Things to Look Out For When Vetting a Plastic Surgeon For Your Facelift Procedure

When it comes to facial plastic surgery, it is essential to find a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon to perform your facelift. Choosing the wrong plastic surgeon who is not right for you or is not reputable enough can result in costly and devastating consequences that can lead to poor surgical outcomes. We strongly advise that patients considering a facelift procedure do extensive research before making their final decision. In this article, we will guide you through the red flags to watch out for when vetting a facial plastic surgeon and why it is best to choose a board-certified surgeon to perform your facelift.

Calling themselves a Cosmetic Surgeon but not being an actual plastic surgeon:

Another important red flag to watch out for when vetting a plastic surgeon is if they refer to themselves as a “cosmetic surgeon” but do not have the credentials of a board-certified plastic surgeon. Many people assume that a cosmetic surgeon and a plastic surgeon are the same, but they are not. While both may perform certain cosmetic procedures, a plastic surgeon has undergone specialized training and certification by the ABPS, whereas a cosmetic surgeon may have a different background or training that is not specific to plastic surgery. To ensure the highest level of safety and expertise, it is crucial to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon for your procedure.

Overdone results / Overfilled:

When researching potential plastic surgeons, it is important to look for natural-looking and balanced results in their before-and-after photos. If you come across a surgeon’s portfolio where the patients’ results appear overdone or over-filled, it could be a red flag. Plastic surgery should aim to enhance a person’s natural beauty and create harmonious results, rather than producing an exaggerated or artificial appearance. Look for surgeons who prioritize a conservative and aesthetic approach, ensuring that their patients achieve natural-looking outcomes that align with their individual features.
Lack of Before-and-After Photos: Another red flag to consider when vetting a plastic surgeon is the absence of before-and-after photos showcasing their work. Reputable surgeons often have a comprehensive portfolio of their past patients’ results, which they proudly display on their website or share during consultations. Before-and-after photos can provide valuable insight into a surgeon’s skill, attention to detail, and ability to achieve consistent and satisfactory outcomes. If a plastic surgeon fails to provide before-and-after photos or only shows a limited selection, it may indicate a lack of experience or inconsistent results, warranting further scrutiny before making a decision.

Too Many Negative Reviews:

Another red flag to watch out for when vetting a plastic surgeon is too many negative reviews. In today’s digital world, you can learn much about a plastic surgeon by checking out online reviews and testimonials. A reputable and trustworthy surgeon should have a high rating on Google or Yelp from satisfied patients. If you come across several negative reviews that talk about the surgeon’s poor work quality, resulting complications, and botched surgeries, then it might be time to reconsider the surgeon.

Poor Communication:

Communication is an essential aspect of the doctor-patient relationship when it comes to plastic surgery. A surgeon should be able to explain the proposed procedure to their patient in a way that is easily understandable while answering any questions that the patient may have. They should walk their patients through the process, including the risks and potential complications. If the surgeon is not patient enough to listen to your concerns or is dismissive of your questions, then this could be a significant red flag that the surgeon is not the right one for you.

Unverifiable Credentials:

One of the major red flags that you should watch out for when vetting a plastic surgeon is unverifiable credentials. The internet is full of fraudsters who will claim to be plastic surgeons with experience in a certain procedure, but they do not have the qualifications to back up their claim. A qualified and reputable plastic surgeon should be board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), which is a rigorous certification that proves they have undergone proper training and have passed a set of standardized exams. As a result, always verify that your surgeon is board-certified by the ABPS before scheduling your surgery.

Why Choose a Board-certified Plastic Surgeon

When choosing a plastic surgeon, it is wise to go with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Catherine Chang of Privé Beverly Hills. Board-certified surgeons have undergone extensive training in plastic surgery procedures and passed rigorous exams, ensuring that they meet the required standards when it comes to plastic surgery. Additionally, Dr. Chang is known throughout Southern California for her compassionate care, knowledge, and over twenty years of experience in plastic surgery. She has undergone further extensive training in reconstructive microsurgery after residency, making her reputation as a world-class surgeon.

Choosing the right facial plastic surgeon is vital to ensure you are satisfied with your facelift results and patient experience. Always be cautious when vetting surgeons and watch out for any red flags. Always take into account board-certified surgeons like Dr. Catherine Chang of Privé Beverly Hills, who have proven expertise, specialization, and experience in facial plastic surgery.