Thinking About Plastic Surgery? Here Are The Top 10 Things To Consider

Plastic Surgery today offers patients many corrective options and benefits.  Cosmetic procedures focus on improving appearance, which in turn improves confidence that can facilitate positive changes in other areas of our lives.  Depending on the procedure, plastic surgery can also offer other benefits like improved function. For example, Rhinoplasty often includes a Septoplasty to repair a deviated septum which can improve breathing ability as well as decrease snoring and improve sleep patterns.  Upper Blepharoplasty (upper eyelid surgery) is sometimes a medical necessity to improve vision.  In addition, techniques and technology have improved greatly, leading to less downtime and complications as well as a more natural-looking appearance.  As a result, Plastic surgery has become a more common and acceptable option over the last decade or so.  There are also more and more surgeons to choose from.  Finding the surgeon that is right for you will help to ensure a comfortable experience and successful outcome.

The first step is to do your initial research.  The best way to find a surgeon is a good recommendation from someone you know that has had the procedure you are interested in.  Did they have a good experience and outcome?  The next step is going online and looking at before and after pictures as well as online reviews.  You should select two to four promising candidates and then call their office to ask a few questions and get a feel for the office.  If the experience continues to be positive, then you’re ready to schedule your surgical consultations.

The following are good questions to ask during your surgical consultation:

1. Are you board certified?  By which board(s)?
2. How many years have you been performing this procedure?  How many times have you performed this procedure?
3. Are the patients in your before and after your actual patients?
4. Look for patients who are of a similar age and have similar facial characteristics to you.
5. The pictures should have consistent results.
6. Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
7. What is the typical downtime?
8. What are the risks?
9. Is this surgery facility accredited?
10. What type of anesthesia or sedation will be used?  Who will be administering it and what are their qualifications?
11. Does the surgeon listen to you and understand your expectations?
12. Do you like the surgeon and staff?  Do you feel at ease with them and in the facility?

While it’s normal to feel somewhat anxious in general (since we’re talking about surgery), you should never feel rushed to make your decision. Ultimately, all of these pieces should come together to make you feel confident and excited about your procedure. One of the greatest joys for our staff is to be part of a patient’s journey to regain their confidence and enjoy life more.

For more information on specific procedures, click here. You can also call us to schedule a surgical consultation at 916-941-9400.

Another great resource for those considering plastic surgery can be found here.

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