Tips for Picking the Best Plastic Surgeon Now that you have decided to have plastic surgery, you’re trying desperately to find the right type of surgeon, but there are just way too many to choose from. What should you do? How do you know who is the best surgeon that you can trust with your body? Well don’t just sit there. Get out your cell phone and fire up your computer and do some digging. Before you lie down on that operating table here’s what you need to know about how to find the best plastic surgeon. One of the saddest things a plastic surgeon may see in his practice is a patient who has had unfavorable outcome from their surgery. The fear, mistrust, and financial responsibility has delayed the revision or repair surgery (or surgeries) until desperation brings them to another surgeon.
Dr. Farbod Esmailian, a double board certified plastic surgeon, has been revising failed cosmetic procedures in Orange County and has some tips/advice to help you find the right surgeon the first time around and keep you from becoming one of his revision or reconstructive surgery patients.
Is the plastic surgeon board certified? This should be one of the most important questions that must be asked and if it is no, then you get up and walk out the door immediately. There are many “boards’ that a surgeon or physician can be certified by, but there is only one that matters, The American Board of Plastic Surgery. The website of American Board of Medical Specialties will search the name of the surgeon and indicate if they are board certified. Plus, plastic surgeons also have to do continuing medical education and take a written test every 10 years.
If the surgeon is board certified ask if they are a member of any of these professional organizations: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery The American Society of Plastic Surgeons Orange County Society of Plastic Surgeons American Medical Association American College of Surgeons Dr. Farbod Esmailian is a double board certified Orange County plastic surgeon providing cosmetic and reconstructive surgery for both men and women. He is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), a candidate member of Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and a member of Orange County Society of Plastic Surgeons among others.
Learn more about Orange County Plastic Surgeon Dr. Farbod Esmailian credentials. Check up on the cosmetic surgeon’s records and reviews. If a surgeon has a history of malpractice suits then that’s an indication to you that not everyone is satisfied with this surgeon. The Medical Board of California keeps a track record of all the accusations and disciplinary actions of every licensed surgeon. Likewise, a quick internet search will provide you with sites like vitals.com or realself.com which give reviews from prior patients. These patients’ reviews can be an important source for you, to help determine if you are choosing the right surgeon for your surgery.
Be sure that the cosmetic surgeon has hospital privileges. In the rare events of complications during or after your surgery the doctor needs to be able to transport you to the nearest hospital for treatment. If your surgeon does not have those privileges then you may be dealing with another plastics surgeon if a complication occurs that requires hospitalization. Ask others for the best plastic surgeon they know. It’s the 21st century and it’s likely that more than one of your friends or relatives have gone through a plastic surgery procedure. If they’ve had a great experience with their surgeon then you have living proof and results of their work right in front of you. Likewise, would their past patients recommend them? And again, patient reviews come into play here. It is great to read a review, but it is equally if not more important to be able to talk to another patient who is happy with their surgery and can give insight on the plastic surgeon you are inquiring about.
Visit the plastic surgeon’s website. Most successful plastic surgeons have well known and informative websites that answer endless frequently asked questions about the surgeon or procedures. Any good cosmetic surgeon will also have a number of testimonials and abundant before and after photos of their work. Read through the testimonials, these are the patients who have already visited and been under the care of the plastic surgeon. They will tell you what to expect. Before and after images is a good way to gauge the results of the cosmetic procedure as well. Consult with cosmetic surgeons and ask A LOT of questions. Do not be afraid to be invasive. This is your body that you are planning to enhance. Nobody else has to live with the altercations forever, you do. Have all of your questions handy and compare the answers with other surgeons and see who provides you with the more credible answers.
- Here are some questions to consider:
- What is the surgeon’s area of expertise?
- Are your patients generally happy with their results?
- Has the surgeon practiced for many years or performed many of these procedures?
- If the procedure will not be performed in the doctor’s office, does the surgeon use a certified surgical facility with board-certified anesthesiologists and up-to-date emergency equipment and anesthesia monitoring devices?
- What are the insurances that are accepted by the surgeon and what is covered?
- If a second surgery is needed, what is my financial responsibility?
- When did the surgeon get their education, board certification, and license?
- Has the surgeon dealt with any disciplinary actions from past surgeries? If so, how recent?
Dr. Esmailian received his Doctor of Medicine degree from George Washington University School of Medicine and went on to complete his general surgery residency at USC, where he received the top honors of Outstanding Resident Teacher of the Year, and was given the coveted leadership role of Administrative Chief Resident, just to name a few. He is one of the few Orange County plastic surgeons to be both a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and a Board Certified General Surgeon. Dr. Esmailian takes his education and practice very seriously and it shows in the results. All of the above should make you ready and aware of how to find the best plastic surgeon to give you the quality results you’re looking for. Look your best not just once in a while, but all the time. Feel good in your skin again, you know you deserve it. Consult a respected experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Esmailian to find out if your dream body can be sculpted.
