Insider’s Guide to Selecting a Plastic Surgeon in Houston, TX
With the growing popularity of elective cosmetic procedures—recently over 25 million completed in the U.S. alone1—it is important for those seeking aesthetic enhancements to make a well-informed choice when it comes to who will be performing the procedure. Being proactive and dedicating time to thoroughly vet prospective surgeons can make a significant difference in your aesthetic outcome. To help begin the research process, our board-certified plastic surgeon in Houston and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. James F. Boynton, shares the comprehensive guide below for making your selection.
- Board Certification and Qualifications
First and foremost, it is imperative for the surgeon to be board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), and ideally they should also have certification from the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). This goes a long way toward ensuring that the surgeon has extensive training, education, experience, and skills to produce an exemplary surgical outcome. Surgeons who continue their certification are often those who maintain the highest levels of professional development by completing ongoing research and staying up-to-date on the latest techniques and technology. Even if a surgeon says they are “board-certified,” it is highly recommended to confirm their certification. Additionally, if a plastic surgeon is only licensed by the state medical board, this does not necessarily mean they have specialized training or particular skills/expertise in the cosmetic procedures they may offer.
- Treatment Facility
Another essential factor to review is where the surgeon performs their procedures. Major surgeries should be located at an advanced facility that is equipped with updated technology and stringent safety standards. Not only should the surgeon be highly qualified to know how to mitigate risks associated with various procedures, but the surgical facility should also be well-appointed. Furthermore, if general anesthesia is being utilized, pay attention to who will be administering anesthesia as they should either be a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) or a Board Certified Anesthesiologist.
- Before-and-After Photos
Studying a plastic surgeon’s before-and-after photos can be a valuable resource to better understand whether their aesthetic sense appeals to you. Whether you are able to look at these directly on their website or in-person, pay close attention to the examples that mirror similar results you would like to accomplish, as well as noting if their style and approach might not be a good match for you. Typically, there should be a variety of images to view across many procedures for facial plastic surgery, breast enhancement surgery, and body contouring.
- Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Many experienced plastic surgeons should have a collection of patient reviews and testimonials so that you can explore feedback from previous patients. Not only can it be insightful to learn about firsthand experience with the surgeon, procedure, and outcome, but these may also provide details about the practice as well. It can be advantageous to understand whether the surgeon’s team members are generally seen as welcoming, helpful, timely, and knowledgeable so you know what to expect throughout the process.
- Individual Consultation
Finally, scheduling a consultation with your top qualified prospect(s) can be the most beneficial part of your research. This allows for dedicated time to discuss their training, experience, and how often they perform certain procedures. This is also the time to gain an impression of their personality and honesty in order to build trust and rapport. Ultimately, your preferred surgeon should be just as skilled and accomplished as they are invested in patient care, compassion, and communication.
It is best to be prepared for your initial appointment with questions to ask during a plastic surgery consultation. That way, you can focus on the prospective surgeon’s answers and feel confident that you’re gathering the information needed to help you make the best decision.
To learn more about choosing a cosmetic surgeon in Houston, or if you would like to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Boynton, please contact us today.