7 Ways to Tell You’ve Found THE Surgeon for You

30 Aug 7 Ways to Tell You’ve Found THE Surgeon for You

With so many plastic surgeons, how can you find the best one for you? At Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center, we are committed to excellence and helping every patient achieve results they will love in a safe and comfortable setting. There are various ways you can gauge the skill of a surgeon, but there are factors beyond what you might find on a CV. If you are just starting your search for the perfect surgeon for you, here are a few clues that you’re on the right track.

1. They’re board-certified. This might sound obvious, but many people are surprised to learn that a surgeon does not have to be board-certified in order to legally practice. In fact, the majority of those performing plastic surgery are not board-certified! Board certification requires intensive “proof” of skill as well as ongoing education. This is a very quick and easy way to check that your potential surgeon makes your initial cut.
2. They specialize in just a few procedures. There are plastic surgeons that claim to do it all, and then there are those that specialize. When it comes to cosmetic surgery, you probably don’t want a jack of all trades. Dr. Parson exclusively offers breast augmentation, facelifts, tummy tucks, and liposuction. Of course, the famed “mommy makeover” is also included in his offerings, as it is a personalized combination of these popular procedures.
3. They have an impressive before and after gallery. When a surgeon does great work, they are happy to show it off. The complete gallery might not be available on the website (often due to privacy constraints and protecting the anonymity of previous patients), but you should certainly have easy access to full galleries during your consultation. If a plastic surgeon seems reluctant to share photo evidence of their work, that’s a big red flag.
4. It’s easy to find glowing testimonials. Of course, a plastic surgeon is going to showcase positive reviews on their website, but also consider third-party reviews. This is a form of word-of-mouth recommendation and can tell you a lot about a surgeon’s background. Specifically, look for reviews that talk about the same procedures you’re thinking about undergoing.
5. They are committed to ongoing education. Being board-certified is a must, but you should also be able to ascertain whether or not a cosmetic surgeon is highly dedicated to continuing education or if they are simply fulfilling requirements. You can also gauge their more holistic commitment to their practice, such as how often they publish in relevant journals or speak at surgical conferences.
6. Trust your consultation. Your consultation is about more than getting questions answered. It’s also a time to see if this is the right fit for you on a level beyond experience and training. Remember that this is the professional you are going to be working closely with for a few weeks—you deserve to feel comfortable around them. Do they put you at ease? Explain things in a way that makes sense? Do they feel rushed during the consultation or happy to dedicate their time to you? Trusting your gut in this instance can go a long way.
7. They have a well-established practice and history. Surgery is a practice just like every other facet of medicine. How long a surgeon has been practicing, their background, training, and reputation amongst their peers can all be indications of whether or not they are the ideal provider for you. Take a look at how long they have owned their practice and details related to past residencies and education. These can be excellent parameters to take into consideration as you narrow down your list of potential surgeons.

Doing some research prior to your consultation will have you better informed and provide you with the confidence necessary to start this journey on the right foot. It can be overwhelming when you first start thinking about plastic surgery because there is so much information out there—and options when it comes to surgeons (especially in this region).

Choosing the right plastic surgeon for you will make all the difference in your experience and ultimate results. This will take some time and research, but it is well worth it. Rather than immediately scheduling consultations, do a little background information gleaning on key surgeons first. For more information on Dr. Parson and Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center, you can reach out to the office directly by phone or simply by completing the online form.