Posted August 06, 2024 in Plastic Surgery Advice
When you’ve decided to undergo plastic surgery, the most critical decision you can make is who you choose as your surgeon. In this blog, we discuss what to look for in a plastic surgeon and how to determine if they are the right fit to perform your surgery.
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Increasing Interest in Plastic Surgery
You’ve decided to seize the moment and elected a cosmetic surgery procedure you’d like. You’ll find a lot of company in that decision. More than 1.5 million people underwent plastic surgery in 2023, which was an increase of five percent over the previous year. As the demand for aesthetic and cosmetic procedures continues to grow, how do you know you’ve chosen the right surgeon to perform your selected surgery? Below, we explore some of the ways to determine if the plastic surgeon you’ve chosen is right for you.
Are They Board Certified in Plastic Surgery?
When referring to aesthetic procedures, many people confuse “cosmetic surgeons” with “plastic surgeons.” In fact, 87 percent of people surveyed were unsure of the difference between a cosmetic surgeon and a plastic surgeon. However, when considering a cosmetic surgery procedure, it’s essential to be aware of the distinction.
Plastic surgeons undergo specific training in general, cosmetic, and reconstructive surgeries. They are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Board-certified plastic surgeons must meet stringent requirements for board certification, including written and oral tests, a commitment to continuing education, and recertification every ten years.
On the other hand, any licensed medical doctor can perform cosmetic surgery, even if they haven’t undergone proper training. That’s why it is vital to not only choose a plastic surgeon to perform your procedure but also to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon. Doing so helps ensure you receive the results you desire and that you do so safely.
You can check to see if your plastic surgeon is board certified here.
What Is Their Experience?
When you’re looking for a plastic surgeon, you likely already know what type of procedure you wish to undergo. Most board-certified plastic surgeons are experts in all kinds of procedures, from head to toe, so that makes narrowing down your choices much easier. However, many surgeons also have preferences for the types of procedures they perform. They have perfected and even innovated particular techniques to ensure gorgeous results, so that’s something to keep in mind as you research.
Find out how long the surgeon has been practicing, if they have a particular specialty, and how many procedures they have performed similar to the one you want to have done.
Do They Have Examples of Their Work?
Before you go to a new restaurant, do you read reviews and look at photos to ensure you’ll have the best dining experience? Choosing a plastic surgeon should involve the same type of research. Go to their website and look at before and after photos, read reviews, and read testimonials. When you go in for your consultation, ask to see before and after pictures of their patients who have undergone the same procedure you wish to have.
What Else Should I Know About My Plastic Surgeon?
Your initial consultation with your plastic surgeon is like a job interview. You’re learning as much as you can about them so that you can feel good about choosing them to perform surgery on your body! When you go in for your consultation, it’s helpful to have researched the procedure so you know what questions to ask and what concerns might need to be addressed. Some of the questions may include:
- Can you walk me through the surgical procedure?
- How long will my surgery take?
- Will my surgery be performed in a hospital or an accredited surgical center?
- What can I expect from my recovery?
- When will I be able to see my results?
- How much does my procedure cost?
These are just samples of some of the things you may want to discuss with your surgeon. Be aware of how openly they answer your questions, how well they explain the procedure and recovery, and if they listen to your desires and give honest feedback. Most importantly, trust your instincts and choose a surgeon you’re comfortable with and who makes you feel confident in their abilities.
Learn More About Plastic Surgery in Dallas
When you’re looking for a plastic surgeon with proven skill and expertise in cosmetic procedures, look no further than Dr. David Morales. He is board certified in plastic and reconstructive surgeries, meaning he has undergone rigorous training and education in both specialties. His board certification credentials ensure that he is intimately familiar with the intricacies of the human body and how best to create stunning results. Dr. Morales’ artistic eye and commitment to staying on the cutting edge of education and technology in plastic surgery make him the best choice to perform your plastic surgery in Dallas. To schedule an appointment for a consultation, call 214.827.8407 or complete the online contact form.
