While cosmetic surgery is very popular, it is still an operation with risks. Most procedures are performed under general anesthesia. Thus, your life is in the surgical team’s hands for those few hours. The plastic surgeon heads the surgery and oversees the team as well. Therefore, you will live with the consequences of the plastic surgeon you choose. Therefore, you need to choose wisely.
There are plenty of plastic surgeons in Houston, TX. Unfortunately, you cannot trust a surgeon just because they are running a practice. Here are tried and tested ways to vet surgeons in Houston, TX, and choose the best for your cosmetic procedure.
Ensure the Plastic Surgeon Is Board Certified
In America, any medical doctor with general surgery training can legally perform cosmetic surgery. Many medics jump on the bandwagon to generate profits. Even with the infiltration of profit seekers, some board-certified plastic surgeons have gone to school and trained for plastic surgery procedures.
However, it is up to you to find out if your designated surgeon has the certification to perform cosmetic surgery. Request to see evidence of their board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). ABPS is the only board that authenticates a cosmetic surgeon’s education, training, experience, and expertise. The board also confirms that the doctor can perform your requested procedure.
Member of a Reputable Plastic Surgeon Society
Societies like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) have qualification standards that patients can use to authenticate the validity of their cosmetic surgeon.
ASPS accepts membership to plastic surgeons who have:
- Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)
- Six years of surgical training after medical school and at least three years of plastic surgery residency training
- Attained a high achievement in written and oral medical examinations
- A degree from an accredited medical school
- Annually complete the patient safety medical education
- License to practice accredited surgical facilities
- A strict Code of Ethics in their practice
Proof of Work
You cannot rely on the word of your plastic surgeon. Always request proof of work. Seeing the outcome of past surgeries lets you know the surgeon’s aesthetics. Assess the before and after pictures. Ask the surgeon to explain in detail what they did and gauge the quality of the outcome.
You can also check out reviews online for your type of plastic surgery in Houston, TX. This area has plenty of surgeons. Make sure to narrow the search to plastic surgeons within this city for more local results. Analyze the practice reviews on Yelp or Google Review. Ask about your chosen surgeon on Twitter, Reddit, or Quora.
Pay Attention to What the Surgeon Says
During your consultation, assess the surgeon. Are they knowledgeable? Do they demonstrate expertise in the type of procedure you want? Examine their personality and their level of care. Are they only interested in your money? Are they concerned about your health and outlook?
You should also pay attention to the medical staff. Assess how the attendants handle other patients, their interaction, and service to you and others present. Your findings should give you an idea of how they will conduct your surgery.
FAQs
Can a Certified Plastic Surgeon be Wrong for Me?
Aside from board certification and a license to practice, your relationship with the surgeon matters. Find another surgeon if you feel the one you met does not understand you or is a bit hard-headed. As trivial as it sounds, a rapport with your designated surgeon is essential. Talking to the surgeon should come with ease because you have to tell them everything concerning your health that will be helpful for the procedure.
At the surgeon’s office, you need to open up about your habits relating to the surgery, like smoking. Your medical history will also come up and other personal information. Awkwardness can limit your openness, causing you to withhold vital information needed for your well-being during and after the procedure.
Is It Okay to Reject a Certified Surgeon Because of their Medical Facility?
The medical facility is also significant in choosing a plastic surgeon. Is it fully fitted? Find out the facility level of accreditation by the state medical board. It should have an AAAASF, AAAHC, JCAHO, and IMQ operating facility certification. Ask to view your recovery room or surgical room if possible. Ascertain that the facility has everything you need for the operation and part-time recovery.
Is Customer Service Significant When Choosing a Plastic Surgeon?
How the medical personnel treats you and other patients before signing up for surgery is significant. If they are rude, forgetful, or neglectful, there is a higher probability they will treat you the same way during surgery. Go for a friendly, helpful, and ready-to-assist practice.
