"I want to make sure that each patient is confident with their surgical decision and that they've taken the time to get completely comfortable with thier choice of the Inlet Plastic Surgery team."

Check Board Certification:

• Verify Credentials: Ensure that the surgeon is certified by a recognized board, such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) in the United States or an equivalent body in other countries. Board certification ensures that the surgeon has undergone rigorous training and meets specific standards of practice.
• Specialization: Confirm that the surgeon specializes in cosmetic surgery and has extensive experience in the specific procedure you’re considering.

Evaluate Experience:

• Years of Practice: Look for a surgeon with several years of experience in cosmetic surgery. The more experience they have with your specific procedure, the better.
• Number of Procedures Performed: Ask how many times the surgeon has performed the procedure you’re considering. A surgeon who frequently performs the procedure is likely to have refined their skills and achieved better outcomes.
• Before-and-After Photos: Request to see before-and-after photos of previous patients who have undergone the same procedure. This can give you an idea of the surgeon’s aesthetic style and the results you might expect.

Research Reputation:

• Patient Reviews and Testimonials: Look for reviews and testimonials from previous patients. Websites like RealSelf, Healthgrades, and even Google Reviews can provide insights into the surgeon’s reputation.
• Referrals: Ask for recommendations from trusted sources, such as your primary care physician, friends, or family members who have had cosmetic surgery.
• Disciplinary History: Check if the surgeon has any history of malpractice claims or disciplinary actions. This information is often available through medical boards or state licensing authorities.

Consultation Process:

• Initial Consultation: Schedule a consultation to meet the surgeon in person. This is your opportunity to assess their communication style, professionalism, and willingness to answer your questions.
• Comfort and Rapport: It’s important to feel comfortable with your surgeon. They should listen to your goals, address your concerns, and provide clear, honest information about the procedure, risks, and recovery.
• Detailed Assessment: A good surgeon will conduct a thorough assessment, including reviewing your medical history, evaluating your physical condition, and discussing your expectations. They should also provide personalized recommendations based on your unique needs.

Hospital Privileges and Accreditation:

• Surgical Facility Accreditation: Ensure that the surgery will be performed in an accredited facility, such as a hospital or a surgical center accredited by organizations like the Joint Commission or the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF).
• Hospital Privileges: Verify that the surgeon has privileges to perform the procedure at a reputable hospital. This indicates that the hospital has vetted the surgeon’s credentials and expertise.

Transparency About Costs:

• Cost Breakdown: Request a detailed cost estimate that includes all fees, such as the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, facility costs, and any additional expenses.
• Financing Options: Ask if the surgeon’s office offers financing plans or payment options. Be wary of prices that seem too low, as this might indicate subpar quality or hidden fees.

Review Policies and Procedures:

• Informed Consent: Ensure that you receive detailed information about the procedure, including risks, benefits, and potential complications. You should sign an informed consent form that outlines these aspects.
• Revision Policy: Ask about the surgeon’s policy on revisions if the results do not meet your expectations. Some surgeons offer reduced-cost or free revisions under certain circumstances.

Trust Your Instincts:

• Gut Feeling: Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right during the consultation or you feel pressured into making a decision, consider seeking a second opinion.
• Patient Safety: A good surgeon prioritizes patient safety above all else. They should be honest about potential risks and whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure.

By taking the time to research and carefully evaluate potential surgeons, you can make an informed decision and increase the likelihood of achieving your desired outcomes.

General Surgical Risks:

• Infection: Post-operative infections can occur at the incision site or internally. These can sometimes be severe, requiring antibiotics or additional surgery.
• Bleeding: Excessive bleeding during or after surgery can occur, which may require additional procedures to stop the bleeding.
• Anesthesia Complications: Reactions to anesthesia can range from mild to severe, including breathing difficulties, allergic reactions, or in rare cases, death.
• Blood Clots: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism are potential risks, especially in procedures where patients are immobile for extended periods. Scarring: While surgeons try to minimize scarring, all surgeries result in some scarring. Keloid or hypertrophic scars (raised, thickened scars) may form, which can be noticeable and permanent.
• Pain and Discomfort: Pain is a common side effect post-surgery, and while it is usually manageable, it can sometimes persist longer than expected. 2.

Procedure-Specific Risks:

• Nerve Damage: Surgery can sometimes damage nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, or changes in sensation. In some cases, this can be permanent.
• Hematoma: A collection of blood under the skin can occur, leading to swelling and bruising, which may require surgical intervention.
• Seroma: Accumulation of fluid under the skin, which might need to be drained.
• Asymmetry: The results of the surgery might not be symmetrical or may not meet the patient’s expectations, potentially requiring revision surgery.
• Skin Necrosis: Poor blood supply to the skin can lead to tissue death, especially in procedures like facelifts or tummy tucks.
• Implant-Related Risks: In procedures involving implants (e.g., breast augmentation), there are risks such as implant rupture, capsular contracture (hardening of tissue around the implant), or displacement. 3.

Psychological Risks:

• Dissatisfaction with Results: Despite the surgeon’s best efforts, the results may not meet the patient’s expectations, leading to disappointment or regret.
• Emotional Impact: Changes in appearance can have a significant psychological impact. Some patients may struggle with their new appearance, leading to anxiety, depression, or body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).
• Addiction to Surgery: Some individuals may become overly fixated on achieving the "perfect" appearance, leading to repeated surgeries and potential harm. 4.

Recovery-Related Risks:

• Delayed Healing: Some individuals may experience slower-than-expected healing, which can lead to complications such as wound separation.
• Swelling and Bruising: These are common after surgery, but if they are excessive or prolonged, they may indicate complications.
• Inability to Resume Normal Activities: Depending on the procedure, recovery may take weeks to months, during which time the patient may not be able to perform certain activities. 5.

Long-Term Risks:

• Revision Surgery: Over time, the initial results may change due to aging, weight fluctuations, or other factors, leading some patients to seek additional surgeries.
• Chronic Pain: In rare cases, patients may experience long-term pain following surgery.
• Changes in Sensation: Permanent changes in sensation (e.g., numbness or hypersensitivity) can occur, especially in areas where nerves were affected.

Risk Management:

To minimize risks, it is crucial to choose a board-certified and experienced surgeon, follow all pre- and post-operative instructions carefully, and have realistic expectations about the outcomes. Comprehensive consultations, including discussions about medical history and potential risks, are key to ensuring patient safety and satisfaction.