Understand Your Plastic Surgery Procedure
If you’re considering surgery to correct or contour some part of your body, you may be feeling some apprehension. And that makes sense.
Whether for reconstructive or cosmetic purposes, plastic surgery does present the possibility of complications. Just like any other surgery. Even if it’s elective.
So to ensure you’re going in with as much peace of mind as possible, it’s important you understand your plastic surgery procedure. And the best way to do this is to go directly to the source: your plastic surgeon.
How to Better Understand Your Plastic Surgery Procedure
First things first – when vetting the ideal surgeon, you’ll want to ensure that yours is board certified in plastic surgery. Insist on this.
Such certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) demonstrates that your surgeon is of the highest caliber. It means he or she made the effort to attain in-depth training that goes above and beyond what’s simply required. A board-certified plastic surgeon has comprehensive knowledge of the field and is committed to excellence.
Once you’ve established this basic but crucial requirement, then it’s time to start investigating.
It’s Okay to Ask Questions
You may feel like you’re offending a potential surgeon by asking all about their experience, training, and credentials. But any surgeon who is turned off by this is putting up a red flag. Your surgeon should want you to feel confident about your procedure and be willing to answer all questions relating to it.
For example:
How Familiar Are You With the Procedure?
Though you may be nervous posing it, this is a 100% reasonable question. You don’t want to go into your procedure with a surgeon who’s relatively (or brand) new to it. The fact is, surgeons who have performed a higher volume of specific procedures have lower complication rates and shorter hospital stays for their patients. So don’t be afraid to ask this question.
Then follow it up with:
Do You Have Pictures of Previous Clients?
If your surgeon hasn’t already shown you ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures of what to expect from your procedure, then you’ll definitely want to see some of these. This will help you to not only see the surgeon’s work, but you’ll feel reassured that the procedure was safe and effective for patients before you.
What Are the Risks?
In general, plastic surgery carries a slightly lower risk than other types of surgical procedures. Still, there is always the chance of infection, reaction to anesthesia, or loss of blood. So you’ll want to be crystal clear with your surgeon on how these risks could play out for you.Again, if a surgeon does not take the question seriously, then consider looking elsewhere. Any reputable surgeon will understand your need for assurance and peace of mind and will be completely forthcoming about any post-operative complications. He or she should place your safety and health as the top priorities.
Feeling Nervous About Your Surgery?
Knowing the ways to better understand your plastic surgery procedure will help increase your confidence.
So contact us today if you’re ready to start exploring your options with one of our highly trained board-certified plastic surgeons.
And keep in mind that lifestyle changes (such as quitting smoking and adopting a healthy diet) before surgery can also lower your risks and result in faster healing and less scarring. These are factors you’ll also discuss with your plastic surgeon during your free consultation.