As plastic surgeons in Marin County drawing patients from all over the Bay Area, we hear about a lot of different New Year’s resolutions at this time of year. Most patients are interested in self-improvement, making commitments to exercise, eat better, or pursue a personal dream that’s been on the back burner for years. We’ve got one more resolution we’d like to recommend for anyone out there who is interested in getting cosmetic enhancement this year: Make sure you choose a qualified plastic surgeon.
Selecting a highly trained, experienced plastic surgeon should be an essential part of anyone’s decision to undergo a cosmetic procedure, no matter what time of year. It can be exciting to read about advanced surgical techniques and new treatments, but it’s important to remember that successful outcomes depend more than anything else on the plastic surgeon’s abilities.
Qualifications you should look for when deciding on a surgeon include:
- Board certification: Choose a surgeon who is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Some surgeons may call themselves “board-certified,” but be sure to check which board they are talking about. Only the ABPS is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties as requiring the rigorous oversight to ensure a surgeon is truly qualified in plastic surgery.
- Fellowship training: All board-certified plastic surgeons go through residency, but a plastic surgery fellowship exceeds the requirements for earning certification.
- Experience: There is no substitute for what a longtime surgeon learns after years in practice and thousands of procedures. Together, we have more than 75 years of surgical experience, something that can’t be matched by even the most impressive training.
Once you’ve confirmed these baseline credentials, you should review before-and-after photo galleries to check that the surgeons you’re considering have a record of great results for your procedure of interest. The last step is scheduling a personal consultation. It’s important to feel comfortable with the plastic surgeon you choose and to know that he or she is listening to your questions and concerns. If you resolve to take these steps in 2015, you can rest assured you’re making a good decision for your health and beauty.
Looking ahead, our team is committed to continually providing the highest level of service and staying connected with our patients and community. We’re excited to be included in the Top Doctors section of Marin Magazine, and we’re looking forward to celebrating additional recognitions in 2015. To learn more about our recent acknowledgement and other practice news, visit our In the Media page.
