Plastic Surgery is Bad!
Why would I, a plastic surgeon, ever think plastic surgery is bad?
It seems that a large portion of the American public believes plastic surgery is a bad thing. Well, guess what…they are right! Sounds pretty strange coming from a plastic surgeon, doesn’t it?
If individuals don’t do the proper research, are considering surgery for the wrong reasons, or have expectations outside of what’s possible, then undergoing plastic surgery can be devastating.
When searching for a plastic surgeon, the most important thing is that you go to a BOARD-CERTIFIED (ABPS) plastic surgeon. Most of the terrible stories making headlines involve cosmetic surgeons, physicians with little or no plastic surgery training, or take place in facilities that are not accredited to perform out-patient plastic surgery. The board certification process for plastic surgeons is MUCH more intensive and comprehensive than that of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS). The abbreviations get distracting, but the differences in training, experience and rigorous testing are significant. Consulting with a physician about liposuction, an abdominoplasty, breast augmentation or BBL surgery is a big step. Choosing a BOARD-CERTIFIED (ABPS) plastic surgeon can make all of the difference in the world, and won’t leave you thinking plastic surgery is bad.
The second most important thing is having realistic expectations. Many sources are available to see before and after photos. If a surgeon is unable to show you results of the procedure(s) you’re considering, chances are he’s not comfortable performing it. Social media can be a very useful directory! Surgeons should be open and honest with you about what can and cannot be achieved with each procedure. It is the surgeon’s responsibility to help you form realistic expectations.
There’s nothing quite like plastic surgery. A mommy makeover or breast augmentation can be transformative. I see happy post-operative patients each and every week. This is due in part to communicating clearly with patients, listening to their goals, and helping to set realistic expectations. I can also be brutally honest with patients, and not everybody likes that. However, acting in good faith and being transparent and upfront is imperative to gaining a patient’s trust. That mutual trust makes for a positive experience all around.
Choosing to have plastic surgery is a personal decision. Please do your research, choose a BOARD-CERTIFIED (ABPS) plastic surgeon, and be sure to get ALL your questions answered! If you do, chances are you will think that plastic surgery is good! I know it is, here’s hoping you do too!
