What Should You Look for in Your Plastic Surgeon? Experience!

A recent study reported in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, evaluated which criteria were most important when patients were searching for a plastic surgeon. Not surprisingly, it was shown that patients place the most value on choosing an experienced plastic surgeon. I agree.

“It seems that the greater the experience the more confident patients are for a better result,” wrote Dr. Nick Marsidi, Maurice van den Bergh and Dr. Roland Luijendijk of Bergman Clinics, Bilthoven, the Netherlands, developers of the study.

Why is experience so important? Here are a few reasons that come to mind:

• An experienced plastic surgeon has performed hundreds, if not thousands, of procedures and has the skill to adapt a technique to your particular needs.
• An experienced plastic surgeon has developed a finely tuned sense of aesthetics and understands the vital connection between form and function.
• An experienced plastic surgeon is more likely to be familiar with a wide range of treatment modalities and can suggest the best option to meet your cosmetic goals.

In the survey, participants preferred surgeons who had been practicing more than 10 years. Doctor and peer recommendations were listed second among the variables chosen by the participants, so a personal endorsement from a trusted general practitioner or friend and family member was also greatly valued.

Other factors evaluated in the study about choosing a plastic surgeon included cost, travel time to the clinic, and online marketing presence. If you would like to read more about this study, click here.

Patti Flint, M.D., P.C. is a board certified plastic surgeon that strives to ensure that all of her patients are thoroughly educated about the plastic surgery procedures they desire so that they can make a confident, well-informed decision. She is a devoted and experienced professional whose focus is to help her clients feel more beautiful and confident by delivering natural results. Learn more about Dr. Flint and read Dr. Flint’s reviews.

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