If you are reading this blog, then you are convinced that you should opt for a cosmetic surgery. Phew! Half of our job done! ;)
On a more serious note, the next big question that arises is: How to choose a good and experienced plastic surgeon for your surgery?
Since cosmetic surgery is not a part of the age-long and ‘routine’ medical procedures, your search for a good surgeon might not get narrowed down so easily. To help you make an informed decision, here is a list of the must-knows before you zero-in on one.
1. Training
Well, for starters you should know the difference between surgeons who earn their degree and those who buy it, so a background check of her/his college and qualifications is important. S/he should be board-certified and a plastic surgeon by training.
It wouldn’t hurt to pick one who has international training and worldwide exposure so that you can cash maximum out of her/his experience.
2. Sense of Aesthetics
You want to undergo a cosmetic surgery to enhance your existing physical appearance. So it would be wise to choose a surgeon who has an eye for detail and suggests ways to improve the overall aesthetic result during consultation.
An example will make this point clearer. For a hair transplant, pick a surgeon who advises you on creation of a more natural looking hairline rather than the one who tries the sell her/his technique i.e. someone who recommends inclusion of finer touches that can give you a completely natural and enhanced look.
3. Honesty
A plastic surgeon’s credibility can be easily measured by how authentic and truthful s/he is. Make sure your surgeon conveys what ‘can-be’ and ‘cannot-be’ achieved during the consult itself.
Honesty about the outcomes of the surgery right from the beginning gives you realistic expectations. Dissatisfaction will be ensured if you are promised the moon and it’s not delivered.
4. Informed & Updated
Cosmetic surgery has evolved so fast in recent years that it is imperative to choose a surgeon who has knowledge of recent trends and is abreast with the changing techniques and technologies. Here comes the role of the younger generation of cosmetic surgeons who have learned latest techniques that did not exist at the time their seniors took their training.
Do extensive research on the classical and contemporary procedures and make certain that you don’t settle for anything short of the best.
5. Appealing and Fine-looking Set-up
‘Style is a reflection of your aptitude and your personality.’
If your surgeon is particular about the aesthetic outcome of the surgery, it should mirror in the environment s/he works in. A shabby set-up may as well pronounce a namesake result of your surgery.
6. Good pre- and post-op pictures
You cannot blindly trust a plastic surgeon based on his promotional antics. Do ensure that the surgeon shares her/his body of work with you during consultation and you get a fair idea of the procedure and outcomes by viewing the pre- & post-operational pictures of her/his prior work.
7. Duration of consultation
You should opt for a surgeon who gives ample time during consultation, taking you through the journey of expectations, procedure and outcomes lucidly and patiently so that all your doubts are cleared, and your apprehensions and fears are taken care of.
Since you are trusting this surgeon with your body, expect the best possible treatment.
Finally, though it can't be categorised under the ‘life saving’ sort, cosmetic surgery is definitely a ‘life altering’ one for many; and since your exterior appearance is at stake, the choice of your surgeon can make or break the deal!
So try to get as many ticks in this checklist as you can.
Wishing you a happy surgery… and a great new look!
