Many people wait for years before bringing themselves to undergo plastic surgery and for good reason. It is because they spend a good amount of that time looking for the perfect plastic surgeon who is not only competent but also reliable and trustworthy, who will pick up the knife. Experts concur that this is a crucial part of the entire process and thus must not be side-stepped. According to viable data, the number of plastic surgery procedures has been on a steady rise especially these past few years and is expected to continue this year as well. More and more people are going for surgeries and thus it is imperative that you chose the right professional to conduct the work. There are a staggering number of unqualified physicians and sometimes even non-physicians claiming to be the right persons for the job. So, if you are considering going for plastic surgery, it is important to thoroughly check the background of the surgeon and make sure that they are qualified to perform the procedure you are opting for. Here are some suggestions that will help you pick the best surgeons who are qualified, skilled and vetted practitioners.

Board certification in plastic surgery is imperative

When you shortlist plastic surgeons to perform your procedure, ensure the candidates are all board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Moreover, even before you commence the process of fixing up a consult, go through the credentials of the surgeon in question to make sure they are rightly accredited. Having said that, it is now important to know what to look for when you are checking the credentials.

• Whether the doctor in question has a board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This entails that they have been through a meticulous process certified by a board that is acknowledged by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
• Whether the person in question is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. ASPS is a body that ensures its members, in order to warrant a membership, have undergone an accurate training program complete with all patient safety standards.

Screen the facility

Another important factor when choosing a plastic surgeon is the facility in which your procedure is to be performed. Apart from being one that is accredited and accommodating, it must maintain the highest safety standards, patient care and quality. Some of the certifications you need to look for to vet the facility are-

• American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAASF)
• Title XVIII Medicare participation
• Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)
• State licensure
• Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care

Look for trust and honesty

Finding a doctor whom you can trust may take a while and a few tries. However, you must have somebody in your corner with whom you are comfortable to talk about your deepest concerns and anxieties. Once you have picked out someone you can connect with, you can elevate to the next step and have a trusted and honest discussion about your aesthetic objectives, overall health, lifestyle and any other concerns you may harbor. This will give you a better perspective and a clear picture about your recovery timeline as the right provider will look at your medical history and help you through the period of convalescence.

Do your homework

Go prepared with your list of questions when you meet your surgeon face to face. By the end of the interview, you would want to be on the same page with your surgeon with no room for doubts. Look for the hospital privileges of the surgeon and whether he/she is affiliated with a hospital. If the person performs procedures only at their office/clinic, it may be a matter of concern. Whatever information you get through the internet shouldn’t be trusted blindly. It can be a source of misinformation. Many doctors showcase “before and after” photographs, which can often be misleading and “after” pictures usually have cleverly used make-up, lighting and shadows.

Final Words

These days, several unskilled doctors are calling themselves cosmetic surgeons.  Thus, when selecting a plastic surgeon to perform your procedure, the foremost factor is one of trust that the surgeon is somebody who is well trained, experienced, board-certified and qualified to perform the procedure. In order to get that assurance, you must be aware of what to look for when shortlisting the candidates. Get the first step right to reach your aesthetic goals and become a happier and more confident version of yourself!