If you want to order a pizza or get your dry cleaning done and you don’t
know who to call, a quick look in your local business directory is
probably sufficient. After all, you are only attempting to satisfy a
relatively minor, short term need. By contrast, seeking the most
qualified person to perform plastic surgery on your face or body is a
process to which you should devote time and careful attention. This is
because you will benefit or suffer from the results of your surgeon’s
work for the rest of your life.
How should you go about finding the best
plastic surgeon in your area? Believe it or not, some of the methods
that might first come to mind might not be the best. For example, you
certainly can ask your primary care doctor. However, she may have an
incomplete idea of the best medical professionals in this specialized
area. By the same token, a hospital referral line will only provide
information about surgeons in its own network, neglecting to give
details about its competition. While getting an endorsement from a
satisfied patient might be compelling, that person can only give you a
single anecdote of his experience. Finally, while it is important to
make sure that the surgeon you pick is board-certified at minimum, this
cannot be your only criterion for choosing the best doctor.
Certification only tells you that the surgeon has passed a written exam;
it furnishes no information whatsoever about the dexterity, skill, or
craftsmanship of the surgeon.
Now that we’ve covered the less-than-helpful ways to find a plastic
surgeon, you might be asking yourself if there is a mysterious secret
method that will enable you to get the doctor who will best meet your
needs. In fact, as with most tasks, there is no magical answer. Instead,
success lies in doing your homework and trusting your intuition.
Thanks to modern technology, you actually have a comprehensive resource
literally at your fingertips. You can access it simply by going to www.plasticsurgeryguide.com
. Unlike the limited feedback you would get from a patient or a
referral line, this site will provide you with what you need to know
about doctors in your home area, including authoritative details about
their credentials and testimonials from patients. In addition, this
guide will answer any questions you might have about numerous cosmetic
and corrective plastic surgery procedures.
Once armed with this knowledge, your next step should be to interview
several candidates for the job. Do not feel guilty about this or worry
that you are wasting the doctor’s precious time. You are entering into a
business contract, during the course of which thousands of dollars will
change hands. Even more important, your physical health and well-being
are at stake. You are entitled to take all the time that is required to
get the information you need before making your decision. If a doctor
you interview seems impatient or unwilling to participate in this vital
process, you probably do not want to be under his knife.
During these interviews, keep your focus on gathering information and
listening to your gut feelings. One of the best ways to accomplish both
is to look at before and after pictures of surgeries that the doctor has
performed that are similar to what you will be getting. While she may
only show you her best work, at least you have visual proof of what she
is capable. Ask pointed questions about what surgery would best meet
your needs, how much it will cost, and what to expect during your
recovery period. Finally, feel free to inquire if the doctor can provide
you with names of patients who have had your type of operation. Most
plastic surgeons are happy to oblige.
Once you have done all of the legwork, invest your energy and attention
into weighing your different choices. Don’t hesitate to ask additional
questions or to expand your search if necessary. Ultimately, taking the
time to learn all you can will mean that you will be at peace with the
decision you make. In the end, feeling secure about your choice will go
a long way toward helping you prepare for, go through, and thrive after
your surgery.