Regardless if you’re thinking about getting a nose job (aka rhinoplasty) or are considering a bigger bust (breast augmentation), choosing a proper plastic surgeon Newport Beach is vital for the success of your operation.

You’ve no doubt heard horror stories of bad or disreputable “surgeons” who ended up maiming their unfortunate patients for life, and that might have even put you off cosmetic surgery. And while it’s understandable, we’re here to tell you, it shouldn’t. In the hands of a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon, you can achieve the body of your dreams and help get your self-confidence to top level, where it should be. 

So what should you look out for when choosing your plastic surgeon?

This is a general guide that ought to give you a fair idea about choosing your doctor, regardless of the procedure you’re thinking of getting.

1. Certification is paramount

The first thing you want to do when choosing your plastic surgeon is to check if they have certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPC). In the United States, the ABPC is the only institution accredited by the American Board of Medical Specialties. A certification from them attests that the doctor in question has undergone rigorous testing process by the Board, and is thus suitable to perform cosmetic surgery in America. 

Pro Tip: You might also look to see if your plastic surgeon is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Remember, the more credibility this person has, the more likely it is for your operation to be a success. 

If, when researching your doctor, you come across certification from an organization or institution you’re unfamiliar with, run a check on them as well. Not every “certificate” is real or should be trusted.

2. Check the facility

Some plastic surgeons will have the certification for their facility displayed on their website as well. A state license is pretty much paramount, and the absence of one should be a major red flag. Certification from the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAASF) or the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) should also be in place before you settle on that doctor.

3. Trust your gut

It might not sound “professional”, but remember that plastic surgery is a highly intimate procedure. You need to choose someone you trust and a good way to gauge that is to pay attention to your gut feeling during an initial consultation. A good surgeon will connect with you and give you confidence in the procedure.

4. Pay attention to their promises

A good doctor will make you favorable, yet realistic promises. If they tell you that the result will be stellar or out of this world, this might raise some alarm signals. While plastic surgery is an excellent method to get your body closer to how you want it to look, bear in mind it’s not magic. As such, results vary, and both you and your surgeon need to be aware of that. 

Also pay attention to whether or not they outline a realistic recovery timeline. A good surgeon should have no trouble doing that.

All in all, plastic surgery is a smart idea, but you do need to undergo a rigorous and lengthy scanning procedure beforehand. Just to make sure you get the right plastic surgeon who’ll make your dreams reality!