It is important to do your research before choosing a plastic surgeon. From investigating online to sitting down face-to-face with potential doctors, a little legwork can go a long way toward finding someone you trust. In this blog post, Dr. Anna Wooten discusses some red flags to look out for when selecting a plastic surgeon.
Lack of Credentials
You probably won’t have any trouble finding a plastic surgeon, especially if you live in a large urban area, but the first step in choosing your doctor is to make sure they are board-certified. The American Board of Plastic Surgery makes it easy for you to confirm credentials at plasticsurgery.org. Board certification can only be achieved after six years of surgical training plus two more years dedicated specifically to plastic surgery. Members are additionally expected to maintain the highest standard of ethics. Never cut corners on experience in the interest of saving money.
Too Good To Be True
If someone offers you the world, there’s usually a catch. Beware of surgeons who make the following promises. Chances are, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Bargain Pricing – Deep discounts and surgery simply do not go together. Keep the coupon clipping for grocery shopping and oil changes and treat cosmetic surgery like an investment. With the right doctor, you will enjoy its rewards for years to come.
- Overselling or Upselling – Beware of the surgeon who treats his practice like a car dealership, trying to sell you add-ons and services you never asked for. Choose someone who respects your body and your expectations.
- Promises of Perfection – A dependable, professional doctor will be honest and up-front with you about your expectations for your surgery, as well as any risks that may be involved.
Bad Reviews
There is a wealth of information available at your fingertips. General service review sites as well as medical-specific websites are easy to find. Read what other patients have to say about their experiences with local surgeons. A cursory online search makes it pretty easy to get a feel for which practices to avoid.
As long as you do not ignore these red flags, choosing a cosmetic surgeon can be an enjoyable experience. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Anna Wooten, call Beleza Plastic Surgery at (724) 759-7777.