What are the most important things to look for when choosing the right plastic surgeon?
There is a saying that has been around for as long as I can remember that is some variation of “you get what you pay for”. It is straightforward enough and normally taken to mean that the more you spend the more value you will end up with. Of course, there are always exceptions, especially when it comes to those things with sentimental value, but, all in all, this is a generally reliable maxim, even in situations not strictly focused on monetary value.
Choosing the right plastic surgeon is an excellent example of “getting what you pay for” but not in the sense that high fees guarantee quality and satisfaction with results. In this case, as well as many others, what you pay to ensure that you are getting top value is the time and effort you put into finding the most highly skilled and experienced surgeon that is a good fit for you and your particular situation.
How to Choose the Right Plastic Surgeon
It’s easy to say that you should make sure you find the best plastic surgeon, but what does that mean, exactly? What should you look for? The one with the best education and credentials? The one with the most experience? Or, should you talk to former patients and read reviews to get an idea of the kind of results a particular surgeon gets?
The short answer is “yes”. Not just to one or two of these considerations but to all of them.
Asking these questions is what most often brings patients to Dr. Brian D. Cohen, Long Island’s premier plastic surgeon. Whether it is a referral from a friend or research done online, by phone or through professional organizations, those looking for a highly skilled and experienced surgeon soon learn that Dr. Cohen is not only all of those things but also a doctor that is trusted and respected by his patients because of his sensitivity to their issues. He does this by focusing on them as individuals rather than procedures.
Whether you are considering plastic surgery or any other kind of surgery, it is vital that you do your research in all of these areas. Education is, of course, extremely important. This is true, not only as the foundation for a surgeon’s career but also in keeping up with new techniques and innovations through continuing education. One way of ascertaining this is to make sure that your prospective choices are board-certified.
As important as education is, nothing can replace experience. You will want to look for a surgeon with a robust practice and who, not only has years of experience, but also one with extensive experience performing the specific procedure that you are considering having done.
Once you are satisfied with a potential plastic surgeon’s education and experience, the next step is to read reviews and posted testimonials of former patients. An even better option is to ask to speak to some of these former patients, personally. This will give you a fuller picture of the entire experience, from how friendly and helpful the staff was all the way to satisfaction with the procedure itself.
Once you have checked all of these steps off of your list, there is just one more. It has always been implied that surgeons skipped the part of medical school that had to do with what is called a “bedside manner”. Surgical skill was thought to be of primary concern rather than having a rapport with their patients. This has been changing with all types of surgeons, but it has always been important for plastic surgeons because the majority of procedures are optional.
When you have your consultation with Dr. Cohen, you become part of a team. Listening to you, answering your questions and then helping you to understand exactly what your options are and what you can realistically expect is a crucial part of the process. Dr. Cohen understands that sometimes the right choice for you may be to counsel you not to have the procedure at all. This is the kind of team that you want to be on; one that has your best interests at heart.
You do get what you pay for, and, the time and effort that you invest in finding the right plastic surgeon is always worth it.
Dr. Brian D. Cohen is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with extensive training in cosmetic/reconstructive plastic surgery and has had years of experience performing a wide array of cosmetic surgery procedures, specializing in procedures of the face, eyes, nose, breast and body and is known for his exemplary and compassionate care by his patients. Knowing that Dr. Cohen has been selected by his peers in Super Doctors for 8 years in a row in 2020 gives you the confidence that he is highly respected for his performance in his specialty.
Information on locations and office hours for Cohen Plastic Surgery can be found by clicking here.