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How Should One Make a Choice Between Different Surgeons ?

asked 11 months ago by JVE in Atlanta, GA
Latest answer by Vivek Bansal, MD
Question viewed 385 times
Tags: comparison, doctor referral

I am having difficulty in making a choice between 2 surgeons. Both are ABPS certified as well as other credentials. Both were able to provide me with answers regarding abdominoplsty, both were able to answer all my questions. The difficulty comes from reviews ive read about them, the hospitals the procedures will take place. How much does years in practice/experience determine the choice? I saw photos on both of their websites, pictures in the office of one etc..etc.

19 answers to How Should One Make a Choice Between Different Surgeons ?

Tummy Tuck

It sounds like you have two good choices. Let your comfort level assist your decision.

Vivek Bansal, MD
Danville Plastic Surgeon

Choosing your surgeon?

Thank you for the question. Sounds like you're doing your due diligence. Based on your question it sounds like you have found two good plastic surgeons; now it comes down to your own “gut feeling”. Some general words of advice in this regard... Anyone considering plastic or reconstructive surgery should consider consulting a board certified plastic surgeon to achieve the best and safest results possible. Physicians who are considered board certified hold a... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

How to choose a plastic surgeon.

Choosing a doctor can be a confusing and seemingly arbitrary decision. However, there are many things to take into account when looking for the right doctor, including a plastic surgeon. Credentialing: This is one of the most important factors to determine. For plastic surgeons, the American Board of Plastic Surgery is the ONLY approved board for plastic surgery. The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery IS NOT an approved board by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).... more

David Bogue, MD
Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

Choosing the right surgeon for tummy tuck

It is difficult to choose between plastic surgeons. Assuming that the surgeons, as you said, are ABPS certified, have hospital privileges to perform the sugery (even if it is going to take place in their office surgery center and not the hospital), then it comes down to certain intangibles. You should feel that the results shown to you in their before and after photos are consistent with your goals. For example, I see results from board-certified surgeons that show... more

Robert M. Grenley, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Choosing between plastic surgeons

You have done good homework. I would trust your gut instincts more than on-line reviews if one has some that are less than positive. I also would go to the more experienced one because as well-intentioned as the younger one might be, all of us who are more "seasoned veterans" would tell you that our results are better after 20+ years of doing plastic surgery than they were when we were younger even though we were pleased with them back then.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Chosing between well qualified surgeons

You have obviously done your homework in checking on credentials for both surgeons and hospitals. In addition to the recommendations in the other answers to your question, I would add how do you feel about the office staff. Often you will have more interaction with them than the surgeon so you want to be comfortable with them and feel that they will treat you well. Good luck with your decision and surgery.

Margaret Skiles, MD
Sacramento Plastic Surgeon

Choosing A Plastic Surgeon

You have already done the important things in selecting a plastic surgeon. You note that both are certified bt the Amer. Board of Plastic Surgery and have comparable credentials. You also note that you have visited both web sites and presumably viewed photos. If all else is equal, it probably becomes a matter of which personality with whom you better mesh.

John Whitt, MD
Louisville Plastic Surgeon

Choosing the right plastic surgeon for you

Hello and thank you for the question. Assuming that both physicians are properly qualified (Board Certified in Plastic Surgery, etc) and you are satisfied with your online due diligence, I would ask the physicians to speak with old clients who have had similar procedures to get an opinion and a sense of what the procedure and post-procedural experience was like. Aside from that, I would choose the surgeon you have the best rapport with and are most comfortable with. You are... more

Glenn Vallecillos, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Making a Choice

After ensuring that your choices are board-certified , have reasonably answered your questions and discussed their particular approach (this can be assisted with pictures, etc); I would then just go with your intuition and who you feel most comfortable with. While all of us want happy patients and perfect procedures, in the end, this is a partnership between surgeon and patient to achieve your (realistic) goals; this includes the surgeon and his staff taking care of you whether the... more

Jerry Lugger, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Choosing a plastic surgeon

I do think that experience is important and this is likely reflected by how long the surgeon has been in practice. The hospital site can be important as well and you may be able to find that information on the web. But also important is the experience of others. Your surgeons may be able to put you in touch with one or two of their patients who are willing to talk to you.

Hugh McLean, MD
Mississauga Plastic Surgeon

Choice of surgeons

Thus us a very difficult and tricky question to answer. Often with equal credentials it is a matter of chemistry, who referred each, and whose philosophical approach you agree with. Ask probing questions. Ask to speak with past patients. And remember there does not have to be only one surgeon that will be appropriate for you. One question I tell patient is to ask yourself who is more likely to be able to help you through a complication. Robin T.W. Yuan, M.D.

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

You have done your homework

I would say that you be fine with either one. Do not put much value on the web review since the surgeon can be acused without beine able to defend him or herself. I would say that post op pictures are the best tool. You do want the most technical and artist surgeon , not the nicest guy. You cab ask for patient referral and ask Dr's office staff if they had work done by the surgeon.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD
New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

How Should One Make a Choice Between Different Surgeons ?

Very hard to give an answer when 2 equally qualified PS's are compared. Things you can do. Ask each of the PSs if they had to chose a PS is the other doc acceptable for their family. Most of us would not deny you using a qualified colleague. If one of the PSs say he can not recommend the other it is a turf issue than. I never have an issue to refer to a local qualified PS. Another way is to ask to speak to 2 or 3 post patients that have had the exact operation. Best of Luck. more

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Choice of surgeon

It's a great question. I think after all is said and done, see which surgeon you are more comfortable with. The doctor patient relationship is one of great trust, and the trust will build not just from a surgeon's past results and reputation, but also from how approachable a surgeon is and how comfortable you feel about letting him/her have control over your health.

Anindya Lahiri, MBBS
Birmingham Plastic Surgeon

Choice between tummy tuck surgeons

After board certification the choice between surgeons can be difficult. We always suggest a visit to their web sites and review of results to find what your surgeon feels are good results. The final choice sometimes will come down to where you feel most comfortable with the surgeon and the staff. Remember you will be forming a partnership toward you recovery and result. Choose the office that will stay with you for the full distance. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Choosing a surgeon

Basically, after board certification and other credentials, if all else is equal, then you should go with your gut feeling - which one is easier to talk to, which office staff are more accommodating, etc.

David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

www.ShaferPlasticSurgery.com

Choosing Best Plastic Surgeon for Your Tummy Tuck

Your choice should be based on emotion, psychology, and feelings. A strange answer from a plastic surgeon? Not really- let me explain. If you've already done your homework on the facts, like board certification, before and after photos, hospitals privileges, and other factors, then the only difference if how you feel about your plastic surgeon and his office staff. A tummy tuck is a large procedure, and will take some time to heal after your operation... more

Roy Kim, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

Surgeon choice

If they both are a good option in your opinion, then go with the one who make you feel more comfortable. It is very important the patient doctor relationship, some one in who you trust, and just it's feels a good decision (if you have already check they are ABPS.

Francisco Sauceda, MD
Mexico Plastic Surgeon

Comfort

If both surgeons are equally qualified and all objective parameters are essentially equal, then go with the surgeon and office that you feel more comfortable with. Who do you like better? Sometimes, after all is said and done, its the gut feeling that guides you where you need to go! Good Luck!