Choosing a competent cosmetic surgeon with the correct qualifications is critical to reaching a successful outcome. We provide the information you need to make an educated decision.
Check past or pending civil or criminal actions. Contact the County Clerk's Office of the county in which the physician has practiced or is practicing to verify court actions. Please be discrete in collecting and utilizing this information.
Do ask around. If you have friends who may have had plastic surgery, or even friends who have a friend who has had cosmetic surgery, this is the ideal starting point. If you don't want to ask loved ones because you're attempting to keep your query on the DL, then online forums are another good bet.
Of course, one of the most key elements in choosing a plastic surgeon is your personal comfort level with the doctor. You should feel comfortable asking them questions about your plastic surgery procedure so that you can make an educated final decision relating to your surgery.
Don't just start contacting numbers in the yellow pages. This is a man or woman who will be cutting into your body (or face!) If you are ordering a pizza, random selection is okay -but there is a reason plastic surgeons don't deliver!
View Pre and post plastic surgery images in list of doctors you want. Compare photos from each plastic surgeon.
Do check your surgeon's credentials and call references. Validate whatever certifications are stated by your surgeon, and make sure to really get in touch with any references he or she supplies. The importance of this step cannot be stressed enough. To disregard this would be like buying a home with no home inspection—CRAZY!
Do bring pictures with you. In these time of internet accessibility, you've got no reason for inferior research. Visit Plastic Surgeon's sites, and print out pre and post images of results that you like and of results that you don't like. If you can print some from your own surgeon's website, do so, and place them in your binder together will all of that surgeon's information.
Do set up a minimum of 3 consultations and DON'T sign anything until you've kept the 3 appointments. This is not only a decision-making process, but also an educational one. As you go along, you'll imagine things to ask the second and third surgeon that you might not have thought of with the first. Personally, I recommend creating 5-7 meetings, but 3 is the absolute minimum.
Reputable cosmetic surgeons must have privileges to do tummy tuck Cardiff procedures at an accredited hospital.
Validate the credentials of your plastic surgeon by calling the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Every plastic surgeon has to register with this group, so by calling you may verify that your plastic surgeon is legitimate.
Getting plastic surgery is a very big step, no matter if your reason is medical or cosmetic. Take the time to seek information and get it right; it could mean long term success or ache for your health.