So, How Should You Choose a Surgeon?
Part 2 of a 3-part series on preparing for cosmetic surgery
Once you have decided that surgery may be right for you, the next important decision is choosing your surgeon.
Credentials and Experience
Ensure that your surgeon has appropriate specialist training and certification for the procedure you are considering. In Canada, patients should understand the surgeon's qualifications, specialty certification, experience with the procedure, and where they have hospital privileges.
It is also reasonable to ask how frequently the surgeon performs the procedure you are considering and where the surgery will take place.
Location Matters
In most circumstances, I believe there is considerable value in having your surgeon reasonably close to where you live.
Although surgery itself may take only a few hours, the consultation, preoperative planning, and postoperative follow-up are equally important parts of the process. Being geographically close allows your surgeon and their team to assess you in person if questions or concerns arise during recovery.
Hospital privileges can also be important. Surgeons generally have privileges at specific hospitals or surgical facilities. If an unexpected complication requires hospital care, having your surgeon involved in your care can be valuable.
There are many excellent surgeons around the world, and travelling for surgery can be appropriate in certain circumstances. However, patients considering medical tourism should carefully understand the implications of having their surgeon in another country.
Complications do not necessarily occur during the first few days after surgery. A patient who returns home shortly after an operation may find themselves managing a complication without direct access to the surgeon who performed the procedure. Medical records may also be difficult to obtain or transfer, and additional treatment can result in significant unexpected costs.
If you are considering travelling for surgery, ask yourself not only, "Who is going to perform my surgery?" but also, "Who will look after me if something doesn't go according to plan?"
Recommendations and Reputation
Personal recommendations can be helpful when choosing a surgeon because they provide insight into another patient's experience. Online reviews can also provide useful information, although they should be interpreted with some caution. Reviews can be highly positive or negative and may not tell the complete story.
Take the time to review a surgeon's website, before-and-after photographs, educational content, social media presence, and patient feedback.
Most importantly, ask yourself: Does this surgeon's approach align with my expectations and values?
Rapport and Trust
Your surgeon should provide realistic expectations and explain both the benefits and risks of surgery.
You should feel heard, supported, and given enough time to ask questions. You should also feel comfortable with the surgeon and the office team who will be caring for you throughout the process.
Be cautious of extreme claims such as "perfection," guarantees of specific results, or discussions that minimize the risks of surgery.
Perfect symmetry is not attainable. All surgery carries risks, and complications can occur even when surgery is performed appropriately and every precaution is taken.
A consultation is not simply an opportunity for you to interview your surgeon. It is also an opportunity for your surgeon to determine whether surgery is appropriate for you.
In my opinion, knowing when not to operate is one of the most important decisions a surgeon can make. Sometimes the safest and most appropriate recommendation is to delay surgery or not proceed at all.
The relationship between a surgeon and patient is a professional relationship. You should feel comfortable with your surgeon, but the goal is not to find a new friend. The goal is to find someone you trust to provide honest advice and safe surgical care.
Surgeon Availability
It is also worth asking how accessible your surgeon will be after surgery.
Who will you contact if you have a concern?
Will you speak directly with your surgeon, a nurse, or another member of the medical team?
What is the routine follow-up schedule?
If a complication occurs, who will assess and manage it?
If you require hospitalization or additional surgery, will the surgeon who performed your procedure be involved?
These questions may not seem important before surgery, but they can become extremely important if something unexpected happens during recovery.
Next in this series: You've Booked Your Consultation. Now What?
