In today’s heavily saturated marketplace, unqualified providers often use unscrupulous sales tactics, aggressive advertising, and low rates to lure patients in. When searching for a plastic surgeon, it is critical that you verify their credentials, training background, and qualifications before making a decision. Plastic surgery results are lasting, and if complications arise, it can be a time-consuming and costly process to restore your health and appearance after a botched procedure.
In this blog, Dr. Dallas R. Buchanan and his team at Vivify Plastic Surgery in Tampa, FL, explore the best practices for choosing an experienced, vetted provider by using a detailed 10-point checklist, outlined below.
STEP ONE – Evaluating Your Surgeon’s Credentials
Surgeons who are board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) have undergone rigorous training and ongoing oral and written examinations, ensuring they have the skill, education, and expertise to maximize your safety and deliver exceptional results. The ABPS is the only board recognized by the parent board, the American Board of Medical Specialties.
A provider with a different type of certification may only occasionally perform plastic surgery procedures, increasing the risk of disappointing results or complications. An ABPS-certified plastic surgeon has dedicated their career to the art of aesthetics and has gone the extra mile to maintain their credentials through a demanding recertification process.
STEP TWO – Exploring Your Surgeon’s Training Background
On your potential surgeon’s website, their educational background should be clearly listed, including all residencies, fellowships, and awards. If this information is lacking, it can be a sign of trouble. Fellowship training provides elite, high-level preparation for a career in the aesthetics field and is a measure of your provider’s dedication to excellence. Fellowships also allow surgeons to come into contact with the latest technologies and techniques so they can remain on the cutting edge of developments in the industry. This ultimately allows for better results, fewer complications, and reduced recovery time.
STEP THREE – Relying on Trusted References
Word-of-mouth referrals from friends, family members, healthcare providers, and physicians can be a reliable way to select your plastic surgeon. Ask them about their experiences and if they are happy with their results. Get a list of recommended providers and then vet each one individually, making your own assessment. Hearing from former patients on RealSelf or other websites can also inform your decision-making process. But beware of fake reviews, which can be purchased for a fee. Some surgeons will allow you to speak with former verified patients, who can lend insight into their own treatment journey, providing enhanced peace of mind.
STEP FOUR – Understanding the Importance of “Hospital Privileges”
Hospital privileges allow your plastic surgeon to access the facilities, technology, and equipment available at a modern hospital. Even though your procedure might be performed at an accredited surgical center, hospital privileges ensure your surgeon has access to the best services and equipment should any complications arise. Additionally, it is proof that your surgeon has been vetted by a committee of their peers. If a plastic surgeon doesn’t have hospital privileges, it could indicate a red flag.
STEP FIVE – Inquiring About Specialized Techniques
The next step in evaluating your potential provider is to find out if they are a match for your specific goals and if they have expertise performing the procedure that you wish to undergo. Ask them which procedures they perform most often, and approximately how many of those surgeries they carry out each week, month, and year. For instance, if you want to undergo rhinoplasty, a surgeon specializing in breast procedures who does an occasional nose job may not be the best option for you. A trustworthy, transparent provider will tell you upfront about their specializations and in which areas they feel they can be of the most service. If a surgeon claims to perform all types of cosmetic procedures equally well, it may be a red flag.
STEP SIX – Clarifying the Details
A good provider takes great pains to educate and empower patients with the knowledge and facts they need to make informed decisions for their care. Your surgeon should clarify the risks, advantages, costs, recovery time, and projected results for your procedure, emphasizing realistic expectations and safety. If a surgeon breezes through this information and ignores any of your questions, you may want to search elsewhere. An experienced plastic surgeon knows how important it is to check for contraindications and should be meticulous in vetting patients prior to surgery. A provider overly concerned with small details may seem fussy or obsessive to you, but this is usually an indicator of their dedication to excellence and their utmost regard for your well-being.
STEP SEVEN – Choosing an Accredited Ambulatory Facility
To ensure your safety, cosmetic procedures should be performed in an accredited ambulatory facility. These spaces are subject to recurring inspections by credentialed agencies, which ensure that the highest standards of safety and cleanliness are met. Accredited ambulatory facilities are also equipped with the emergency training and technology necessary to respond to complications that might arise during a surgical procedure. Board-certified plastic surgeons are required to operate in accredited ambulatory facilities.
STEP EIGHT – Working With a Certified Anesthesiologist
An experienced and dedicated plastic surgeon will carefully select their team, ensuring all those with whom they work can also provide patients with the highest level of excellence and safety. Your plastic surgeon should work with a board-certified anesthesiologist, who will make sure your treatment journey is stress-free, painless, and relaxing.
STEP NINE – Being Fully Informed About Recovery Requirements
Your plastic surgeon should be invested in helping you adequately prepare for recovery. They should make sure you understand the time requirements associated with the healing process, the amount of time you should expect to take off from work, and everything you need to have a seamless healing journey. Ideally, your plastic surgeon should be on call and available should any questions or concerns arise as you recuperate. It is important to place your trust in a surgeon who you know will have your back long after you leave the office.
STEP TEN – Getting a Second Opinion
Because plastic surgery is a highly personal decision, it is important to get more than one recommendation. Meeting with several different potential surgeons can give you more insight into what you are looking for and help you have a better idea of what attributes in a provider are most important to you. You should remember that you are in charge, and you are the one directing the interview process. Try to make a list of questions ahead of time so that when you get into the room with the doctor, you don’t forget what you meant to say. You should feel comfortable and at ease with your potential plastic surgeon, and get the sense that they are fully present and invested in your success, health, and well-being.
What Is the Takeaway?
When choosing your ideal plastic surgeon, you will need to assess each provider according to a range of factors, including board certification, educational background, specialized techniques, patient testimonials, and before-and-after photographs. Additionally, it is critical that you meet with your provider in person to discover whether working together is a good fit. If you feel rushed, upsold, or dismissed in any way, it is likely that you should look elsewhere for your provider. Do your homework, make a list of questions to ask, and consult with friends, family members, and other healthcare providers for referrals. By taking the proper steps, you can feel confident and assured that you have made the most well-informed and well-considered decision possible.
Seeking a Qualified, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in Tampa, Florida? Contact Vivify Plastic Surgery Today to Book Your Initial Consultation!
Dr. Dallas R. Buchanan is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the only plastic surgery board approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties. As an internationally recognized cosmetic expert, he delivers exemplary results in a technologically advanced practice environment, tailoring each procedure to reflect your unique goals, preferences, and comfort levels.
Dr. Buchanan is an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS), and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). He is dedicated to patient safety and goes above and beyond to ensure a seamless, rewarding aesthetic journey and natural-looking results. Call our office in Tampa today at (813)-588-5150 to book your initial consultation.
