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There are numerous things to consider when choosing a plastic surgeon in Gilbert Arizona . However many people are intimidated with the process of interviewing prospective surgeons, but you must learn as much as possible about their skills, experience, and qualifications before you put your life in the surgeon’s hands. But before we get into the three things to look for in a plastic surgeon let’s clarify the differences between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery. They are not the same although many people use the terms interchangeably.
Cosmetic surgery is focused on improving and enhancing the appearance of a person, whether it is their face, head, or body. Think ‘nose job’, ‘face lift’, or breast augmentation. Whereas plastic surgery is focused on correcting a part of the body that no longer works properly or looks as it is supposed to, usually as a result of an illness or injury.
Professional QUALIFICATIONS is the first thing to look for in a plastic surgeon in Gilbert, Arizona. Surprisingly, the American Medical Association does not restrict physicians to practice only the specialty that they were trained in. In other words, the physician can provide services from any specialty, even if they have not received any specialized training in that area. Amazing isn’t it? Don’t worry, there is a way that you can ensure that your prospective plastic surgeon in city/state is in fact qualified, and that is by searching for a board certified plastic surgeon. The facts are that there are several certifying boards; however the American Board of Plastic surgery (ABPS) is considered the ultimate standard in the field. To be certified by the ABPS a surgeon must have completed extensive specialized training that shows their superior knowledge and experience in their profession. Searching for a board certified plastic surgeon is easy. Meet with the prospective surgeons you have identified in your city and narrow the list to those you feel comfortable with. The next step is to check with the ABPS online at www.abplsurg.org to determine if your prospective plastic surgeon is board certified. This means that when you select a certified doctor to perform your surgery you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’ll be in the care of someone who knows what they’re doing.
EXPERIENCE is the second thing to look for in your plastic surgeon in Gilbert, Arizona. After all, I don’t think anyone would want to be a surgeon’s first patient! Personally I would want a plastic surgeon that has performed that procedure hundreds of times. Yet many people don’t even think to ask the question. In order to achieve ABPS certification, a plastic surgeon in city/state must have had a residency in plastic surgery. This means that he will have specific experience with the procedure you are considering. I would still ask for 3 – 6 references. A highly successful and qualified surgeon would want you to hear the glowing reports of his satisfied patients. Not only will these references endorse the surgeon’s skill and care but they can provide valuable insight as to what you can expect relative to recovery, and downtime. Like professionals in other fields, plastic surgeons, maintain a library of ‘stock’ photos for illustrative purposes so you can visualize the results of your impending surgical procedure, whether it be a face lift, breast augmentation, or a nose job.
Every surgery carries some RISK, which concludes our 3 things to look for in a plastic surgeon in Gilbert, Arizona. Although a surgeon cannot violate the privacy of his patients, he should absolutely tell you if his patients have had any complications from the procedure you are considering and how many of those complications have been serious. Any type of surgery involves a gamble and comparing results from the surgeon’s list of patients can give you some idea of what to expect, however everyone is different and there are no guarantees as to the results. In some cases, individuals actually look worse after the surgery than before. After all, this is not like buying a coat from Macy’s and returning it because you don’t like the way it ‘fits’!
You can also reduce the risk of your surgery by giving the surgeon as much information and medical history as possible. A few of the things that you must absolutely discuss with your surgeon to ensure a healthy outcome includes: any medications that you are taking; smoking habits and history; alcohol consumption; allergies; and drug use – whether prescription or illicit.
You are probably anxious and excited about your upcoming surgical procedure, which is to be expected as there are both pros and cons for any operation. Before you commit to a plastic surgeon in Gilbert, Arizona, or the surgical procedure itself, do your due diligence for the three things that we have covered here so you know what to expect, and can make an informed decision in weighing the good and the bad.
