The decision to have plastic surgery is an important one, to say the least. It involves careful consideration and planning.
Once your decision has been made to move forward with surgery, your next step is reading this guide on how to find the best facial plastic surgeon in DC. Your “homework” isn’t hard but it sure is important!
- Verify the Plastic Surgeon’s Credentials
You want to find a board-certified plastic surgeon who is associated with the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and / or the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.
Never be afraid to interview potential surgeons before making a choice for your facelift or other procedure.
Ask questions about their education, training, years of experience, and certifications. Go the extra mile to make sure what they are telling you is true.
- Consider a Plastic Surgeon’s Style and Approach
Plastic surgery doesn’t just take skill. It also requires a bit of artistry. Every face is different, and your surgeon should consider yours as a whole and not just the problems you want to correct.
Assuming your goal with facial plastic surgery is a younger looking appearance, you also want to consider balance and symmetry. The best facial plastic surgeon in DC is the one who considers your unique features and needs so you achieve harmonious results.
- Give Thought to the Characteristics You Want in a Plastic Surgeon
It’s not just their years of plastic surgery experience that matter. The type of person they are is important too. What qualities matter to you? Honesty, integrity, compassion, commitment to excellence, humility, creativity, ingenuity, humor, curiosity, and dedication should be at the top of the list according to the AMA Journal of Ethics.
- Vet the Surgeon’s Facility
It isn’t uncommon for plastic surgery to take place outside of a traditional hospital. However, that doesn’t mean the facility should be any less accommodating or not accredited. Specifically, it should be certified by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).
- Make Trust a Priority
It simply doesn’t make sense to choose a plastic surgeon you don’t completely trust. Don’t feel discouraged if it takes some time to find a surgeon you feel comfortable with.
In order to speak openly and honestly about your concerns and aesthetic goals, you need to form a connection with your plastic surgeon. This patient-surgeon bond helps instill confidence in moving forward with your procedure.
A trustworthy plastic surgeon will also be honest with you. There are quite a few positives to facial plastic surgery, but it does have risks you need to know about too. The right plastic surgeon for you is one who thoroughly explains the risks and recovery timeline.
They should also be supportive throughout your recovery process. A surgeon’s job isn’t to tell you what you want to hear. Instead, they are there to make sure you have realistic expectations about your surgery.
- Schedule Your Plastic Surgery Consultation
It’s difficult for you to choose a surgeon without a cosmetic surgery consultation. This is when you meet them face to face to discuss not only the procedure (before, during, and after) and your goals but to make sure it’s safe for you to proceed with surgery.
A good idea is to go to your consultation prepared. Because you do need a medical evaluation, be prepared to discuss your medical history and conditions. Take a list of the medications and supplements you are taking. Note any dates of past surgeries you’ve had as well.
Take advantage of this time to ask questions. This is a good time to find out about their background. Need help getting started? Use this list as a guide:
- Are you board-certified?
- How many facial plastic surgeries have you performed?
- What is your success rate?
- Is your facility accredited?
- How are complications dealt with? What is the emergency protocol?
- What are my options if I am not happy with my results?
- Can I see before / after photos of your patients who have had facial plastic surgery?
- What payment methods do you accept and do you offer financing?
- Pay Attention to Your Instincts
Studies have shown patients who pay attention to their gut feelings have a better outcome. Take in the full experience.
When you leave, take the time to ask yourself if you felt welcomed by the staff. Was the facility comfortable and inviting? Did you feel listened to and understood? Did you feel you were given clear answers to all of your questions?
If anything feels off to you, then it’s possible you have not found the right plastic surgeon. Remember, your consultation is not an obligation and it’s perfectly acceptable to keep looking.
The Best Facial Plastic Surgeon in DC Is Only a Quick Phone Call Away to The Center for Cosmetic Surgery Today!
Our team, led by Dr. Stephen Hopping, welcomes you to The Center for Cosmetic Surgery. We are excited to be a part of your journey.!
We invite you to call us at 202-785-3175 to schedule your facial plastic surgery consultation with Dr. Hopping. He is not only a world-renowned, board-certified plastic surgeon but he is also a professor who teaches facial plastic surgery to students and residents at George Washington University.
Our accredited surgical facility is state of the art, and our goal is to provide you with an experience that exceeds all your expectations. Contact us today!
