The decision to undergo plastic surgery is not an easy one to make. For most, it is a constant contemplation of what to do about a part of their body that annoys them, that makes them feel self-conscious, the one part that no amount of exercises or skin creams can improve. And although it may seem that the decision to go for it may be the most complicated, there is another decision just as important: choosing the right plastic surgeon for you.
When choosing a plastic surgeon, you should first eliminate all of the surgeons who are obviously underqualified or who don’t offer the procedure you desire. There are many skilled and qualified plastic surgeons around, surgeons who would do an excellent job with the procedure you have decided on; however, that still doesn’t necessarily mean that all of them are right for you on this journey. Finding the right doctor means doing research and deciding what is important to you. And just a little bit of research will go a long way in making sure you are happy with your decision.
Membership in ASPS
The most qualified surgeons are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). To become a member of this prestigious society, a surgeon must be board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and have more than six years of training with at least three years specializing in plastic surgery. Board-certified members of the ASPS are trained in both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures and perform surgery in accredited surgical facilities. With this membership, you can feel assured that your surgeon is knowledgeable, competent, and confident is his ability, as has been shown by their completion of rigorous examinations. A surgeon who is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) has the additional qualifications of having passed comprehensive evaluations of their ability and training as well as demonstrated strong ethical conduct.
Education
As with any professional, it is never harmful to look up a surgeon’s education and training. Verify that the school they graduated from is an accredited medical school, see where they did their residencies, and find out where they worked before their practice now. What does their experience look like to you? During this process, you will learn what is necessary to make an educated decision about the surgeon.
Experience in Your Desired Procedure
Many surgeons offer several types of procedures for several parts of your body. It is not uncommon for one surgeon to provide surgical procedures for your face as well as your body, and it is not unusual for a surgeon to be just as skilled in one area as they are in another. Some surgeons specialize in one procedure, whereas others have a range of specializations. In doing your research, see what the doctor offers, and look up the surgeon’s experience in the procedure of your choice. How many years have they been performing this surgery, and how many patients have they treated?
Respected by Both Their Patients and Peers
Once you’ve researched your potential surgeon’s qualifications, you should always read their reviews. Reviews may be found on the doctor’s website but can be found in other places on the internet as well such as realself.com. What do their former patients say? How are they considered by their peers and the medical community? When reading reviews, one can often start to understand what a surgeon’s bedside manner and personality is like as well as their professionalism and skill. With any surgical procedure, there is an element of trust, and that is something you want to make sure is strongly felt. Lastly, it is always wise to look at the before and after pictures on a surgeon’s website. Are the transformations in the pictures what you want for yourself? The decision to have plastic surgery is an intensely personal one, and by doing the right research and asking the right questions, there is no reason why you wouldn’t be able to find the right surgeon for you.
Dr. Mabourakh is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Mabourakh specializes in face, breast, and body procedures, and he puts additional emphasis on creating a strong and trusting doctor-patient relationship based on professionalism and respect. For more information or to set up a consultation, call our Folsom office at (916) 984-8585 or our Stockton office at (209) 464-5656, or fill out our online contact form today.
