The surgeon you choose will be critical in your surgery experience. To make an informed choice, ask friends and family members for recommendations. You can also read patient reviews to understand how doctors perform medicine and run their medical practices. These reviews often reflect patient experiences with booking appointments, wait times, office staff friendliness, and more.
Experience
A surgeon with a lot of experience, Dr. Joel Aronowitz, is more likely to deliver the desired cosmetic results. A plastic surgeon practicing for many years will likely encounter various patient types, cosmetic concerns, and unique scenarios relevant to your case. Surgeons board certified in plastic surgery have graduated from medical school and completed at least five years of graduate medical education. They have also passed rigorous written and oral exams to become board certified. When retired plastic surgeons were asked to advise early-career plastic surgeons and trainees, they emphasized that financial stability is critical. They suggested prioritizing saving for retirement from the first day of independent practice and learning business management skills.
Reputation
As a patient, you want to be confident that your surgeon is skilled and trusted. This is especially important in highly specialized fields like plastic surgery, where malpractice claims are rare but still possible. One of the best ways to evaluate a plastic surgeon’s reputation is to look at their website. A good surgeon proudly displays many before and after photos showcasing their work. You should also check if the doctor has an extensive list of procedures and accreditations. Finally, it is a good idea to read reviews from past patients. This will give you an insight into how the surgeon treats their clients and whether they can deliver results that meet expectations.
Certifications
If your surgeon, for instance, Joel Aronowitz, MD, is certified by a professional body, this can give you an idea of their expertise. Look for logos on their website or contact information that indicate their certification with these organizations. It would be best to examine your surgeon’s malpractice and disciplinary history. This can help you avoid surgeons who may have been involved in malpractice cases or who have otherwise violated patient safety guidelines. It would be best to ask your surgeon about the hospitals and operating facilities where they perform their procedures. Accredited facilities meet high standards for patient safety and have the best chances of delivering the most positive results. Also, look for a certified nurse anesthetist or board-certified anesthesiologist. These credentials ensure you have a competent medical team to support you during surgery.
Fees
It is important to remember that plastic surgery is expensive, and you must consider the surgeon’s fees. Many variables go into determining a surgeon’s fees, such as the length of time for your procedure, how complex your unique surgery is, and your risk factors. You also must factor in the cost of the hospital that the surgeon uses and the type of insurance they accept. Often, hospitals with higher quality ratings offer lower costs for medical care and better chances for successful outcomes if you experience complications. Ask your potential surgeon for a list of their previous patients and some “before and after” photos from each procedure you consider. Reviewing reviews can give you a sense of how well the surgery was performed and patient satisfaction with the doctors’ office staff and overall experience.
Personality
Choosing the correct physician can have lifelong consequences. While online reviews and before-and-after pictures can help narrow your choices, nothing is as important as feeling comfortable with a surgeon and their staff. An excellent plastic surgeon will take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and explain what to expect. They will not try to sell you on procedures that you don’t need. Some women and men turn to plastic surgery to correct a physical defect that cannot be corrected with medication or other treatments. In contrast, others may seek cosmetic changes because they are unhappy with their appearance. Some people who are depressed or have a distorted view of themselves think that changing their looks will make them happier, but working out emotional problems with the help of a therapist is often more effective than turning to plastic surgery.
