Plastic surgery has become incredibly popular. Recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) show that nearly 20 million cosmetic procedures are completed in the United States each year. This is in addition to millions more reconstructive treatments. There are numerous plastic surgeons in all major cities, and patients hardly have to travel out of state to seek treatment. For individuals who are just getting started, finding the best plastic surgeon in Baton Rouge can seem like a daunting task. There seems to be so many professionals to choose from, and some criteria are needed to identify the best-suited practitioner. This blog post highlights 7 steps that you can follow to find the right surgeon for your plastic surgery procedure.
Step 1: Start with an online search
If you have a friend or colleague who had plastic surgery, then you could ask them to refer you to the plastic surgeon they worked with. However, if this is not the case, you could start with an online search to identify professionals who are practicing in the city. Using simple search phrases such as ‘plastic surgeon in Baton Rouge’ or ‘plastic surgeon near me’ will suffice. The idea is to find a few surgeons who seem to be established in the city and who seem to specialize in the specific cosmetic surgery that you are interested in.
Step 2: Ask for board certification
Now that you already have a few candidates, the next step is to ask for board certification. Examples of independent organizations that certify plastic surgeons include the American Board of Plastic Surgeons (ABPS) and the American Board of Cosmetic Surgeons (ABCS). The idea behind board certification is to ensure that listed surgeons adhere to set standards of professionalism. Membership with professional bodies such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is another positive indicator of a highly professional surgeon.
Step 3: Reviews their qualifications
Not all plastic surgeons are the same. Some have general training in plastic surgery while some have received specialized training in specific training or advanced skills such as microsurgery. You want to know that the surgeons you have listed have got the appropriate qualifications to perform your treatment. For instance, if you are looking for a professional who can perform a natural breast augmentation, you want to confirm that they are well versed in techniques such as fat grafting.
Step 4: Study the surgeon’s style and approach
Another key step when selecting a plastic surgeon in Baton Rouge is to assess the surgeon’s style and approach. How do they approach each patient’s case? Do they have an established work process or do they go out of their way to create an individualized treatment plan based on the patient’s unique needs and desires? What procedure techniques do they specialize in? Are they using the latest technology and most advanced surgical methods? These are some of the things you need to figure out. Start with the surgeon’s website to see whether you can gather a few facts regarding how they go about the surgery.
Step 5: Read reviews online
Online reviews written by a surgeon’s past patients can provide important information regarding the kind of experience you could expect from the surgeon. You want to know how pleased patients were when working with the surgeon. Did they feel that their experience was smooth? Is there anything that could have been done better? These are some of the things you should focus on. For most patients, reviews are available via third-party platforms such as Yelp and Google Reviews.
Step 6: Ask about their surgical facility
Most minor plastic surgeries are completed in a surgeon’s in-office operating room. However, some invasive treatments may need to be performed at a hospital – especially in cases where an overnight stay is required. You want to know that regardless of the type of surgery you are having, the procedure is going to be performed in an accredited facility. This is important to ensure that should there be any complications, you’ll be able to receive timely and quality assistance.
Step 7: Gauge for rapport
Last but not least, gauge whether you have a rapport with the surgeon. This can be done following your one-on-one consultation visit. Do you feel that the surgeon understands your needs and expectations? Are they committed to creating an individualized treatment plan to achieve your goals? Does the surgeon inspire confidence? How professional and supportive are their support team? These are some of the questions you should ask to ensure that you make the right decision.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Baton Rouge cosmetic surgeon is crucial to enhance the chances of a successful procedure outcome. Start with these steps and go out of your way to conduct proper research, assess before and after photos, and even contact some of the surgeon’s past patients. While you’re assessing the plastic surgeon, it’s also important that you pay attention to understanding what the surgery is all about, and whether you are qualified.