Choosing the right plastic surgeon to perform your cosmetic procedure is maybe the most important decision of this medical journey. You want to feel completely comfortable with the plastic surgeon that you choose, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your procedure’s eventual outcome. Identifying a top plastic surgeon in your area can be difficult, however. There are so many articles online and ads on social media that indicate a variety of sales pitches and costs and this might bring the price to the top of your mind. It’s important to remember, in these cases, that your cosmetic procedure is a very big medical choice and that you want to put yourself in the hands of the right doctor, not the cheapest.

As you vet the candidates in your area, remember to look for some of the following attributes. Try asking some important questions, as well, to determine who might be the best plastic surgeon in northern NJ, for example.

Top 3 attributes to look for in a plastic surgeon

In your initial consultations with prospective plastic surgeons, remember to keep the following three important qualities or attributes in mind.

Medical Knowledge, Certification & Experience

The first and most important quality to consider when vetting prospective plastic surgeons are their medical knowledge and experience. You’ll want to make sure that the plastic surgeon has all of the most relevant certifications. Many people think they can depend on state medical boards to ensure that surgeons are qualified to perform the procedures they advertise. However, the truth is that the government does not require a surgeon to be specifically trained in the procedures they offer. As a result, patients need a dependable way to know if their surgeon is properly trained and experienced in cosmetic surgery. That’s why it’s important to ask that the surgeon is certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS).

You should also make sure that he or she has experience in the specific procedure that you are looking to have done. Each area of cosmetic surgery requires different skills. For example, operating on a nose with bone, cartilage, and breathing passages is quite different from operating on a breast, which is primarily comprised of soft tissue. Given this, cosmetic surgeons can have subspecialties within the field. Choose a surgeon who is board-certified in cosmetic surgery and has substantial experience in the procedure you are considering.

Quality of Patient Care

Simply put, surgery is a big deal. No matter which procedure you choose to undergo, there is a lot of prep work that needs to be done and the final outcome is typically the main concern for most patients. As a result, you want to find a plastic surgeon that has a history of top-quality patient care. You can find this out by asking the plastic surgeon to speak to other patients of his or hers that underwent the same procedure you are seeking. You can also look online at patient reviews on websites like HealthGrades. Another way to determine that you and the surgeon are on the same page is to look at before and after photos on the practice’s website. From this information, you will get a sense of the doctor’s aesthetics and what you can expect from the final result.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

While medical experience and quality of care are top-of-mind attributes, communication skills should also make the top of the list. To undergo a medical cosmetic procedure, you should feel 100% comfortable with your cosmetic surgeon and their support team. Choose a cosmetic surgeon that you like and trust completely with your safety and results. You should be able to ask him or her every lingering question you may have. Ask about your procedure, their practice, the expected recovery, and/or any other related detail. The right plastic surgeon for you will answer them freely and honestly.

You might try asking yourself the following questions to be sure that you are comfortable with the surgeon’s interpersonal skills.

  • Do I like spending time with this surgeon?
  • Do I trust this surgeon to recommend what’s safe and right for me?
  • Would I feel comfortable asking this surgeon any question I might have throughout the process?
  • Do I feel comfortable disclosing my full medical history and habits to this surgeon? (This is critically important to your safety!)

Why does board certification matter?

Board certification indicates that your plastic surgeon is qualified in many important ways. When a doctor is a board-certified plastic surgeon, the doctor is extensively trained in both facial and body procedures. He or she has also learned how to prevent and handle emergencies. Finally, the doctor developed top-tier technical skills and aesthetic judgment.

The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is a part of the American Board of Medical Specialties. Certification recognizes to certify doctors in the full range of plastic and reconstructive procedures.

To be certified by the ABPS, a doctor must have at least five years of approved surgical training, which includes a plastic surgery residency. Additionally, a physician must also pass comprehensive written and oral exams in plastic surgery.

Important questions to ask your plastic surgeon

  • Are you certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery?
  • How did you train in the procedure that I am considering?
  • Are there other patients of yours that I can speak to about their outcome?
  • How many years have you been performing this procedure?
  • Do you have before-and-after photos I can review?
  • How many times have you performed this type of procedure?

Dr. Anthony Berlet Can Help You

Dr. Berlet is a top plastic surgeon in northern NJ dedicated to helping patients achieve their cosmetic goals. With over 20 years of experience in serving this community, Dr. Berlet is well-equipped to assess your unique condition, recommend the best procedures for you, and ensure a safe and speedy recovery. To learn more about how Dr. Berlet and his team of qualified care experts can help you, reach out to the practice today! 

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