Choosing a Cosmetic

How to Choose a Cosmetic Surgeon

By Dylan Roche

So, you’ve made the decision to get cosmetic surgery—or, as the expression sometimes goes, “get a little work done.” Now the question is, “who’s going to do the work?” It’s important to choose the right cosmetic surgeon not only for your safety but also for your satisfaction. After all, if this surgeon is going to be altering the way you look, you want to make sure you’re happy with the results.

Finding the right cosmetic surgeon takes a little more consideration than a simple Google search or even a recommendation from a friend. As the American Society of Plastic Surgeons emphasizes, not every physician is qualified or experienced in every procedure, and not every plastic surgery ends well.

In some cases, a recommendation from a friend or a simple online search can give you a starting point. And What’s Up? Media’s biennial list of Top Docs—a medical professional peer review survey—is also an excellent source to consult (online at whatsupmag.com/health-and-beauty/top-docs). But it’s important that you do the proper vetting from there. When considering a cosmetic surgeon, ask yourself these questions:

WHAT TRAINING HAVE THEY DONE?

Start by considering the surgeon’s training and certification. The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery points out that cosmetic surgeons don’t legally have to be trained in the procedures they offer. Some doctors who have general medical training—including training in general surgery—can start offering cosmetic surgery procedures for the added income. If you go with a surgeon who is certified through the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, you know they have sufficient education and training.

HAVE THEY DONE THIS PROCEDURE BEFORE?

In some cases, a cosmetic surgeon has plenty of overall experience. Unfortunately, it may not be the specific experience with the procedure you want to have done. You could find a cosmetic surgeon who does excellent work with scar revision but has never had to correct a deviated septum before.

Similarly, maybe your surgeon has done plenty of breast augmentations in the past few years but hasn’t performed a facelift in over a decade. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends finding someone who has done the type of procedure you want at least once a week for at least five years.

WHAT DO THEIR BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS LOOK LIKE?

A cosmetic surgeon will be able to provide you with before and after photos of their work, which will give you an indication of their skills. Look at both sets of photos with a keen eye. You want to make sure you like the results depicted in the after photos. Likewise, seek before photos with somebody who has physical characteristics similar to your own. If the person has a completely different facial structure or they’re much older or younger than you, there’s the risk your results could be different. Also, pay attention to consistency—you want a surgeon that is always getting good results, not just getting good results once or twice.

DOES THIS SURGEON HAVE HOSPITAL PRIVILEGES?

You want to find a cosmetic surgeon who operates in accredited hospitals and/or surgery centers or, at the very least, has hospital privileges. If your procedure requires some recuperation in the hospital but your surgeon does not have hospital privileges, then that means another doctor will have to take over your care while you’re recovering. Your cosmetic surgeon will not be able to see you.

DO YOU TRUST THIS SURGEON AND SUPPORT STAFF?

Don’t underestimate the importance of trust—several cosmetic procedures are invasive, and you’ll likely need to disclose your full medical history. You want a surgeon who makes you feel comfortable and a support staff that makes you feel welcome and cared for. You should be able to ask plenty of questions and have them answered thoughtfully and thoroughly.

Not every surgeon will be the right fit for every patient—this is important for you to keep in mind. But by counting on these five questions, you can discern the practice that’s right for you and ensure “getting work done” means the work is done well.