They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but when it comes to facial plastic surgery, it’s in the skill of the facial plastic surgeon. Selecting a board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who understands your needs and can create natural-looking results can be an overwhelming task. This is a very big decision to make in the first place, but even bigger because you’ll be facing the results for the rest of your life. You need to find a facial plastic surgeon that has extensive experience in the procedures that are right for you, along with a caring bedside manner and a trusted reputation for beautiful results. How can you be confident that you’re choosing the right plastic surgeon? Keep the following factors in mind to find one who meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.
1. Review the Facial Plastic Surgeon’s Credentials
Are you looking for a high-quality plastic surgeon? Look at their qualifications. Board certification is one of the most important things to consider when you are selecting a facial plastic surgeon. Why does this matter so much? Board-certified facial plastic surgeons have undergone extensive surgical training and are recognized for their knowledge, skills and best practices for safety. They are also familiar with facial anatomy, with the latest technology, the most innovative techniques and most effective treatments.
Board-certified facial plastic surgeons may be recognized by several approved societies, based upon the specialties they perform. You only want an expert that is certified by a society within the scope of their practice.
For instance, if you’re interested in facial plastic or reconstructive plastic surgery, you only want an expert that is certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS). This advanced certification lets you know that the plastic surgeon has received additional training exclusively in these specialties. If you need any type of nasal surgery, make sure that the plastic surgeon is certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (ABOto). By choosing a plastic surgeon that is certified by a recognized and relevant society, you can be confident that you’ll be in the very best hands. Dr. Gallo is certified by both the ABFPRS and the ABOto!
2. Have an Eye for Experience
Experience is everything when selecting a plastic surgeon. While education and training are important, practice makes perfect. The more experience a plastic surgeon has with a specific procedure or treatment, the less likely you are to experience any problems and the better the chance that you will be satisfied with your results.
Facial plastic surgeons tend to specialize in certain procedures. The procedure you’re considering should be among the top three that the plastic surgeon performs. Experts say a good indication of a plastic surgeon’s experience with a procedure is whether they have completed it at least once a week for the past several years. After all, facial plastic surgery is a complex art. Performing a procedure on a regular basis demonstrates that the surgeon has the specialized skills you need. To get a better understanding of a surgeon’s experience and how it will truly affect your own, it’s best to schedule a consultation with him and ask some important questions.
WHAT SHOULD YOU ASK A FACIAL PLASTIC SURGEON?
- What kind of training have you received in the procedure that interests me?
- How long have you been performing this procedure?
- How many times have you performed this kind of procedure?
- Will anybody else be assisting with the procedure? If so, what type of training do they have?
- Which technique will be used? Why choose that technique over other options?
- What kind of results can I realistically expect?
- What are the chances of complications and how often have you encountered them?
The answers to these questions will let you know if the facial plastic surgeon has the experience you need and is worthy of your trust.
3. Look at Patient Photos
A picture says a thousand words about whether a plastic surgeon shares your aesthetic vision. Since each of us has our own definition of beauty, you need to see if the facial plastic surgeon’s viewpoint and approaches reflect your personal needs and goals. Ask to view before-and-after photos of the surgeon’s work. Request to specifically see photos of patients who have undergone the procedures you’re considering. Pay close attention to the patients that look similar to you and share your facial features, age and coloring. Consider the consistency of the surgeon’s results and whether you’d be happy with the same.
Looking through a gallery of the plastic surgeon’s work will show their experience and artistry. Just as importantly, it will immediately show you if the plastic surgeon’s aesthetic sensibility matches your own.
4. See How the Facial Plastic Surgeon Makes You Feel
Communication is key when choosing a facial plastic surgeon. You need to feel as comfortable with the surgeon personally as you do with them professionally. You want to select a facial plastic surgeon who you puts you at ease throughout your experience and makes you feel confident in your care.
It’s important to find a facial plastic surgeon that you like and trust completely. The only way to decide if a facial plastic surgeon is right for you is to schedule a consultation. During your time with the surgeon, pay close attention to their personality and behavior. See whether the surgeon listens to your needs and takes their time to answer your questions. When you are with the facial plastic surgeon, all of their attention should be on you. In addition, the support staff should be as caring, warm and responsive as the plastic surgeon. All of these factors are a very good indication of the way that you will be treated both during and after your procedure.
5. Learn from the Experience of Others
An outstanding way to gain insight on how a facial plastic surgeon practices and performs is by reading reviews from prior patients. These will show you whether other patients were satisfied with the plastic surgeon, their experience and their results. You will also see what others thought about the friendliness of the staff, the plastic surgeon’s bedside manner, ease of scheduling appointments, the overall office ambiance, wait times and aftercare. The internet places all of this valuable information right at your fingertips. There are a surprising number of websites and organizations that encourage online reviews and discussions among patients. Reading these reviews and comments will give you a very good idea of how the plastic surgeon operates—both inside and outside the operating room.
Discover the Beauty of Experience
There are many factors to consider when choosing a facial plastic surgeon. Your success, satisfaction and safety all depend on this decision. Only an experienced facial plastic surgeon can give you the highest-quality care with the greatest peace of mind. Dr. Gallo possesses the artistic eye and professional expertise to enhance your natural beauty for the most youthful, attractive results. Your experience is complemented by compassionate, attentive care and the assurance that your comfort and satisfaction are always the highest priorities.
Call us at 305-783-6780 or click here to submit an online appointment request. Experience the difference of a plastic surgeon you can trust by scheduling your private consultation with Dr. Gallo right away.
