Things To Remember When Searching For Local Plastic Surgeons Online

One of the most efficient and effective ways to find talented plastic surgeons in your area is through an online search. However, the convenience of searching online also comes with the drawback of certain risks. These risks include the fact that many untrustworthy and low-quality clinics will also show up in search results. Individuals seeking to get plastic surgery done should be careful in searching only for the best and most well-reviewed clinics nearby. With this in mind, here are important things to remember when searching for plastic surgeons online.

Don’t Trust Clinics with Low-Quality or Non-Existent Websites

Modern marketing dictates that it’s critical for a business to have a reliable and professional online image. Considering just how much plastic surgery procedures can cost, which is many thousands of dollar, it’s important only to choose clinics that put effort into how they present themselves to potential clients. Plastic surgeons that don’t put effort into creating a website which is easy to use and designed professional shouldn’t be trusted.

Many veterans of cosmetic surgery procedures say that the way that a plastic surgeon presents themselves to clients on the internet is an excellent indication of how they will treat them in real life. Clinics that take shortcuts in how they are presented on such a prestigious platform as the internet may take shortcuts in the actual procedures that they provide. It’s better to be overly safe than to risk it with clinics that either doesn’t have websites or have low-quality and old sites.

Avoid Clinics with Extensive Bad Reviews

Thanks to many online reviewing services, it’s easier than ever to see what actual past patients have to say about a given clinic. Lots of plastic surgeon Walnut Creek clinics will only publish the most favorable reviews on their website. However, review platforms outside of the official website of a plastic surgery clinic will be able to provide a real and objective look at the experiences of past patients.

It’s important to pay particular attention to the specifics of what these patients have to say. Analyze their experiences regarding the final results of the procedure as well as the process of consulting with the plastic surgeon. You should always go for a clinic that has as many high rating as possible. However, make sure to also look at recent reviews as well, considering that clinics that used to be exceptional can sometimes take a turn for the worst.

Preparing for Plastic Surgery

Preparing for Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery has been a godsend for people who have been hurt or disfigured in an accident.  Scars, large lacerations and burns have all benefited from surgical procedures.  Plastic surgery expanded to include cosmetic procedures that allow patients to change the shape of their nose or augment their breasts.  The practice has expanded to include a variety of procedures meant to enhance a person’s aesthetic appearance.  Regardless of the procedure, preparing for plastic surgery is still important.

Different Procedures

Today the large majority of plastic surgeries are cosmetic procedures.  Plastic surgery used to only be for the wealthy and people in the entertainment industry.  That isn’t the case anymore, everyday people are having a variety of procedures done including:

  • Facelifts
  • Tummy Tucks
  • Rhinoplasty
  • Breast Augmentation
  • Butt Lifts

Choosing to have plastic surgery is a personal decision but once the decision is made then you need to prepare.  First you will need a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon that is capable and that you are comfortable with.  After that you need to schedule a consultation to see if you are genuinely a candidate and they will go over your medical history including any medical conditions that you are dealing with right now.  The surgeon will discuss with you the procedure that you are going to have along with any other surgeries you have had in the past.  They will also go over the costs associated with your surgery and what if any will be covered by insurance.  Here is a look at what you can expect at your first appointment.

The doctor want to get as many medical details from you as possible to ensure that the procedure will go smoothly and there will be no unexpected complications.  This also gives you the chance to chat with your surgeon about what to expect during and after the surgery.

Your doctor may also have requirements that you will need to fulfill before the surgery that can include changes to medication.  If you are a smoker the doctor may ask you to quit beforehand as smoking can impede the healing process.  You may also need to get some blood or other tests done beforehand to again make sure that you are healthy and able to handle the surgical procedure.

Getting plastic surgery isn’t something that you should go into lightly, it is major surgery and there will be downtime and a healing process that you need to take into consideration as well.

What is the Difference Between Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery

What is the Difference Between Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery

Many people tend to think of cosmetic and plastic surgery as the same thing with the two terms often used interchangeably the two disciplines are vastly different.  Yes, both have the goal of improving the appearance of a patient the training and circumstances tend to be very different.  If you are still wondering what is the difference between plastic and cosmetic surgery, then let’s explore them further.

Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery is used to improve the physical appearance of a patient and for the most part the procedures are elective and unnecessary for quality of life.  It is used to enhance your aesthetic appeal, your body already has perfect function.  The procedures most commonly performed by a surgeon can include, breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, facelifts, facial contouring, skin resurfacing and filler treatments such as botox.

Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery is an area of specialty where a surgeon does reconstructive surgery to help fix birth defects, burns, and trauma.  It can correct flaws in the body that keep it from functioning properly.  You will find that many plastic surgeons can and will do cosmetic procedures but they undergo further training to perform plastic surgery.  Some procedures that are performed by a plastic surgeon would include, breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, skin grafts, cleft palates.

Different Training

In order to become a plastic surgeon you need to complete a post-graduate residency program.  If you want to become a board certified plastic surgeon it will require an extra two years of study in plastic surgery.  While cosmetic surgery will be part of the training in your residency program the focus is more on reconstructive procedures rather than cosmetic procedures.

Achieving the title of “Board Certified Plastic Surgeon” demonstrates your competency in the field along with the extra training you have undergone.  However it does not demonstrate that you have undergone training in many common cosmetic procedures.  Training in cosmetic surgery is largely complete after your residency training.

When choosing a local plastic surgeon it is in your best interest to ask your surgeon about their training and how they specialized.  Ask if they are board certified.  Get recommendations, most cosmetic or plastic surgeons will have a portfolio of before and after shots.  Take the time to look at those and see if they have already done the procedure that you want and how it turned out.  Look at online reviews to see how other patients feel about the doctor.