Before you schedule your cosmetic surgery procedure, you’ll want to set up a consultation with one or many even two or three cosmetic surgeons to get a better idea about the various options that are available to you. While there can be benefits to getting a few different opinions before choosing which is right for you, however, you may end up with two or three different views on the best surgical approach for your needs.
If you find yourself in this situation, don’t panic. It’s completely normal for different cosmetic surgeons to approach each procedure a little differently, but that doesn’t mean that only one way is the right way. Still, this can be confusing, especially if you’ve had a positive experience at all of your consultations.
To help you make the most informed decision, consider these four tips when choosing a cosmetic surgeon for your breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction or other cosmetic procedure.
Look for Credentials, Experience and Trust
When you’re on the fence about which cosmetic surgeon to choose, the best way to narrow your search is to schedule an in-person consultation or two. This will help you determine if you’re able to establish a positive rapport with your cosmetic surgeon, if you feel comfortable communicating with him or her and if you’re satisfied with his or her ability to explain the process and answer your questions.
Don’t be hesitant to ask your cosmetic surgeon or office staff about his or her credentials, including where he or she went to medical school, residency programs and memberships with accredited medical associations like the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, the American College of Cosmetic Surgeons and the American Medical Association.
You’ll also want to choose a cosmetic surgeon who has experience performing the particular procedure you want. Many practices will include before and after photos on their websites to give you an idea of the kinds of results you can expect. If these are available, take a look at them and check to see if there are some examples of breast enhancement procedures, for example, if you’re looking to get breast implants.
Finally, choose a cosmetic surgeon whom you feel you can trust to guide you through the process and create a surgical plan that will give you the smooth, natural-looking results you want.
Clearly Communicate Your Goals
While you should feel that you can rely on the surgical skill and expertise of your cosmetic surgeon, he or she needs to have a clear understanding of your goals in order to help you achieve them. During your consultation, try to be as clear, open and honest as you can about what you’re looking for so that you and your cosmetic surgeon are on the same page.
Choose a cosmetic surgeon who takes the time to listen to your individual needs and goals before offering his or her recommendations.On the other hand, your cosmetic surgeon should also be able to clearly communicate with you and explain why a particular surgical method may be a better option than another. Not only will this give you a better understanding of the details of your procedure, but it’s also a good indication that you and your cosmetic surgeon will be able to effectively communicate with each other throughout the entire process.
Understand the Process behind Choosing Your Options
With any cosmetic procedure, whether getting breast implants or abdominoplasty, there are quite a few surgical options that you’ll need to discuss with your cosmetic surgeon. If different cosmetic surgeons have provided opposing recommendations during your consultations, these differences were probably in their choice of surgical techniques and options.
For a breast augmentation, for example, many women have questions about how to choose the right implant size. Because so many different factors can influence this decision, including your anatomy, natural body proportions and goals, it’s important that you work closely with your cosmetic surgeon to choose the right volume of implant, rather than rely on a desired bra cup.
Thus, your cosmetic surgeon should be able to explain why a particular size of implant may be the most appropriate for your body shape and type.
Similarly, if you’re considering a tummy tuck, different cosmetic surgeons may recommend slightly different variations of the same procedure. An Avelar tummy tuck, for instance, is a variation on a traditional procedure. It combines liposuction with a tummy tuck, and uses an innovative surgical technique that can lead to a quicker recovery time without the use of post-operative drains.
If you’re interested in this option, you may want to consult a cosmetic surgeon who offers Avelar tummy tucks and has ample experience with its unique surgical technique.
Ask Questions
Ultimately, if you’re working with an experienced cosmetic surgeon with whom you feel comfortable, you can rest assured that he or she will have your best interests in mind at all times. That said, if you are ever unsure of anything or have a question about a particular surgical technique or option, don’t hesitate to ask questions.
Clear communication is key to getting the best possible outcome and absolutely loving your results, so there is no such thing as a bad question. If you find that two cosmetic surgeons have provided you with similar recommendations, but one is much more thorough and detailed when answering your questions, you might want to use that quality as a way to choose between the two.
If you’re really stuck between two possibilities, you can always get a third opinion, but keep in mind that this is likely to add yet another differing opinion into the mix. Many times, it is more helpful to rely on qualities like excellent credentials, the ability to communicate clearly and surgical expertise and knowledge to choose the right cosmetic surgeon for your procedure.
Author: Dr. Joseph Castellano
Dr. Joseph Castellano is a native Floridian who grew up in the Tampa Bay area. After medical school and residency, Dr. Castellano returned home and has opened a practice in Tampa, Florida focusing on breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, liposuction, facelift, and eyelid rejuvenation. He is a member of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, American College of Surgeons, and American Medical Association
