How Important It Is Choosing the Right Surgeon

June 19, 2020

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Plastic surgery
Interest in reconstructive plastic surgery and cosmetic plastic surgery has been on a steady rise in the last 10 years. Whereas cosmetic surgery is normally carried out to improve personal appearance, reconstructive plastic surgery aims to treat the body or parts of the body affected by disease, trauma, infection, and other functional or aesthetical effects.

The interest in cosmetic surgical procedure is driven by factors like advances in treatment technology, wide acceptance, and general health benefits and well-being. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons report shows as many as 1.8 million cosmetic surgical procedures were conducted in 2017. According to Healthline, the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures in 2019 were:

• Breast augmentation
• Liposuction
• Nose reshaping
• Eyelid surgical procedure
• Tummy tuck

Breast surgery includes procedures such as breast enlargement, breast reduction and breast lift. Breast augmentation involves grafting of body fat and the implantation of saline or silicone gel prosthetics. For most women, the procedure is crucial in correcting less desirable features and boosting self-esteem. Breast lift or Mastopexy is a delicate procedure that involves the removal of skin and underlying grandular tissue to uplift the breast or reduce its size.

Surgeons who perform liposuction often deploy a thin hollow tube called cannula to remove fat from the targeted areas of the body. The other devices used in the procedure include laser devices and ultrasound. The treatment often targets the thighs, arms, buttocks and abdomen. Tummy tuck is normally carried out to firm or reshape the abdomen. The procedure also known as abdominoplasty, involves the elimination of skin and fat from the abdomen.

There are also many people interested in facial cosmetic surgeries such as eyelid surgeries, Rhinoplasty and Otoplasty. Eyelid surgery, also known as Blepharoplasty helps reshape the eyelids. The procedure entails the removal of fat and excess skin to reinforce the underlying muscles. The surgeon can order ear surgery or Otoplasty to treat a prominent ear or reshape the cartilage hosting the ear. Rhinoplasty is a popular procedure commonly referred to as a nose job.

The procedure helps reshape the nose and can go a long way to improve breathing function and overall facial appearance. Due to operational complexities, Rhinoplasty requires a small surgical incision. To prevent complications from facial plastic surgery, it is highly advisable to find a certified and experienced surgeon to conduct facial cosmetic procedures. The board-certified surgeons are usually members of professional organizations such as:

• The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)
• The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS)
• The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS)

Patients requiring minor body augmentation may be asked to undergo minimally invasive procedures. The most popular procedures include the use of Botox, fillers, chemical peels, laser hair removal and Microdermabrasion. Chemical peels are often recommended for the treatment of conditions like acne, wrinkles, and scars. Depending on the enormity of the situation, the surgeon may use active ingredients such as lactic acids to achieve a desired outcome.

Finding a surgeon

Getting the right surgeon is important as it sweeps through critical and discernible issues like experience, credentials, trust and outcome. You can start the process by performing a thorough research of the surgeons and their practices. According to AARP, the research should dwell on uncovering the surgeon’s state credentials, surgical certifications, the existence of professional reprimands, and the surgeon’s ratings and number of procedures conducted.

Patients can establish the surgeon’s credentials by looking at the medical and training schools they attended alongside the certifications held. The history of malpractice or disciplinary action is important, especially when it comes to figuring trust issues and treatment outcomes. Remember, a surgeon experienced in performing certain procedures stands a better chance of providing better care. It is always advisable to choose a surgeon you are comfortable speaking to.

The friendliness and professionalism of a surgeon is an important element when evaluating communication style. He or she should be in a position to provide all the information you need and answer all your questions. If gender is important to you, choose a surgeon you are free to share your personal information with. Asking about the surgeon’s experience in taking care of patients with similar conditions can help you answer this question.

a). Questions to consider in your interrogation
Patients can get referrals for a surgeon from various sources, including friends, primary care doctors, medical specialists, healthcare providers and medical journals. Once you have the list, you need to know how to conduct your interrogation. According to WebMD, here are key questions:

• What is the surgeon’s area of expertise?
• Is the surgeon friendly and professional?
• How many years has the surgeon carried out the listed procedures?
• What is the cost of surgery procedures? (The cost factors; consultation fee, operating room, anesthesia and related charges)
• Where will the surgical procedure be performed?
• Does the surgeon work in a certified surgical facility? Is the facility fully equipped with advanced emergency equipment, anesthesia monitoring services, and a board-certified anesthesiologist?
• Are patients awaiting surgery allowed to check pictures of other patients; after and before surgery?
• In case a second surgery is needed, how is the financial obligation and responsibility apportioned?

b.) Caution
As a precautionary measure, patients looking to undergo a surgical procedure should avoid surgeons and practices that are quick to guarantee results. Patients should also be wary of surgeons who don’t encourage patients to ask questions or perform the procedures they want.


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