Both reconstructive and elective, cosmetic surgeries are included in the wide field of plastic surgery. Even within these two broad categories, there is specialization. Some reconstructive surgeons focus on maxillofacial deformities and injuries. Others may specialize in the treatment of burns and scars, while still others correct problems in the limbs.
The same goes for cosmetic surgeons. A cosmetic surgeon who focuses on facial contouring and rejuvenation may not be the best surgeon for the type of body contouring that involves the placement of implants.
So, how do you find a surgeon who will meet your specific needs and also get the job done? A good place to start is by finding a board-certified surgeon.
Some patients are willing to travel in order to receive treatment from the plastic surgeon of their choice. Usually, such patients have a referral from a person who had a good experience with that particular doctor, or the plastic surgeon in question may be sought after thanks to a stellar reputation.
Most patients, however, want a plastic surgeon who is closer to home. Such a search can be started by compiling a list of plastic surgeons in the general location. This information is available online or from word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied patients. A primary care physician may also be able to recommend a plastic surgeon.
An even faster way to find board-certified surgeons is by doing a location-based search on the website of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. With this method, follow through with steps two and three, but there is no need for the final step.
Now it is time to cull that list down to a few names. One quick way of doing this is by reading reviews from happy patients. A person should follow up these reviews by searching for before and after photos of the plastic surgeon’s work. This may involve seeing the doctor in person.
An effective way to figure out the skill level of a plastic surgeon is through firsthand accounts. The prospective patient should get referrals from people who are currently enjoying the long-term outcomes of a particular plastic surgeon’s work.
It may be tempting to think that a plastic surgeon is a one-size-fits-all kind of doctor, so finding someone who had performed a procedure skillfully is enough. This is not the case. A plastic surgeon could be amazing at facial contouring by perfecting the skill by doing countless procedures for countless patients. However, the same plastic surgeon may be inexperienced when it comes to tummy tucks for patients whose abdominal muscles have stretched or separated after pregnancy.
By looking through a portfolio of the surgeon's work, a prospective patient should get a sense of the specialty and capability. Patients should be leery of a plastic surgeon who claims the ability to do certain procedures without the testimonials to back the claim.
The ABPS only certifies plastic surgeons who have gone through the statutory or required training. This involves an undergraduate medical degree and at least five years of surgical residency focused on plastic surgery. A board-certified plastic surgeon also sits a written and oral exam at the end of the training.
How does a patient find out if a plastic surgeon is board-certified? The ABPS website has a search page where a visitor can type in the name of a plastic surgeon. The web page will return search results that include the status of the surgeon's certification license. The search page is also a good tool to search for board-certified plastic surgeons by location.
The decision to undergo plastic surgery is a big one, with lifelong implications. It often comes with lots of practical considerations to sort out before starting treatment. Make sure to find a plastic surgeon who is not only certified but is willing to talk you through any procedure.
Request an appointment here: https://paulcdillonmd.com or call Paul C. Dillon, MD Inc at (847) 429-3185 for an appointment in our Schaumburg office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Plastic Surgery in Schaumburg, IL.
The popularity of Botox® is on the rise among adults looking for an easy way to improve their appearance. Although Botox treatment is one of the most minimally invasive cosmetic treatments, It still requires application by a qualified medical professional, who can help make sure the treatment will be safe and effective for you. Here…
Plastic surgeons are responsible for providing surgeries that can alter or enhance the way that someone looks. More people are starting to seek out plastic surgery so that they can change the way that they look. However, when considering plastic surgery, it is important to find a great plastic surgeon. In this article, we outline a…
Although anti-aging treatments from medical spas do not make people look like they did at the age of 18, they certainly help. When visiting a licensed medspa, you will find a broad range of procedures that give skin a more youthful appearance. Whether getting treatments to correct a specific problem or simply as a way…
Choosing to undergo breast reduction surgery can provide much relief in more ways than one. However, there are a few things you must be aware of to have a smooth recovery phase, which happens to be split in two.Breast reduction recovery is largely split into phases– namely, the early phase and the later phase.The early…
Treatments can be repeated and are safe when performed by a trained professional.
Learn more about what you should consider when choosing a plastic surgeon near Schaumburg!
Discover how medical spas can help you look younger with a variety of treatments. You…
Breast reduction recovery is largely split into phases– namely, the early phase and the later…
If you are considering or have scheduled an eyelid lift procedure, contact our office to…
Find out whether or not insurance covers plastic surgery and determine whether a plastic surgery…
