Having plastic surgery can give you a fresh start. It is a way to boost your confidence, correct a past injury, or simply feel more like yourself. While this is undoubtedly a powerful decision, it’s the journey that truly shapes the outcome.
This is why choosing the right surgeon is so critical. An experienced and certified professional will protect your health and safety and ensure everything ends with the results you deserve.
This article will discuss the importance of choosing the right plastic surgeon for your procedure. Keep reading below for more details.
The Real Risks of Choosing an Unqualified Surgeon
“Plastic surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries inherent risks. That’s why it’s essential to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with the proper training, expertise, and credentials to ensure both safety and optimal results,” says Dr. Olivier Deigni of Deigni Plastic Surgery.
When a plastic surgery procedure is successful, it can change your life. But when it goes wrong, the consequences can be devastating for your health and well-being. Here are some risks of choosing an unqualified surgeon.
- Infections: As any qualified expert will tell you, a clean, sterile environment is non-negotiable during surgery. A quack professional may cut corners, putting your health at risk. You may develop an infection if bacteria enter the body during the procedure. Signs include redness, swelling, and severe conditions like sepsis.
- Anesthesia complications: Anesthesia is as critical as it is dangerous for any surgical procedure. If administered incorrectly, it can cause respiratory issues and severe low blood pressure. Sometimes, it can cause a dangerous condition where the patient is awake during surgery but unable to move or speak.
- Botched results: You could end up with uneven, asymmetrical, or simply unnatural results, like breast augmentation with visibly lopsided implants.
- Visible scarring: When scars are placed improperly, like across natural skin folds or in highly visible areas, it can make a procedure obvious when it was meant to be subtle.
Understanding Plastic Surgery Qualifications
Technically speaking, anyone with a medical license can perform plastic surgery. However, not all surgeons have the specialized training required to produce stunning and safe results.
Here are the key qualifications of plastic surgeons.
- Board certification in plastic surgery: Being board-certified in plastic surgery means the surgeon has undergone rigorous education, hands-on training, and passed exams specific to plastic and reconstructive surgery.
- Membership in reputable organizations: Staying on top of the field requires continuous learning and ethical practice. Qualified plastic surgeons often hold memberships in leading professional organizations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Such memberships mean the surgeon is board-certified, adheres to strict ethical and safety standards, and is committed to ongoing education.
How to Choose the Right Surgeon
Now that you understand the importance of choosing the right plastic surgeon, how do you find it?
- Verify board certification: Before choosing any surgeon, confirm whether they hold certification from any reputable organization. You can verify a surgeon’s credentials through official certification boards and professional medical associations.
- Ask about their experience and specialization: How many times has the surgeon performed the procedure you want? Ask for before and after photos of actual patients with similar procedures.
- Check for membership in reputable organizations: When a surgeon is a member of a professional organization, it means they are committed to ethical standards and ongoing education. So check for affiliation with groups like ASPS or more.
- Evaluate the consultation process: Did the surgeon listen to your goals, assess your needs, and explain all your options? Do they explain what to expect? Or do they promise flawless results (red flag)?
Choosing the Right Surgeon: The Key to Safe and Successful Results
Plastic surgery can transform, boosting confidence and self-image. However, as we’ve discussed, the outcome largely depends on the surgeon you choose. An experienced, board-certified professional enhances your natural beauty and minimizes risks, visible scars, and unnecessary expenses. The right choice ensures a result you’ll enjoy for years to come.
