What You Should Consider Before Your Plastic Surgery in Lubbock
The way we shop for things has changed a lot in the last several years. With online reviews and free shipping, you can easily buy just about anything without getting off your couch. “Shopping” for a doctor should require more effort. If you want the person responsible for your plastic surgery to be top of the line, you will have to do more than just click to add to your cart. Online reviews are a good starting point, but meeting with a few doctors, talking to friends and family, and doing research of your own will increase the likelihood of finding the right plastic surgeon.
Do Your Homework
Patients planning on having plastic surgery in Lubbock have several important decisions to make. Your results, safety, and care depend on the doctor you choose. You may have a handful of doctors in mind as you begin your research. Check out their websites, talk to anyone you know who recommends them (or doesn’t!), and then check up on them yourself.
You can review the doctor’s background by contacting the medical board of the state in which they practice. They should have a license in that state, and the medical board carries information on any disciplinary history as well as complaints against them. Keep in mind that if the surgeon has practiced in more than one state, you will need to look up their medical board history with each of those locations.
The Importance of Board Certification
Anyone with a medical license can claim to be a cosmetic surgeon. For this and other reasons, it is essential that your doctor is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). You can make sure your doctor is board-certified in plastic surgery by visiting the American Board of Medical Specialties’ website.
But what exactly does this certification mean? It means your surgeon has the credentials and training necessary to be qualified to perform plastic surgery in Lubbock safely. ABPS board-certification requires plastic surgeons to complete the following:
- Three to five years of general surgery training
- Two to three additional years of plastic surgery training
- Oral and written exams
- Continuing education each year in the medical field
- Written test every ten years
Questions to Ask about Plastic Surgery in Lubbock
Write down your questions and bring them with you to your consultation. This is your chance to get a real feel for the person you will be trusting with your appearance and your safety. Do not be afraid to ask your doctor about anything that concerns you; there are no wrong questions! Consider the following for starters:
- How much experience do you have with my procedure? If you want to get a tummy tuck, you will be able to have more confidence in a surgeon who performs them on a regular basis, rather than one who specializes in another area but is willing to do the surgery for you this time. A good follow-up to this question is finding out just how many times they have performed your procedure.
- Am I a good candidate for this procedure? Do not be offended if your plastic surgeon’s answer is no. They are trying to protect you from something that would either not get you the results you want or would be unsafe. They may suggest an alternative or recommend waiting for a period of time.
- How do I prepare for my surgery? Most plastic surgery requires patients to quit smoking before and after their operation; your doctor will advise you on the exact timetable. Be sure to reveal any and all medications, vitamins, and supplements you may be taking as some may interfere with the procedure.
- What happens if complications arise? Find out who to contact should anything out of the ordinary happen. You will need to know what to do if certain side effects take place and if there will be additional costs for their treatment.
If you care about the safety and final results of your plastic surgery, you need to put in the time to find the right doctor. Cosmetic surgery gone wrong is not an easy thing to fix. Doing your homework now will save you time, money, and headaches down the road. Remember the following when planning your plastic surgery in Lubbock:
- Get referrals from family and friends
- Review your plastic surgeon’s background history
- Double check that your doctor is board-certified by the ABPS
- Go over questions you want to address during your consultation
During your consultation, don’t ignore your gut feeling. Even if everything checks out on paper, but you do not feel right about the surgeon, don’t hesitate to move on. Plastic surgery is an investment in yourself. When you put forth the effort and do your due diligence, you can have a positive experience with excellent results.
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