Choosing a cosmetic surgeon can be intimidating and, if you are like many people, you may not be sure what criteria to use when trying to differentiate one cosmetic surgeon or practice from another. Before beginning to sort out who you would like to work with, you should first know your own goals and expectations and understand that cosmetic plastic surgery procedures do constitute surgery. You should never allow yourself to undergo any type of surgical procedure at the hands of anyone but a qualified surgeon.
Define Your Goals
When considering your own goals and expectations, you should answer the following questions:
- Which cosmetic plastic surgery procedures are you interested in?
- Does the procedure you are interested in require a specialist or plastic surgeon with specialized knowledge?
- What goals do you want to achieve by undergoing plastic surgery?
- Are your expectations for the surgery realistic?
- Are you able to take the necessary time off work to recover after the procedure?
Once you are able to answer each of these questions, choosing your cosmetic surgeon will be easier. Using your own criteria can help you find a cosmetic surgeon who is personable and who you feel comfortable trusting, but you should also keep medical standards in the forefront of your mind for the sake of your own safety. In cosmetic plastic surgery especially, cutting costs can put you in serious danger. You should look for a plastic surgeon who is caring, sensitive, artistic and innovative.
Plastic Surgeons vs. Cosmetic Surgeons
It is important to understand the difference between plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons. A plastic surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. A plastic surgeon has specialized training and has performed at least one additional residency focused on performing plastic surgery procedures, including both reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery. A plastic surgeon has the knowledge, experience, and skill to ensure the maximum safety and effectiveness of plastic surgery procedures. Our plastic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, surgical communities which hold them to giving only the highest standard of care. These are the premier organizations that plastic surgeons can be members of.
A cosmetic surgeon will have none of these. Often times, a doctor who represents him or herself as a cosmetic surgeon is actually a doctor, but may be a general practitioner, gynecologist, ophthalmologist, or other type of medical specialist who may or may not have any training in the procedure they are offering. One of the first questions to ask about a cosmetic surgeon is whether they are also a board-certified plastic surgeon who are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Caring and Sensitive
At Marietta Plastic Surgery, each of our Atlanta plastic surgeons will treat you with respect and care, regardless of your gender, age, or background. Each surgeon will encourage you to voice your questions and concerns and will provide you with the information you need to feel confident before, during, and after your procedures. Our plastic surgeons understand that you are an individual and have specific needs and expectations. At no time will we allow a “bottom line” to interfere with providing you with the highest quality of care available.
Artistic and Innovative
As with any aesthetic creation, plastic surgery requires an artistic eye and extensive training. Our surgeons have the experience and passion to provide you with the aesthetics you desire, and their training provides you with the forefront in surgical care. We invite you to look at our before and after gallery to see the high quality of results that we have been able to achieve for other patients.
To learn more about our Marietta cosmetic surgeons or to see firsthand why Marietta Plastic Surgery is the premier choice for plastic surgery procedures in Marietta, Atlanta, or Woodstock, please contact our office today to schedule your plastic surgery consultation.