Choose Your Cosmetic Surgeon Wisely

Perhaps you have been considering cosmetic or plastic surgery for some time and have decided to move forward with your decision…a decision you haven’t made lightly. As with any elective surgery, plastic surgery is a choice you will live with for the rest of your life. You want a successful outcome, not additional surgery, cost and frustration. Your choice of a cosmetic surgeon is vitally important.

In light of your decision, consider these things when choosing your surgeon:

• Are they experienced in the procedure you desire? Different skills are required for each area of cosmetic surgery. Surgery on a face is quite different from surgery on a breast. Ask your potential cosmetic surgeon how they trained in the procedure you want and how many times they have performed it.
• Are they board certified? The government does not require a surgeon to be specifically trained in the procedures they offer. Sometimes doctors with general surgery or other medical training decide to offer cosmetic surgery. At UMass Memorial Medical Group, our surgeons are board certified and specialize in plastic and cosmetic surgery. Board certification is the most dependable way of assessing whether a cosmetic surgeon is properly trained.
• Are they on the same page with you with regard to aesthetics? What one person finds attractive may be unattractive to another. It’s important to find a cosmetic surgeon that shares your aesthetic tastes. Ask the surgeon for before-and-after photos of patients to compare results for the procedure you want to have. For facial procedures, you may want to take a “selfie” for reference and look for photos of patients that have a similar facial structure, are around your age, and have some of the same concerns. Do their results look like you want to look after your surgery?
• Do you feel an emotional connection with the surgeon? Because you will be spending a lot of time with your surgeon and their support team, your level of comfort is important. Are you comfortable spending time with the surgeon and staff? Do you feel like you can trust them to recommend what is safe and right for you?

If you are considering plastic or cosmetic surgery, call to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors: (508) 334-5990.