New Year, New You! How to Choose the Right Plastic Surgeon for You

There’s perhaps no better way to welcome a new year with a new look—one that makes you feel confident and beautiful in every situation. Although you may be researching various procedures, surgical options, and learning what to expect from your plastic surgery journey, there’s another crucial aspect to keep in mind: the plastic surgeon themselves.

The plastic surgeon you choose will dramatically affect your overall experience, no matter the procedure. Knowing what to look for in a surgeon can make all the difference as you prepare to pursue having a cosmetic surgical procedure. .

Researching Plastic Surgeons

When it comes to deciding who you want to perform your plastic surgery, there are a few key points to look for while doing your research.

The one qualification a plastic surgeon must have is board certification in the field of plastic surgery, specifically by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. It is also beneficial to find those who are also affiliated with other organizations, such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, who require strict training and education requirements. These certifications and affiliations demonstrate a surgeon’s dedication to professional development and trustworthiness as a medical professional.

Look at the surgeons before and after gallery to ensure they have a large variety of photos for the procedure you are considering. If they have very few photos or none at all, this could be a red flag. Either they haven’t performed many procedures or their work isn’t good enough to show online.

Check patient reviews on sites such as Google, Yelp, Real Self, and Health Grades. See what is being said by others. This will provide a good overview of the surgeon’s reputation.  Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph Cruise also includes photo and video testimonials to better get to know patients who are pleased with the results he achieved through plastic surgery procedures like gynecomastia and mommy makeover.

Finding the Right Artistic Eye

Aside from professional qualifications, the next most important quality to look for when choosing a plastic surgeon is whether they possess an artistic eye for the procedure you want performed. From breast augmentation to facelift, it helps to know the surgeon you are researching yields results you find attractive. When looking at the surgeon’s photos, ask yourself if they line up with your expectations. Keep in mind that every procedure is highly personalized and not everyone will achieve the same result.

Ensuring Facility Accreditation

In addition to vetting your physician through checking their certifications, you also need to inquire about where procedures are performed. Not all outpatient facilities are the same, and many are not medically accredited for surgery.

Accreditations to look for include American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAASF) as well as Medicare participation. If a surgeon cannot or will not tell you whether the operating rooms they use for plastic surgery are not accredited by a medical organization, it is unwise to have that surgeon operate on you.

Get To Know Your Plastic Surgeon

Whether you schedule a virtual or in-person consultation, simply talking about your goals, concerns, and questions with a plastic surgeon can tell you all you need to know to make a decision. Once you know a physician has the necessary credentials, you simply need to know if you’re willing to work with him or her.

During the consultation, ask questions beyond the procedure to better get to know the person who will be performing your procedure. If it is easy to communicate and build trust with that person, your procedure will be all the more smooth, successful, and enjoyable, from preparation to final results.

A Plastic Surgeon You Can Trust in Newport Beach, CA

If you’re looking for reliable results from a plastic surgeon in Orange County, you can turn to Cruise Plastic Surgery. Men and women of all backgrounds and goals benefit from board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Cruise’s artistic skills. To find out more about your desired procedure, feel free to call us at (949) 446-1421 or fill out our online contact form.