Things to consider while selecting the best plastic surgeon

If someone were to do an Internet search for ‘San Diego plastic surgeon,’ the results would be endless. There are many doctors and surgeons, each specializing in one particular procedure, promising amazing results. With so many to choose from, how does one decide what surgeon will provide exactly what the patient wants?

In the end, a patient wants a doctor who clearly understands the wanted outcome from the surgery, and who can effectively communicate with the patient about the surgery process. If the surgeon is not able to clearly communicate with the patient, there is no way to guarantee that the outcome will be what the patient wants.

Every consultation, pre-operation meeting and recovery session demand a great rapport and strong doctor-patient relationship. If the patient does not feel comfortable with how discussions and meetings go before the surgical procedure, it may be a strong indicator that this is not the physician to perform the surgery.

When deciding on the best plastic surgeon for the procedure, potential patients should start by searching for a surgeon that has been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This insures that the surgeon is not just a competent doctor – they have been rigorously trained in plastic surgery, and have state licenses.

To save on time while searching for a local plastic surgeon that fits the specific surgery needs, a patient can search local and regional magazines for information about the doctors in their area. Some cities provide features on top performing doctors in their area, which makes the search for the perfect surgeon a lot easier. For example, San Diego Magazine has a “Top Doctor” issue, which has a list of doctors that are considered top of their field by their colleagues. If a plastic surgeon is listed in this magazine, a patient can feel confident knowing that this doctor is seen as a leader in the field.

Regional organizations like the California Society of Plastic Surgery, the San Diego County Medical Association, and the San Diego Society of Plastic Surgeons, may also compile lists of the best surgeons in the area, and do not allow for doctors to purchase their place in the list. It is authentically compiled based on data and screenings of regional doctors and surgeons. One such list is The Castle Connolly Top Doctor List, which is created by physicians, and is primarily made to help other doctors gather information about the newest procedures and preventative care.

Once a patient has found a few doctors that might fit the bill, patients may find they are torn between which doctor to use for the procedure. When this occurs, ask the doctors’ offices for referrals, especially of past patients that have had similar procedures. This will let patients see exactly what type of work the doctor has done, and will give them a broader understanding of the way the doctor works with other patients. For a more in-depth understanding of a doctor’s relationship with patients, an online search for reviews on a website that is not affiliated with the doctor may lead to a firm decision.