Choosing the right plastic surgeon can spell the difference between a successful procedure and one that causes irreversible complications, says Dr. Jacono. As the Section Head of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at North Shore University Hospital, he has seen the results of botched plastic surgical procedures firsthand and is eager to help individuals avoid unwanted complications. He offers insight into how to pick a safe plastic surgeon in order to avoid problems before, during, and after surgery.
Choosing a surgeon who has experience performing the procedure in question is a must, Dr. Andrew A. Jacono emphasizes. Even good plastic surgeons may not specialize in all surgical procedures, and there is a very big difference between surgeries such as rhinoplasty and a Brazilian Butt Lift. What’s more, good surgeons will use cutting-edge tools and technologies to ensure patients will be happy with the end result, reduce pain during the procedure, and shorten post-surgery recovery time.
Good surgeons also have a high average review rating from former clients, Dr. Andrew Jacono notes. Former patients should not only be happy with the results but also with the entire consultation process. The facility should be clean, staff members should be friendly, and a plastic surgeon should take the time to ask about a patient’s medical history and the reasons why he or she wants surgery in the first place. A good surgeon needs to know what type of outcome a patient is hoping for in order to ensure the end result meets the patient’s expectations. Furthermore, a good plastic surgeon will also use the consultation process to ensure that the patient is emotionally ready for the change in his or her appearance and is not getting the surgery for the wrong reasons (i.e. to please a spouse or family member, or to appease an abusive boss).
Cost is naturally a factor patients will have to consider when selecting a plastic surgeon, Dr. A. Jacono acknowledges. However, safety should always take precedence over the price tag. A surgeon whose prices are far lower than other surgeons in the local area is likely to be an unsafe surgeon who does not have the right experience or tools for the job. Rather than trying to find a surgeon who offers the best “deal”, Dr. Jacono urges patients to look for qualified surgeons who offer financing to allow patients to pay on time rather than covering the cost of the procedure upfront.
Plastic surgery is elective, but it’s still surgery and even a minimally invasive procedure can cause problems if the surgeon is unqualified, incompetent, and/or does not have the right tools for the job. Thus, it’s important to find a qualified, experienced, licensed plastic surgeon to perform any desired procedure. Careful research and even making appointments with several surgeons may be in order for one to find the right plastic surgeon for the job, Dr. Jacono says. He also urges those who have chosen a qualified plastic surgeon to listen to the surgeon’s advice and suggestions in order to pick the right procedure and speed up the post-surgical recovery process.