What Makes A Good Cosmetic Surgeon? 5 Things To Consider

Jan 24, 2022
Joanna Lawson
LifeStyle

4 min read

Whether you want to change the impact of lockdown on your appearance or you’re simply caressing the idea of having subtle tweaks, rather than any major changes in your body, nowadays there are plenty of options for late bloomers who want to improve their look without feeling the pressure of social judgements.

Cosmetic surgery has evolved significantly over the past few years, stepping away from dramatic surgical procedures of the ’80s, and now – as coronavirus restrictions have eased – demand for aesthetic treatments is increasing.

Amongst the most requested tweaks from gen x women are minimally or non-invasive body sculpting procedures—such as SmartLipo, BodyTite, and CoolSculpting, treatments that use lasers, radiofrequency, and electromagnetic waves to eliminate fat without having to undergo surgery and PRP, also known as Platelet Rich Plasma, a non-surgical procedure that uses the healing power of our own blood to regenerate skin and encourage new collagen. Lip lifts and facelifts (that target sagging skin and wrinkles on the lower half of the face) are also popular amongst women over 40.

Natural-looking tweaks might sound like a contradiction, but that’s what more and more of us are looking for – it’s about enhancement, not alteration. However, even though looking and feeling good is for many of us very important, before undergoing a cosmetic procedure is always very important to take the time to consider whether the treatment is really necessary as well as choose a trusted professional to avoid any regrets.

But what makes a good cosmetic surgeon? Ideally someone with a proven track record plus the prerequisite qualifications to perform the specific surgery that you are interested in undergoing.

Although there is nothing to be ashamed of when seeking treatment, it is important not to rush into anything, and wait for a sufficient amount of time to weigh up whether it is the best option for you- explains leading cosmetic surgeon and CMO of Uvence, Dr Olivier Amar-. If you are still considering treatment, I would advise that you discuss this with your practitioner, as well as a close friend or family member. It is important that patients feel comfortable communicating exactly what they want to achieve.

Here are a few things to consider when you’re selecting a cosmetic surgeon.

Look for a surgeon who is board-certified

Finding a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who has plenty of experience in the procedure of choice is critical to getting the results you desire. Look for a fully qualified professional who has been accredited by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) if living in the US or refer to sites such as the British Association Of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) for information on trusted surgeons in the UK. Having these qualifications means that doctors have specialized training in cosmetic surgery.

Also, maintaining one’s certification means that the practitioner you choose will have to do a certain amount of ongoing education to ensure that he or she has knowledge of the most current research in their field. It is recommended to visit at least three surgeons so that you can feel really comfortable that the MD you choose is one that you feel secure and comfortable with.

Get the answers you need

Your surgeon needs to give you all the information and advice you need to feel confident to make a decision moving forward. Ideally, your practitioner should work with you to define your goals, provide you with realistic expectations for your cosmetic treatments and discuss his/her procedures with you in detail. It’s better not to trust organisations that won’t introduce you to the surgeon to discuss your case. Normally, they should be treating you holistically and take into account your full medical history before any treatments.