Considering plastic surgery is a big decision. You deserve a skilled and experienced surgeon who prioritizes your safety and desired outcome. This article will guide you through the essential steps to finding an expert plastic surgeon you can trust. We’ll cover everything from verifying credentials to considering a surgeon’s experience and bedside manner. By the end, you’ll be equipped to confidently navigate your search and find the perfect fit for your needs. My expertise is in breast augmentation surgery, so we will explore what sets some surgeons apart in that realm.
Board Certification
When considering plastic surgery, whether in Charlotte or globally, selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon is paramount. This voluntary credential, earned through rigorous examination and experience, signifies a surgeon’s dedication to exceptional patient care and adherence to the highest industry standards. Board certification should be a non-negotiable factor in your surgeon selection process.
My personal Board Certifications:
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: This is the basic board certification for all plastic surgeons (reconstructive, hand, cosmetic, etc.).
- American Board of Surgery: This is a general surgery board certification that I obtained after a general surgery residency (in addition to my plastic surgery residency).
- American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons: This board is for aesthetic plastic surgeons, or surgeons that highlight their focus on the outward appearance of the body. Since I have always been focused on breast surgery, this was important to me.
Bedside Manner
Beyond surgical skill, a plastic surgeon’s bedside manner is essential for a positive patient experience. Effective communication, empathy, and the ability to listen attentively are crucial qualities. A compassionate surgeon can alleviate patient anxieties, build trust, and foster a collaborative approach to treatment. Strong interpersonal skills contribute significantly to patient satisfaction and overall outcomes, making them an indispensable aspect of quality care.
Pay attention to how you feel during your initial plastic surgery consultation. How did you feel with your physician? Did you feel comfortable and at ease? Or did you feel uncomfortable and guarded? Did you feel like they heard your goals and kept you at the center of their treatment plan? Or did you feel like a number in the system? Your relationship with your surgeon and their team should feel easy and effortless. Trust your gut and go to multiple consultations to see what your options are. Finding the right bedside manner is imperative to having stellar results.
Experience
A plastic surgeon with extensive experience in your desired procedure is more likely to deliver optimal results. I advise patients to look for years of experience, lots of before & after photos, and a demonstration of experience outside of the operating room. I see these things as a demonstration of their commitment to their patients. In addition to serving over 10,000 patients in the past 22+ years, here are just a few personal examples of what additional experience might look like.
My personal experience in plastic surgery:
- FDA Implant Investigator for every implant manufacturer currently approved in the United States: Every company approached me early-on in their FDA approval process to study their products and verify safety for patients. I have been involved with some of these studies for over 15 years, and still report to these implant manufacturers with findings if I have any. It is important to me to continue to remain involved in implant development since I use these products on a daily basis.
- Chairman, Department of Plastic Surgery at Novant Hospitals 2003-2013: When I operated at Novant in breast reconstruction, I felt it important to reside as a chair in the department that I was a part of to assist in the development of their plastic surgery programs.
- Key Opinion Leader for multiple technologies: I have been a Key Opinion Leader for many of the technologies hosted within Capizzi MD. This is a physician-vendor relationship that stems from deep knowledge of the use of these technologies and how they benefit a patient. These companies look to me to provide hands-on knowledge of their systems and trends in results that we are seeing. Some of these would be miraDry, Sciton, Sientra, and more!
Choosing the right plastic surgeon is a significant decision that demands careful consideration. While it’s essential to prioritize board certification, experience, and bedside manner, remember that a strong doctor-patient relationship is equally vital. By taking the time to research potential surgeons, schedule consultations, and trust your instincts, you can increase your chances of achieving the desired outcome and enhancing your overall well-being. If you have any additional questions about finding a surgeon, or would like to chat with a member of our Care Team about starting your search, fill out this contact form to get in touch.