The rising number of men and women opting for plastic surgeries clearly shows that many people are now getting into the aesthetic game. According to a survey, approximately 17.1 million people in 2019 underwent a cosmetic procedure in America. This demonstrates people’s interest in improving their appearance to feel more confident, reverse aging, and meet body goals.
While procedures like cosmetic surgeries attract a growing base of patients, it opens doors for many unqualified physicians who jump on the cosmetic bandwagon without any substantial training and practice. That means whether you are having facial plastic surgery or undergoing a procedure of body contouring, it is essential to choose the right professional.
Looking for the red flags or warning signs for plastic surgeons is undeniably a critical step when you are considering surgery. Choosing the wrong person for a job may lead you to several complications related to cosmetic surgery such as Hematoma, blood loss, infections, seroma or nerve damage.
If you are considering cosmetic surgery and are not sure which red flags to look for, we have you covered here. You may also check out other blog post on helpful tips to choose a plastic surgeon.
After all, a doctor is not a doctor without a medical degree. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, it is critically vital for prospective patients to choose a surgeon who has certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery (check here). Plastic Surgeons should have 4 years of medical school followed by 6 years of residency plastic surgery training.
Although medical professionals who are not board certified can perform cosmetic procedures, they lack the expertise. Your Ob Gyn should not perform your tummy tuck. Lacking the key credentials is one of the red flags that prospective patients must consider before making the decision.
There is no denying that every individual cannot have the same experience when undergoing cosmetic surgery. Not all patients can judge the abilities of a plastic surgeon. But if a surgeon has got a number of bad reviews from the/her patients, that is maybe a warning sign you should not overlook. Check Google, RealSelf, and Healthgrades reviews on the plastic surgeon.
Pay special attention to the 1 and 2 star reviews. Some companies manage reviews and ratings for doctors. If these reviews (for a specific surgeon) have a rating like 1 or 2, it usually indicates a terrible experience of people with him/her. It is important to look closer to find out what accurate star rating looks like. It is always better to read comments to spot cases of botched surgeries. In the example below, there are over 50 1 and 2 star reviews, but the overall rating is still 4.5!
Know that perfection is an abstract concept, and if a plastic surgeon is offering you guaranteed results, it rings an alarm bell. Even the expert cosmetic surgeons are sometimes unable to give 100 percent results. That is what makes pondering over the exaggerated claims extremely important when choosing the surgeon. For example, it is popular with surgeons to claim only a breast augmentation is necessary to avoid the extra cost of a breast lift. They provide a temporary lifted look with a large implant which due to gravity will sag leaving a waterfall deformity.
You should study about the cosmetic procedures of the surgery you want to opt for instead believing claims that are “too good to be true.”
Did you know that some of the most recent mortalities related to plastic surgery were taken place in private offices?
That means it is another vital warning sign that is must-to-consider before making a decision. If a cosmetic surgeon lacks hospital privileges, it may be one of the signs that show the hospital is not sure about the competence and abilities of him/her.
So if your surgeon wants to perform surgery in his/her office, know that it might not be the safest idea check to ensure they have privileges at the local hospitals.
Discount coupons may sound suitable for a massage or hair salon appointments, but when it comes to plastic surgery, they do not make sense.
Keep in mind that cosmetic surgeries are serious matters and are nothing something to bargain on. Put simply, if a surgeon offers a discount on any of the surgery procedures, he is more interested in attracting eager patients or trying to up-sell his patients.
The doctor should always meet with you before providing a firm quote for a procedure.
For many people, a consultation might not seem something significant to pay attention to. In reality, however, they can be one of the clues showing the seriousness of a cosmetic surgeon toward his or her profession. Meeting with patients and determining their personal goals and expectations related to contouring surgery plays a critical role in executing the cosmetic procedures.
That is why all good cosmetic surgeons make sure to meet their prospective patients before surgeries to not only address their issues but also to determine health issues that may increase surgical complications.
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Seeing before and after photos of surgeons’ work allow patients to set realistic expectations from the surgery. If a surgeon refuses to show his/her previous work to you, it is a red flag that surgery is not worth opting for. Be sure the pictures show the scars at different times after the surgery.
In conclusion, people plastic surgery combined with a healthy lifestyle can help you achieve your goals or recover a more youthful body. Although it is an effective way to reach your aesthetic goals and make you feel and look better, it should be something you carefully research first.
It is okay if you are inspired by your neighbor, co-worker, or friend who has had a successful breast augmentation, tummy tuck or facelift and wants to go for a surgery. All you need is to make sure you look for the given warning signs and choose a great surgeon.
