It’s not uncommon to hear about plastic surgery procedures going horribly wrong and even though stories such as this are enough to deter anyone from undergoing surgery, they do highlight the importance of finding the right surgeon.
Making the decision to have plastic surgery is not one that should be taken lightly – it is life-changing after all.
As you start your search for the perfect plastic surgeon, there are a few key things to keep an eye out for.
What to Look for in a Plastic Surgeon
1. Qualifications & Credentials
According to Dr Zacharia, the one mistake that many people make is to confuse a plastic surgeon with a cosmetic surgeon. Cosmetic surgeons don’t always have the same qualifications as plastic surgeons. Plastic surgeons receive extensive training in surgery and are board-certified. Too many patients end up flying to foreign destinations to receive surgery because it costs less but this can lead to poor results and a number of complications. Overseas countries are usually able to offer lower prices because the hospital conditions and surgeons don’t have to meet the same standards that Australian medical professionals and facilities do. Reputable surgeons are always board-certified and have undergone intensive specialist training.
2. Facilities
The outcome of your surgical procedure will also depend on the operating facility that it takes place in. There are a few things that you should look out for when evaluating the facility your surgeon operates from. A clean operating room and a team of experienced and friendly support staff are a must. Make sure that the facility meets the strict Australian medical criteria and that your surgeon is working with high-quality instruments and products. You can find out a lot about a surgeon and their facilities online, so take the time to do a little research to find out what other patients have experienced in the past.
3. Years of Experience
Different areas of surgery require a different skill set, which is why it’s important to choose a surgeon who has enough experience with the procedure you have in mind. The more experience your surgeon has, the better. You can find out more about your surgeon’s experience on their website and during your consultation with them. Find out more about how long they’ve been practicing and how many procedures they have performed to date. It’s also always a good sign if you can find a surgeon who makes a point of staying up to date with the latest surgical techniques and regularly attends seminars and conferences to further their skills. Having a look through any before and after galleries that your surgeon has available is another good way to gauge what they are capable of and whether their style is what you are looking for.
Your surgical consultation should be seen as an open and honest conversation with your surgeon – you are putting your life in their hands after all. Ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable about their capabilities.