The Importance of Choosing the Right Cosmetic Surgeon

The Importance of Choosing the Right Cosmetic Surgeon
Undergoing surgery is daunting, but with elective surgery you have a measure of control. You decide who will perform the procedure, you’ll meet the support personnel and you inspect the facility. Recognize and understand you are the first person to consult regarding your desires and goals. Once you’ve determined your criteria, discuss them with a qualified cosmetic surgeon to develop a game plan.

Choose Right for Better Results

The results of cosmetic surgery can have a very positive or unfortunate impact on your emotional well-being. To manage your expectations and avoid the risk of and costly revisions, due diligence is necessary, and taking the time to properly vet your potential surgeon is very important. With so many surgeons to choose from what separates one from another goes beyond credentials.  

Safety and Assurance
Knowing who you’re partnering with on this personal journey is key to establishing a successful relationship. A certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) ensures the surgeon has undergone years of extensive training, acquiring the sophisticated skills to correctly diagnose and devise the most effective treatment plan, and will minimize risk factors and avoid the risk of unfavorable outcomes by using the highest level of surgical precision.

Board-Certified Baltimore Plastic Surgeon: Dr. Brent Birely

An ABPS certified surgeon is remarkably qualified to perform cosmetic or reconstructive procedures. All plastic surgeons are cosmetic surgeons but not all cosmetic surgeons are plastic surgeons. Maintaining board certification assures the surgeon stays current in their knowledge, skills and can use the most advanced procedures to meet patient health needs. The value of choosing a board certified plastic surgeon can give you peace of mind about the outcome of your procedure.

Ongoing Relationship
Venturing into the foray of plastic surgery for either reconstructive or cosmetic purposes isn’t a one-time proposition, which is why it’s essential to develop a good relationship with your surgeon. There will be follow-up visits during the recovery period or complementary services to facilitate the healing process, or non-invasive treatments to help rejuvenate and renew your appearance from time to time, including customized skincare regimens, including dermal fillers to lift and plump, and help you maintain your youthful, glowing appearance.

Experience and Expertise
Above and beyond the medical credentials is the degree to which your plastic surgeon is well-versed, practiced, and highly skilled in procedures for the specific body area you’re interested in. Check to see if their specialty matches your needs. Review the “before and after” photos of other patients to determine if a natural-looking appearance was achieved. Ask how long they have been in their specialized field, and how many of those specific procedures they’ve performed.

Trust and the Emotional Connection
Developing an emotional connection with your surgeon and support staff builds trust and confidence while reducing anxiety for a better experience and an improved recovery experience. Cosmetic surgery isn’t just a physical procedure – it is an experience that embraces the whole person.  

Attentive, Caring Staff – It Matters to Your Health

Are the staff attentive, caring, responsive and helpful? Do you feel welcome? An office that is inviting and personnel who exhibit patience and warmth to help smooth the way for a happy, positive journey.  

Open Communication
While trust is paramount, communication is also key in a successful plastic surgeon/patient relationship. Express your wants and needs, and your expectations. Listen to the answers. Did the doctor hear you, and interact with you with respect and concern? Ask about the risks associated. If the surgeon minimizes communicating the risks, seek the advice of another doctor who will be communicate honestly. All surgeries carry risk to a greater or lesser degree. Ensure your surgeon fully evaluates your full medical history to minimize the risk of complications.

The “What-If’s”

Full disclosure regarding the fees and covering the “what-ifs” is part of an open communication. Don’t be afraid to ask. Your comfort, trust and confidence is the highest standard, and must be met with honesty, integrity, and concern.

What to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons offers a short list of questions to help prepare for your Baltimore cosmetic surgery consultation. Dr. Birely and his staff are happy to answer any of these, including:

• Am I good candidate for this procedure?
• What is involved in the procedure?
• Who will administer and monitor the sedation?
• How long will the sedation effects last?
• How long will the procedure last?
• How long will it take to recover before being discharged?
• Where will the surgery take place?
• Will post-operative medicine be necessary?
• What realistic result can I expect?
• What if I don’t like the result?

Dr. Birely and his professional Maryland team look forward to meeting you, and discussing the aesthetic changes you envision to enhance your life experience.

 

Sources:

• American Society of Plastic Surgeons
• The American Board of Plastic Surgery
• American Board of Medical Specialties
• Real Self