Finding a Top Plastic Surgeon for Plastic Surgery in Nashville, TN
Choosing a plastic surgeon is a decision that will impact your life for years, decades, or even a lifetime. The person you choose to alter your appearance should leave you with greater self-confidence and happiness. However, if you end up with an inexperienced plastic surgeon, you may face costly revisions and a lot of frustration. Therefore, it’s crucial to take your time and find the right plastic surgeon who meets your specific needs.
Investing in a plastic surgery procedure comes with a wealth of decisions to be made.
- Who should perform my surgery?
- How do I find a qualified plastic surgeon?
- How much do these procedures usually cost?
However, the most critical decision you can make is who you select to be your plastic surgeon. Not every surgeon or doctor is qualified to conduct high levels of surgery.
Plus, every individual’s experience with plastic surgery is unique. Even if a friend had a great plastic surgeon, that doesn’t mean they will be the right fit for you.
It’s vital to take your time to find the right plastic surgeon. So, take the time to do thorough research, and don’t settle for the first result that pops up on your screen.
If you are interested in a plastic surgery procedure, here are a few tips for selecting the perfect surgeon for you.
Always select a board-certified plastic surgeon
In 2020 alone, 15.6 million cosmetic procedures were performed, highlighting plastic surgery’s growing popularity. However, the government doesn’t require surgeons to be trained specifically in the services they offer.
With such a large number of procedures, it’s crucial to find a board-certified surgeon. Board certification verifies that the surgeon meets the necessary safety requirements and has the required skills.
To become board certified, a surgeon must earn a degree from a prestigious and accredited medical school, complete three years of general surgery, complete a residency program for plastic surgery, have two years of professional practice, and finally, they must pass a variety of written and oral exams administered by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). You can check for ABPS certification online.
With their extensive training and certifications, board-certified surgeons have a wealth of experience. The rigorous training allows them to yield lower complication rates and provide their patients with optimum procedure results.
However, it’s essential to double-check that the plastic surgeon you choose is also up to date on the newest techniques and technology. Medical advancements constantly evolve, and you want to ensure your surgeon is knowledgeable and skilled in current practices.
Dr. Robert Garza is the medical director and founder of The Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Center in Nashville. He is a double board-certified plastic surgeon by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. Dr. Garza is a member of multiple plastic surgery societies, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
His plastic surgery practice is in Nashville, TN, where he specializes in all aspects of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. Contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Garza today!
Research the plastic surgeon’s previous work
Almost every plastic surgeon has documents of the results of every patient they worked on. Not only do these pictures display their work, but it also creates a sense of credibility for potential patients.
For a deeper insight into their experience and surgical outcomes, ask your potential plastic surgeon to show you images of patients close to your age who had the same body type and underwent the same procedure you want. You should be able to see at least two examples of “After” shots that are a year or more post-surgery.
These examples will help you get a good understanding of what to expect. If the results differ from your specific desires, then it may be wise to continue searching for a plastic surgeon.
Specific Expertise, Skills, and Results
Furthermore, when evaluating a plastic surgeon, make sure they have specific expertise in the procedure you are considering. Different surgeries require different skills. For example, breast augmentation and rhinoplasty are vastly different from one another. So, it’s important to inquire about their training and experience with the specific procedure you desire.
Ask them how they were trained for the procedure, how many years of experience they have performed it, and how frequently they have performed it. A good ballpark figure is once or more per week for five or more years.
Consistency is also an essential factor to consider when evaluating a surgeon’s results. Are the outcomes consistent across their patients? Do you like the overall look they achieve? It’s crucial to align your expectations with the surgeon’s capabilities and aesthetic style.
Lastly, understanding the surgeon’s aesthetic sense is crucial since beauty is subjective. What one surgeon finds beautiful may not align with your preferences.
Trust and Communication
Feeling comfortable around the surgeon and their staff is crucial to establish a trusting relationship. You should be able to ask any questions you have throughout the process.
Furthermore, the surgeon should provide honest and straightforward information about your expected results and personal situation. A professional surgeon will be honest with you. They will explain all the risks involved and not just tell you what you want to hear.
When you meet with the surgeon, see if they make you feel at ease, listen and offer feedback, understand your aesthetic goals, and inform you of your options. A caring, compassionate, and empathetic surgeon is more likely to prioritize your well-being and address your concerns.
Operating Facility
Take into consideration the operating facility where the plastic surgery will be performed. Plastic surgery often takes place outside of a hospital setting. Ensure that the operating facility has the necessary certifications. They should have at least one from:
- American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF)
- Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC)
- Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)
- Institute for Medical Qualities (IMQ)
- or another state medical board-approved accreditation
An excellent operating facility will also be clean, organized, and professional, with an inviting atmosphere.
Additionally, the operating facility’s anesthetist should be a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) or a Board-Certified Anesthesiologist. These accreditations ensure your safety during the procedure.
Lastly, customer service is an essential aspect of your overall experience. You should be treated well by the surgeon and their staff from the moment you make initial contact. A friendly and helpful staff, transparent fees, and responsiveness to your inquiries indicate good customer service.
Always ask questions
Never be afraid to ask a surgeon any questions you may have. Remember, plastic surgery is a significant procedure, so you should always have the right information in front of you. Here are a few questions you should ask your potential surgeon:
- When did you start performing this procedure?
- How many patients have you worked on?
- What are your success rates?
- What techniques will you use and why?
- How many times have you performed this procedure?
- Have you ever had complications with this procedure?
- Who will be assisting you? What are their qualifications?
- Do you have hospital privileges?
- How would you respond in case of an emergency?
Any experienced plastic surgeon will happily answer these questions to ease your mind and assure you of their expertise.
Pay attention to prices
Plastic surgery, no matter the procedure, can be very costly. With that being said, always beware of bargain prices. Although it is ideal to save money where we can, cheap plastic surgery can come with some serious risks. For example, cheap plastic surgery can quickly grow expensive in the case of a complication–especially if revisions are needed.
Before scheduling your procedure, always research to determine the standard pricing for the procedure you wish to undergo. Be cautious if you find that a plastic surgeon is offering the procedure for a fraction of the price. They may lack experience or use very outdated techniques and tools.
Find the Right Plastic Surgeon for You in Nashville
Finding a surgeon requires careful consideration and thorough research. Take your time to evaluate their qualifications, experience, aesthetic sense, and communication style. Ensure that the surgeon is board certified, has specific expertise in the procedure you desire, and has a track record of successful results. Comfort and trust are key, so choose a surgeon and staff with whom you feel at ease discussing your medical history and personal habits.
Additionally, verify the certifications of the operating facility and the anesthetist. Lastly, pay attention to the level of customer service provided, as it can significantly impact your overall experience. By following these guidelines, you can increase the likelihood of walking away from your plastic surgery experience with greater self-confidence and happiness.
With these tips in mind, you’ll find a highly qualified plastic surgeon in Nashville, TN, that will provide exceptional results.
Reach out to Dr. Robert Garza today for a consultation. There’s only one way to find out if he is the best plastic surgeon for you!
