Finding the Right Plastic Surgeon for You

Plastic surgery patients have many difficult decisions to make before their procedure. However, finding the right plastic surgeon is the most important decision a patient can make. When you begin your search, the American Board of Plastic Surgery suggests that you ask your plastic surgeon if he or she is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The government does not require a surgeon to be specifically trained in the procedures they offer. As such, they also recommend that you understand your surgeon's specialties and sub-specialties.

A new book titled Navigate Your Beauty: Safe and Smart Plastic Surgery Solutions, aims to help plastic surgery patients find the surgeon that is right for them. Rod Rohrich, head of the department of plastic surgery at University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, is a coauthor of the book. He wants patients to remember that not all plastic surgeons are experts in every single procedure. That is why it is so important to find a specialist. Some plastic surgeons specialize in facial rejuvenation and rhinoplasty, while others specialize in breast augmentation and reduction.

When looking for the right plastic surgeon, it is important to look for someone with:

• Experience
• Expertise
• Extraordinary Results
  
  

In order to find a surgeon that meets these criteria, you should ask your surgeon the following questions:

• Is this one of the top three most common surgical procedures you perform?
• How often do you perform this procedure?
• Can I see long-term follow-up pictures so I can see the results?
• Do you teach or lecture about the procedure?
• Where do you perform the surgery and what is the facility's level of accreditation? (Look for AAAASF, AAAHC, or JCAHO operating facility certification)
  
  

When interviewing potential plastic surgeons, be sure to take notes. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Is the surgeon amiable and available to answer your questions and perform your surgery?
• Is the surgeon caring and compassionate?
• Can you talk freely with the surgeon?
• Is he or she forthcoming about your procedure and the risks associated with it?
• Did the surgeon answer your questions thoroughly and with authority?
• Do you feel comfortable disclosing your full medical history and habits to the surgeon?
  
  

Whatever you do – never choose a plastic surgeon because of a flashy website or because they are inexpensive. There are always bargain plastic surgeries from franchise operations or from non-plastic surgeons performing cosmetic procedures.

BUYER BEWARE:

When you are interviewing plastic surgeons, beware of a surgeon that is impatient. Surgeons, who rush you into making a decision, do not have your best interest in mind. Also, beware of surgeons who wish to combine several major surgeries into one operation. Combining surgeries may not be what is best for your body and can complicate your recovery and the outcome of your procedure. If your surgeon refuses to answer any of your questions or provide you with follow-up photos, that should be a major red flag.

Contact Pasadena Plastic Surgeon Specialists

If you are considering plastic surgery, it is important to choose a plastic surgeon carefully. There is a reason so many Pasadena men and women continue to choose Dr. Kevin Ruhge to perform their plastic surgeries. His personalized approach to plastic surgery means that his clients can contact him 24/7 after a surgical procedure.

We invite you to meet with Dr. Ruhge for a private consultation at our office in Pasadena by calling 626.397.9095, or by scheduling an appointment online.