There are many factors that can influence your plastic surgery results. Surgical technique, the type of incisions used during your operation and considerations such as implant type for breast augmentation or cannula size for liposuction can all affect your final outcome. However, the most important factor by far in determining your plastic surgery results is your surgeon.
Board Certification
The first thing to look for when considering your surgeon’s qualifications is board certification. Becoming a board certified plastic surgeon is a voluntary process, so taking this step indicates a commitment to continued learning and higher standards.
It’s also important to make sure that your surgeon has been certified specifically by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This is a specialty board overseen by the American Board of Medical Specialties that requires surgeons to complete extensive training in plastic surgery and pass exhaustive oral and written exams.
Extensive Experience
While every surgeon must start somewhere, for the purpose of achieving the best possible cosmetic results, you should look for one with extensive experience. Plastic surgeons with over a decade of surgical experience are likely to have encountered a breadth of situations, patient body types and techniques, all of which will inform their approach to your procedure.
Before-and-After Photos
Most surgeons advertise a before-and-after photo gallery of real patients on their website. These can give you a good idea of the real cosmetic outcomes your surgeon is capable of creating, as well as help you form realistic expectations about your own results.
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