and IV sedation to you during your surgery. Every procedure is different.
With that said, your surgeon will be overseeing this element of your procedure — as with all other elements. So, they should explain the details of your expected anesthesia experience in detail before you book your surgery.
6. What are the alternatives to surgery for achieving my desired results?
Sometimes, you can achieve the same outcome with a less invasive surgery or a different approach to surgery. This is certainly something worth asking about if you are open to it.
7. What is your policy on revisions if I am not satisfied with the results?
Naturally, you want to feel confident with your chosen surgeon and comfortable that you will achieve your desired outcome. However, should something unexpected arise and you do not get what you want out of surgery, you should know what options you’ll have to choose from.
8. Do you have hospital privileges for this procedure?
All board certified plastic surgeons should have their own privileges at at least one nearby hospital.
9. What is your approach to achieving natural-looking results?
Nearly all plastic surgery patients want to achieve natural-looking results. It’s alright to ask your surgeon about how they are going to achieve this goal with your procedure.
Where Can I Find Board Certified Plastic Surgeons Near Me?
If you are unsure whether a surgeon you are interested in is board-certified, you can, of course, inquire directly with the surgeon. You may also conduct a search for the surgeon on the American Board of Plastic Surgery website (link below).
To initially find plastic surgeons in your area who are likely board-certified, simply conduct a short Google search. Type in something like “board certified plastic surgeons near me”. Or, if you’re looking for something more specific, type in another phrase, such as “board certified facial plastic surgeons near me,” etc.
Book a Consultation Appointment
One of the most important steps on your plastic surgery journey will be your consultation appointment. As soon as you have decided to move forward with surgery — or if you are simply curious about your options and want to learn more — call our office to schedule your personal consultation appointment with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Raja Mohan.