PLUS SIZE HIGH BMI TUMMY TUCK & BBL – Dr. Nick Masri

selecting a surgeon

How to Select a Plastic Surgeon You Can Trust

When it comes to plastic surgery, you want to find an experienced, knowledgeable, and skilled surgeon. But more importantly, you must ensure they are trustworthy and reliable.

While there are plenty of plastic surgeons, how do you know which is the best for you?

Here are five tips to help you find a trusted plastic surgeon.

Tip #1: Ask Around

Ensuring that the surgeon you choose is reliable should be your top priority when selecting one.

Ask people whom they have personally seen or heard good things about. That way, you know the information is accurate and dependable.

You could talk to friends, family, and colleagues who have had experience with plastic surgeons in your area. Or ask them for recommendations for the best ones.

Even if someone has yet to have direct experience, they may still be able to point you in the right direction. How? Well, they can give referrals from people they know who have had successful procedures done.

But don’t rush into choosing a plastic surgeon just because someone recommended them. Take your time to find one who suits all your needs and preferences.

Doing so will give you more accurate details instead of blindly looking via listings.

Tip #2: Read Testimonials

Get insights into a plastic surgeon’s process through real-life patient reviews. From there, you would know the patients’ experience before, during, and after surgery.

When reading these reviews, consider the details to make an informed decision, such as:

  • Patients’ satisfaction with results. Look for signs of satisfaction in the patient’s comments. Perhaps, it could be comments showing gratitude or saying they were happy with the results.
  • Follow-up care. Confirm if the patient received complete care, follow-up appointments, and post-operative instructions.
  • Quality of service. Search for indications that the patient felt respected during consultations with the doctor. Also, look at whether they had a positive experience with them.
  • Word-of-mouth recommendations. See if any other patients recommend your potential plastic surgeon.
  • Professionalism and friendliness of the staff. Pay attention to how other patients describe the professionalism of the staff. Check also if they are friendly and approachable.

As a patient, you must take the time to read up on what other people have experienced while working with your potential plastic surgeon. It’s also vital to consider whether they have proven experience in cases like yours. If not, then this could lead to negative effects down the road.

Tip #3: Research Online

Searching online to find a reliable plastic surgeon can take time and effort. Yet, with the proper research, you can feel confident in your plastic surgeon’s skills.

Start by checking the doctor’s reputation at websites such as:

  • Yelp
  • RealSelf.com
  • Social media pages of patients

Remember also that anonymous negative reviews may not be factual. Plus, they could represent a patient seeking revenge or advancing their agenda.

To verify the quality of a doctor’s work, ask for before and after photos from their previous surgeries. Doing so will give you an example of their previous work and how they might handle yours.

Another good way to vet potential doctors is to check if they have:

  • American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) certification
  • Relevant medical boards in your area

These credentials ensure that your doctor has adequate training and experience. Likewise, look for any malpractice cases filed against them on legal databases like Westlaw and LexisNexis.

Finally, search online for articles written about them in professional magazines. This way, you’ll have insight into their expertise in plastic surgery procedures.

Tip #: Verify Their Qualifications and Certifications

To verify a doctor’s credentials, check with professional organizations such as:

  • The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)
  • The Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons (RCP)

These associations can tell you if the doctor holds the required certifications for your procedure.

Also, ask any potential surgeons about their credentials directly. Ask also about any hospital affiliations they may have.

For instance, you could ask Dr. Nidal Masri’s accredited hospitals about his certifications. This way, you’ll know the surgeon’s qualifications in areas related to plastic surgery.

Lastly, research any specialized procedures you may need. Doing so ensures that your chosen surgeon is well-versed in these techniques before committing to anything.

And by verifying their qualifications beforehand, you can trust that your doctor knows what they’re doing.

Tip #5: Ask Questions

Once you narrow your list, arrange for consultations with each doctor. During these meetings, discuss any concerns or fears you might have. This way, you can ensure that your doctor can address them before proceeding with surgery.

Besides, an excellent plastic surgeon will take your questions seriously. Plus, they provide clear answers in lay terms so that you understand everything.

Also, ensure that the doctor is up-to-date on the latest techniques and technology. If they do, you’ll likely gain optimal results from your surgery.

Below are some questions you could ask your surgeon during consultation.

  • What qualifications and certifications do you have?
  • How many years of expertise do you have with this procedure?
  • How often do you perform this particular procedure?
  • Could I see before and after photos of your patients with the same procedure?
  • Are there any risks associated with the surgery that I should know about?
  • Can I speak to other patients who have undergone similar procedures with you?
  • What kind of support can I expect during and after the procedure?
  • Do you offer follow-ups and lifestyle modifications post-surgery, if needed?
  • How much are the preoperative tests, anesthesia, hospital fees, medications, and post-operative care?

Asking such questions ensures that the surgeon can meet all your needs. And it allows for a better understanding between both parties before surgery.

Remember, it’s always important to be an informed patient. So, take time researching potential doctors for the best outcome possible!