Making The Decision

If you are considering a cosmetic surgery procedure, it is probably not a good idea to jump right into it without doing a little homework first. The Wall Center recommends that before you make up your mind, consider the following:

What are your motivations for surgery? While plastic surgery can help you look freshened and renewed, it must be evaluated in realistic terms and cannot substitute for emotional well-being. Many people find that they feel more confident about themselves after surgery. Ultimately, plastic surgery can enhance a particular aspect of your body. It cannot, however, change you into someone else. Carefully evaluate your motives before making the decision.

Who is your surgeon? When you have decided you want to have a plastic surgery procedure, it is important to find a surgeon who is able to offer the results that you are looking for as safely as possible. When selecting a surgeon, make sure that he or she is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member or candidate member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery. Since each plastic surgeon has been specifically trained for plastic surgery, their expertise and knowledge in that specialty of medicine generally exceeds that of doctors trained in other areas of medicine. To the surprise of many, there is no national or state regulating body that dictates who can or cannot practice cosmetic surgery, so it is important to make sure that your doctor is specifically qualified and experienced in the procedure that you want them to perform.

Where will the surgery take place? Be wary of a plastic surgeon who plans on performing an invasive procedure in his or her exam room. Surgical procedures need to be administered in a room equipped for surgery either at a hospital or in an ambulatory surgical center. Many plastic surgery prospects are unaware that it is alright to contact the hospital where their surgery will be done to find out specifically what procedures their doctor is qualified to do at that hospital. Doctors are carefully evaluated before they are given hospital privileges. When they are given privileges, they may perform only the procedures that the hospital merits that doctor is qualified to do.

Do you know a friend or family member who would recommend this surgeon to you? What better way to find out about a doctor than to get a referral from someone who is going to be completely honest with you about their own experience?