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

asked 4 months ago by mountainmomma in Bend, OR
Latest answer by Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS
Question viewed 320 times
Tags: choosing a surgeon, consultation

I really liked and respected both camps so I am having trouble deciding which way to go. All things are equal as far as qualifications and price. Please help!

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

+4

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!
John J. Corey, MD

Phoenix Plastic Surgeon
+2

How to choose a surgeon?

Firstly, you need to find a board certified plastic surgeon (no other "certification" has any formal training in breast augmentation despite the names given to the "boards"). Finding members of ASPS and ASAPS are beneficial and also looking at before and after images from the physician. With all things being equal, you have to pick the person with whom you had the most "connection." You will have to trust your surgeon to make some decisions for... more
Vincent P. Marin, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

How to Pick the Best Plastic Surgeon

How do I pick the best Plastic Surgeon is what you are asking. Here is my advice: Verify Board Certification by American Board of Plastic Surgery (do this online) Member of American Society of Plastic Surgery (requirements beyond Board Certification) Member of American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (indicates extensive experience in aesthetic surgery - see below link) Look at online review sites - like RealSelf, Health Grades,RateMDs,... more
Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

Choosing a Plastic Surgeon

When considering Plastic Surgery, always choose a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. This may sound obvious, but many physicians perform procedures that outside of the spectrum of their practice and training. Compare before and after photos, and talk to other patients who have chosen that surgeon. Finally, you should select a surgeon and staff who are a good fit for your goals and personality. You should like your surgeon and feel comfortable with him/her. There... more
Mia E. Skourtis, MD

Portland Plastic Surgeon
+1

Outcomes and The Quality of Your Relationship are Very Important

Hi there- Plastic Surgery, more than most other medical specialties, will produce outcomes and experiences that are dependent on intangibles unrelated to the physician's credentials. On other words, I'm glad that you have found two surgeons with excellent qualifications. This is a great place to start from. Making the decision from here should be based on the quality of the relationships you will enjoy (or not) with the surgeon and the staff in the practice.... more
Armando Soto, MD

Orlando Plastic Surgeon

www.DrArmandoSoto.com

+1

Liking to surgeons.

Liking both of your plastic surgeons is a good thing. It's also good if both of them are making similar recommendations as it confirms that the surgical plan is sound. If you like both equally you may have to turn to personal things in your life that may help make the decision. Is one office closer to you than the other? Are they both available at the same time when you have time to recover? Do you like their staff? It seems like you can't go wrong... more
Adam Tattelbaum, MD

Washington DC Plastic Surgeon

www.atcosmetics.com

+1

Photos, Photos, Photos and patient testimonials to decide which doctor to work with

Getting more than one consultation can be very confusing but it is very helpful as well. I think the best thing to do is to look at as many pre and post op photos to see if you like the position of the scars, the shape of the breast. There are soooooo many things to consider and you actually have many options with both surgeries. For example with the breast augmentation you have the choice of implant style, size, texture, position, incision location etc. For example placing... more
Kimberley O'Sullivan, MD

Boston Plastic Surgeon

osullivanplasticsurgery.com

+1

Did you ever have to make up your mind?

If you are choosing between two well qualified surgeons - that's great! There's an abundance of talent in your area! Here are some other ideas to help you with your choice: Look at their before and after photos. Ask about how they handle complications. Speak to other patients from their practice. Which practice gives you "the warm fuzzies"? Which one has done more of your procedures? All the best!
Thomas Fiala, MD

Altamonte Springs Plastic Surgeon
+1

Who is the best doctor????

That is a very good question. If you make sure that the doctor is certified by the American board of Plastic Surgery. That way you will know that they have had the proper training in performing this procedure. You can also find out what reputable hospitals they could perform this procedure in. If they can not do it there they should not be doing it any where. If you have already confirmed the above then sometimes asking friends or hospital employees will help. Last but not least how do you... more
William Aiello, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

Which surgeon

If they have similar qualifications and price, I think the next step is for you to ask them how they perform the surgery, what they actually do and why they do what they do. Then think about their explanations and go with the one that makes the most logical sense to you
Julio Garcia, MD

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

lvcosmeticsurgery.com

+1

Choosing between two doctors

It sounds like you have done your homework and will likely be happy either way. Other factors that may help with your decision Board certification in plastic surgery - a MUST! Previous patient reviews (online review sites) "google" them Talk to previous patients Revision policy (who is financially responsible for revisions) Type of anesthesia used for the procedure of your choice. I prefer to avoid general anesthesia whenever... more
York Jay Yates, MD

Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon

www.yorkyates.com

+1

Selecting your surgeon

Thank you for your question. First of all, make sure that the surgeon you choose is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Did both of your surgeons spend a lot of time with you and answer all of your questions. If you can't decide, I would choose the one who has the best before and after photos for the procedures that you are going to have. Good luck with your choice and your surgery.
James McMahan, MD

Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tough choices

If both plastic surgeons are board certified by the american board of plastic surgery and members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and you had positive experiences in with both offices, its a tough call. Look at each practice's before/after photos as well. Sounds like you've done your homework. Go with your gut feeling. I'm sure either board certified plastic surgeon will do a great job. Best of luck!
C. Bob Basu, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.basuplasticsurgery.com

+1

Go with the more experienced one

If you have met with two plastic surgeons and you like both, and both are also equally qualified in terms of board certification, then my advice would be to choose the one that is more experience in the surgery that you are interested in.
James Tang, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Choosing surgeons

If all things are truly equal and you feel confident with both, it probably doesn't matter in that you will not know if you made the right or wrong choice until you do the surgery. That is, if everything goes well, you will say you made the right choice. If something goes wrong, you will say you made the wrong choice. My advice to patients is that if everything goes well, it doesn't matter. Everyone expects that. However, things can go wrong no matter who is operating on you. Ask... more
Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Staff and speaking with prior patients may help in your decision

I agree with some of the previous answers. The doctors staff can also play an important role in preparing for surgery as well as who will be assisting in your recovery process. I would recommend that you feel comfortable with everyone that will be involved in your care. Also, you may consider seeking advise from prior patients of the surgeons. In my office we give a list of names and phone numbers of previous patients who are willing to speak with prospective patients... more
Renato Saltz, MD

Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon

www.saltzplasticsurgery.com

+1

How to choose a surgeon

It's great you found 2 plastic surgeons you like and feel comfortable with. Do you have any friends who have had experiences at the different offices? That may be helpful. Do they both have photos of results to share with you? They are both Board Certified? The key is that you communicate well and that the surgeon is Board Certified and can show you representative results that you like. You have a good problem!
Michele A. Shermak, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

www.drshermak.com

+1

How to choose between two surgeons

What a wonderful problem to have! I am sure that you have done all your homework, you've gotten to know the staff who will also be taking care of you, here are a few other thoughts call the local hospitals operating room and see who the staff their use, they see these doctors operating all the time, generally you'll get someone who knows which plastic surgeon operates on the staff...you could aslo ask about reputation at the hospital...a nice surgeon in the office but that... more
Thomas B. Lintner, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Choosing Plastic Surgeon for Tummy Tuck?

It's good that you have some to plastic surgeons you like; you could have worse problems. I would make the decision based on which plastic surgeon you feel ( based on hours of due diligence) is most likely to achieve the results you're looking for. Everything else is secondary. You are about to undergo a major operation which often involves a significant physical and emotional recovery. A few words of advice may be helpful:
 1. Make sure you are doing the... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

+1

Good problem to have

I am glad to hear that you have been pleased by your surgeon options. I am assuming they are both board certified plastic surgeons. My next criteria suggestion would be office staff and before and after pictures. Good luck.
Vishnu Rumalla, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

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

Ask to see/talk to a few patients of each surgeon to compare results/care. Otherwise it is your decision upon whom you wish to chose.
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Surgeon 1 or Surgeon 2. What else is behind door number 1? 2?

Thank you for your question. I am glad that you have had two good experiences. Given that you like both surgeons, the next step is to look at the surgeon's staff, how easy is it to reach someone on the phone to answer questions and schedule an appointment. Also, assess actually where the surgery is going to be done. Is it going to be at a hospital, ambulatory surgery facility, doctor's office, etc...These things may help you decide. If after all your further... more
J. Jason Wendel, MD

Nashville Plastic Surgeon

www.mc.vanderbilt.edu

+1

Identical mommy make-over consultations

It is fortunate that you found two offices that you like well. One way to help you decide is a careful study of the web site and review of the typical 'before and after' photos. You might find insights about the kind of results to be expected, and the pictures posted often reveal what the surgeon likes and strives for. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com
Peter E. Johnson, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Which plastic surgeon?

As long as both plastic surgeons are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have extensive experience, operate in accredited facilities, and you are very comfortable with both, either one could be a good choice for you.
Arnold S. Breitbart, MD

Long Island Plastic Surgeon
+1

Which one are you most comfortable with?

I like to remind patients that as much as they feel like they are choosing me, i am choosing them as well. if i enjoy a patients company and feel confident that they will follow through on their end of the procedure, i will agree to operate on them. ultimately you are making a contract between yourself and your surgeon. which one do you feel most confident making this contract with? i hope this helps at least a little!
Eric Chang, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

www.columbiaaesthetic.com

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