After Two Consultations, I Like Both Surgeons, How do I Decide?

Go with the better looking one.......just kidding...Assuming training, cost and results to be equal, I find the next level of decision making for many patients is the office staff. I send out evaluation forms to all of my patients and many say they love my staff and that other doctors employees turned them off. You will have some scheduling issues and may have questions needing answering my the nurse, so take all of that into consideration!

            It’s important for patients to be
comfortable with their choice of plastic surgeon before proceeding with any
type of cosmetic surgery. When choosing a surgeon, several issues should be considered.  These include the surgeons training,
certification and experience.

            Completion of a plastic surgery
residency is an essential requirement when picking a surgeon.  Although it seems obvious that cosmetic
surgery should be performed by someone trained in plastic surgery, this isn’t
always the case.  There are many
physicians who perform cosmetic surgery who haven’t completed plastic surgery
training. They frequently refer to themselves as cosmetic surgeons and have
trained in a variety of other areas.

            Board certification is also
extremely important.  This means that
your surgeon has undergone testing and peer review.  He has satisfied certain criteria that are
associated with surgical excellence.

            One of the most important factors is
your surgeons’ level of experience. 
Surgeons who have extensive experience with cosmetic surgery tend to
have higher success rates.  Equally
important is your comfort level with your plastic surgeon.  Your plastic surgeon should be someone that
you’re comfortable talking to.  It’s also
a good idea to have consultations with multiple surgeons, so you have a basis
for comparison.

            Take your time with this very
important decision.  If you have questions,
doubts or anxiety regarding this issue don’t proceed until they’re resolved.  Remember, mommy makeover surgery is an
elective procedure and you shouldn’t proceed unless you’re prepared in every
way.  Picking the right plastic surgeon
is one of the most important types of preparation.

Hello! Thank you for your question.  Cost will vary among plastic surgeons as well as with geographic location and what procedures exactly they will be providing to you.  Certainly, researching a board certified plastic surgeon well-versed in the procedure(s) you desire is recommended - checking the American Board of Plastic Surgery is a great start. Consult with two or more surgeons who you are happy with their postoperative photographs and those who you, most importantly, feel comfortable and confident with. Use the opportunity to ask questions as well as visit with staff and investigate the accredited facilities they work out of.  I believe fellowship-training, beyond the core plastic surgery residency to be important, as that surgeon has gone above and beyond to seek additional training specific to that area of interest and chosen to gain additional expertise in that area.   Experience should not be measured solely by the age of the surgeon or how many years s/he has been in practice.  Checking the education and training is more valuable - a Board Certified MD plastic surgeon who was accepted to and completed an integrated plastic surgery residency, in today's day and age, are excellent choices. Those are the top students who have superior training at top institutes.  Plastic Surgery is NOT a fellowship...it is a residency. Those surgeons who have actually successfully completed additional fellowship training beyond the plastic surgery residency are also passionate about that area and will likely have the most recent, innovative, and up to date techniques. These are usually the younger surgeons, who are still readily willing and competent to continue to strive for the newest material and remain up to date on literature and conferences. You must decide for yourself who you are most comfortable with and confident with who will meet your goals and expectations. Cost may differ just on expertise and the aforementioned additional training ad what that additional expertise training has afforded to his/her patients.  Hope that this helps!  Best wishes!