When you decide to have plastic surgery, the right doctor can make all the difference in the success of your procedure. But how do you know which physician to choose? By considering a few key factors as you search for the best doctor for your needs.
Look for Board Certification
Board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery is the first qualification the cosmetic surgeon should have. This certification lets patients know the physician has completed a minimum of 3-5 years of training in general surgery and another 2-3 years of training in plastic surgery. In addition, board-certified physicians have undergone a variety of examinations to prove their expertise in the area of plastic surgery.
Consider Training and Experience
Qualified physicians will provide plenty of information about their education and experience in the field, including the schools where they earned their degrees and the hospitals where they did their internships and residencies. This information lets you know whether the doctor has worked specifically in the area of cosmetic surgery as a part of the training process.
Ask about Hospital Privileges
Even plastic surgeons that perform the majority of their procedures at their own outpatient facility should have privileges at one or more area hospitals. This is a good factor to weigh, since hospitals offer their own system of checks and balances to ensure the competency of each physician that works there. It also provides an option for patients who may need a hospital facility during or after their cosmetic surgery.
Ask for Referrals
Don’t be afraid to ask your surgeon for referrals from previous patients. Patients can let you know many key details about the quality of care the physician and staff provide, in addition to the results of the procedures. In addition, most physicians will share before and after photos of previous patients to give new patients an idea of what they might expect from their procedure.
Bring Questions to Consultation
When you schedule a consultation with a cosmetic doctor, bring a list of questions you want to ask to that appointment. The physician should be willing to take the time to answer all your questions and thoroughly explain the procedure you are interested in. If you don’t feel you get sufficient time and attention at this appointment, you may not receive the quality of care you are hoping for during your procedure.
Dr. William Umanksy and Jeffrey Umansky, MD pride themselves on offering the highest level of care to patients at their medical center. To learn more about the procedures offered by this experienced, talented team, contact the staff at Umansky Plastic Surgery.