What to Look for in a Reputable Plastic Surgeon

If you’re considering taking the next step toward having the elective plastic surgery procedure you’ve always thought about, know that working with the right physician makes all the difference. Choosing a qualified, accomplished plastic surgeon who adheres to strict safety standards greatly reduces risk. Finding the right doctor may initially seem confusing or overwhelming, especially it’s your first time having a procedure. This situation is complicated by the fact that procedures have become more advanced in recent years and new techniques are frequently introduced. Board-certified Dr. Terry Myckatyn and Dr. Marissa Tenenbaum share some important information for the benefit of patients searching for a good plastic surgeon in St. Louis—or anywhere.

Whether patients are planning to have extensive surgery such as a tummy tuck or breast augmentation, or less invasive treatments like injectables, they should be prepared to do as much research as they can ahead of time. The entire process, including preparation and aftercare, is a long journey, but taking the time to be thorough can lead to a smoother recovery and more satisfying results.

Most surgical procedures are safe and successful, but there are always risks involved with any surgery, which is why patients should take every precaution when selecting a provider. Patients who go to inexperienced or unaccredited practitioners may experience unwanted cosmetic outcomes—or worse. Get to know the person who is actually performing the surgery beforehand, during a consultation, by asking plenty of questions. If the surgeon will not meet with you face-to-face before the scheduled day, this raises a red flag that something could be wrong.

Be wary of marketing lingo and know the difference between a plastic surgeon, cosmetic surgeon, dermatologist, and aesthetician. It’s common for people to confuse one type of medical professional for another, but they are not all the same. It is legal for any licensed doctors to call themselves cosmetic surgeons whether or not they are actually members of a recognized board.

Becoming board certified requires many years of rigorous training in a specialty (including around nine years focused on plastic surgery) and adhering to the strictest standards for skill, knowledge, judgment, and safety. Board-certified surgeons know how to handle a wide range of complications that may occur.

Having hospital privileges is important, too, to ensure your safety in the event of an emergency. This is an important indicator of skill and reputation, as surgeons are thoroughly screened before they are permitted to conduct procedures at reputable hospitals.

Your provider should be experienced specifically in the procedure you’re interested in (especially if you’re having major surgery) and ideally have successfully worked on other patients who look similar to you.

You can contact the American Board of Plastic Surgery directly to verify your doctor’s credentials. Be on guard against bargain prices, non-physicians, non-specialists, and unaccredited facilities.

One of the best ways of locating a great plastic surgeon is through referrals from friends, family, and trusted medical professionals. You can read reviews online, take a look at before-and-after pictures, and check around in private social media groups. But be on the lookout for fake reviews and manipulated photos. YouTube, Instagram, and other social platforms are inundated with ads and videos for plastic surgery, but be aware that they may not always advertise medical professionals or physicians who are trained in the specific procedures you are considering.

Aside from credentials, look for a doctor that you get along with well, feel comfortable with, can communicate with, and can trust. You’ll want to stay away from surgeons who are pushy, aggressive, or have poor bedside manner—but be careful not to be swayed by charm and confidence alone without checking out a doctor’s background.

Discover more about plastic surgeons and the procedures they offer from the St. Louis area’s West County Plastic Surgeons of Washington University team. Get started by calling (314) 996-8800 or fill out a contact form.