10 Tips for Choosing Plastic Surgery | Dr Rizk

Here are 10 tips to help you prepare for and choose plastic surgery.

Plastic surgery is a significant decision, and careful preparation matters.

Are you thinking of having plastic surgery? Before you choose a doctor and schedule the procedure, make sure it's the right thing to do.

Here are ten tips to help you prepare.

1. Ask yourself why

Before you research doctors or procedures, do some research about yourself.

What do you want to accomplish? What are your expectations? Why do you want to go through a procedure to change something about your body?

If you're sure of your reasons and what you hope to accomplish, look for the procedures that will help you achieve the desired change to your body.

Research doctors and learn everything you can about the procedure. Know what to expect and which doctors are appropriately qualified to perform it.

2. Know your procedure

What's the name of the procedure? Know the name of it and what to expect.

When you know the name of the procedure, you'll be able to find information about qualified doctors who perform that procedure.

You'll also be able to research what to expect. You'll have a better chance of a successful procedure if you understand what your body will experience as you recover and for the long-term.

You don't need to know every detail of the procedure. But never plan a surgery without understanding the basics of what happens before, during, and after.

3. Know the risks

Any surgery or procedure comes with risks whether it's cosmetic or health-related.

Be sure you research to understand the risks of your specific procedure. Whether the procedure is major or minor, talk to your doctor about the risks involved.

Make your decision to continue with the procedure based on the potential positive outcomes while weighing the potential risks.

4. Prepare for the cost

Insurance might not cover your cosmetic procedure. Make sure you can fund all costs associated with your procedure before, during, and after.

Ask your doctor for an estimate before you agree to the procedure. Compare to other doctors and similar procedures.

Do online research to determine if the cost of the procedure and after-care for your preferred doctor is in-line with other doctors of similar quality and reputation.

Beware of cheap procedures. Don't overpay but don't go for the cheapest option just to save money.

Under-priced procedures could mean the doctor cuts corners on critical safety elements.

5. Confirm your doctor's certifications

Make sure your doctor has the appropriate credentials for your specific procedure.

Confirm your doctor is a member of professional associations. Choose a surgeon who is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and preferably a Plastic Surgeon. Check the doctor's registration and specialty on the Ahpra public register.

Many plastic surgeons are members of one or more professional associations, which set standards of training and practice for their members.

6. Check the resumé

In addition to membership in a medical association, check your doctor's resumé.

Look at their qualifications, where they trained, and their academic contributions.

Be sure your doctor has hospital privileges. Without privileges, your doctor doesn't have a place to perform your procedure.

Not having hospital procedures is often a red flag that hospitals don't want to work with that doctor.

7. Look for results

Ask your doctor about their experience with the procedure you want. You can ask to see before-and-after photos at your consultation.

Look for examples that are specific to the procedure you want. Ask questions about the patient, the procedure, and the recovery.

Your doctor should be able to answer specific questions--withholding identity information for privacy--that show they know the procedure and how their patient recovered. Remember that results vary between individuals.

8. Can you recover?

Recovery from plastic surgery can be painful and lengthy.

Can you handle the pain? Do you have the time available to follow the doctor's orders for rest?

With some procedures, you'll need to take time off from work. In addition to the expense of the procedure, be sure you can afford time off beyond paid time off if you need longer to recover.

Rushing your recovery is one of the worst things you can do to disrupt the good results from your procedure.

9. Take good care of yourself

Surgery is traumatic on your body. Before you undergo a procedure, make sure your health is good.

Eat well and get plenty of rest. A healthy body handles an invasive procedure and recovers better than a body that lacks good care.

10. Talk to others

The choice to have plastic surgery is your decision. However, it's good to talk to others while you make your decision about surgery to change the appearance of a part of your body.

Talk to friends and family who have known you and who love you. You don't need their approval. But, make sure you have a good support system for recovery after your surgery.

Good plastic surgery requires more than a good doctor

You must play an active part to ensure good plastic surgery.

Do your research and follow doctor's orders. Make sure to prepare your mind and body for the changes to your body and the recovery.

Dr Joseph Rizk is a plastic surgeon in Sydney and a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS).