Our body image plays an important role in helping us live out a life with confidence and dignity. Personal beliefs about how we look on the outside can affect how we think and feel on the inside. So concerns and anxiety about one’s outward appearance can truly affect body, mind and spirit.
And this might be the driving force for many that are considering a plastic surgery procedure. Whether it is correcting a deformity or damage from birth or a disease, prior surgery or condition, or a God-given feature that is a little hard for you to accept, making you very self-conscious, plastic surgery may be something you are strongly considering.
In fact, elective plastic surgery has become quite common. Some of the most popular are breast augmentation, liposuction, nose reshaping, eyelid surgery and tummy tucks.
Doctors who perform these procedures can enhance or restore features. They also can correct birth defects and improve the appearance of body parts affected by tumors, disease, infections, or injuries.
If you are thinking about plastic surgery, it’s good to do your research. And one of the most important steps you will take is to find a doctor whom you trust to guide you with expertise and compassion throughout your plastic surgery journey.
Tips On Selecting Your Plastic Surgeon
It’s extremely important to find a doctor with the proper training and experience in plastic surgery. A good first step is determining if the doctor is certified by a surgical board, such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
This means the doctor has met certain guidelines for training and clinical experience. Board-certified surgeons also must pass a rigorous test.
To find out if a doctor is certified, ask the surgeon directly. Or you may check the American Board of Medical Specialties.
Helpful Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon
Your plastic surgeon can and should be able to provide you with more information about the procedure you’re considering. Be sure to go prepared to your consultation and follow-up visits with a list of questions.
Some topics to talk about may include:
- How many procedures of the type I’m considering have you performed?
- Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
- What kind of results can I expect?
- What are the possible risks of the operation? These might include infection, bleeding, or adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Where will the procedure be done?
- Is the facility accredited by a program that helps promote a high quality of patient care in health care facilities? One of these organizations is the Joint Commission.
- What will the procedure cost? You may want to compare fees, since insurance usually does not cover elective procedures like cosmetic surgery. Reconstructive procedures may be covered in part by insurance.
- How long will it take to recover?
- Are there alternatives to surgery?
Answers to questions like these can help you decide if a procedure is right for you. The same goes for choosing a doctor. If you feel uncomfortable with a surgeon, talk to another doctor until the “fit” is right.
Helpful Questions to Ask Yourself
You are the expert when it comes to your body, mind and spirit. While all the research in the world can guide you with the data and information on plastic surgery, you are the only one who knows how you feel, inside and out. Here are some helpful questions to look from within to make this important decision.
- Why do I want plastic surgery?
- Will the procedure improve my health or quality of life?
- Do I have any spiritual or religious concerns with this procedure?
- What is my mental/emotional state in making this decision? Should I talk to a medical or mental health professional before making this important decision?
- Am I okay living with my choice to get plastic surgery forever?
- How does my family feel about me making this choice?
- Will I feel more confident and more fulfilled by making the choice to have plastic surgery?
Choosing to have plastic surgery is a very personal decision. If it’s something you would like more information about, lean on our surgical teams for help. We’re here to help support you at any point in your health journey.
