Plastic surgery is common now more than ever. The majority of people have this type of surgery in order to alleviate aesthetic concerns such as a crooked nose, droopy eyelids, stubborn pockets of fat, and small breasts. A subset of plastic surgery procedures known as reconstructive surgery can help address deformities resulting from birth defects, injury, and disease (e.g. breast cancer). If you are planning to have plastic surgery in Baton Rouge, it is important you keep a few important considerations in mind so as to ensure a successful procedure outcome.
1. Understand your needs
The first major consideration for patients who are looking forward to having plastic surgery is to understand their needs. The type of plastic surgery procedure you undergo will be influenced by your aesthetic concerns or the functional issue you need to be addressed through reconstructive surgery. Your plastic surgeon will be best placed to recommend the best procedure choice based on your custom needs. Keep in mind that most plastic surgeons require that you are in good physical and mental shape before undergoing plastic surgery. You also need to have realistic expectations about the outcome of your procedure.
2. Find a board-certified plastic surgeon
Over the last few decades, plastic surgeons have perfected their craft and techniques have dramatically improved. Most patients are now able to undergo a cosmetic procedure of choice and recover within as little as two weeks. Some procedures such as breast augmentation have satisfaction rates as high as 98%. The key for patients is to work with a surgeon who is certified in plastic surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This is an independent accreditation body that vets practicing plastic surgeons to make sure that they adhere to the highest levels of ethics, quality, and professionalism. Membership with professional bodies such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) can also be a good indicator that a surgeon is qualified enough.
3. Go for seasoned plastic surgeons
Choose a plastic surgeon who is particularly experienced in the type of plastic surgery that you are looking to have. For instance, if you are considering a nose reshaping procedure, vet surgeons who have performed dozens or even hundreds of numerous nose jobs. This is important because if a surgeon has done it right for numerous patients before, then there is a pretty good chance that they will also get it right for you. Ask to see before and after photos and possibly even contact a few of the surgeon’s past clients so you get a good impression of their work.
4. Ensure the surgeon’s facility is accredited
Plastic surgeries may either be performed in a plastic surgeon’s in-office operating room or an accredited surgical facility. For instance, simpler procedures such as a mini tummy tuck can be easily completed within the plastic surgeon’s operating room. However, complicated surgeries such as breast reconstruction need to be carried out at a hospital or larger facility where you can stay for a few nights. Either way, the goal is to make sure that the procedure you are having is performed at an accredited facility. Surgical facility accreditations are usually assigned by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF), and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO).
5. Attend a consultation visit
Attending a consultation visit with your selected plastic surgeon during the initial stages of your plastic surgery planning is another crucial consideration. You need to have a one-on-one meeting to assess the surgeon’s approach and see whether you are comfortable with them. This initial visit also presents a good opportunity to gather more insights and clear any doubts you may have about plastic surgery. You get to ask questions regarding what is required to qualify for the surgery, how to prepare, how much it costs, how to finance the procedure, and what to expect during recovery. The surgeon should listen to you, examine your problem areas, and recommend the best possible procedure for you.
Conclusion
Baton Rouge plastic surgeon Dr. Ruston Sanchez specializes in diverse plastic surgery procedures. The surgeon has years of hands-on experience and has helped countless Louisiana men and women to meet their aesthetic and functional goals with plastic surgery. Dr. Ruston creates an individualized treatment plan for each patient and goes out of his way to ensure a successful procedure outcome. Get in touch with the surgeon’s Baton Rouge office to learn more about how to prepare for various procedure options available and how they can help you meet your goals.