Plastic surgeons offer surgical and nonsurgical treatment options, from facelifts and breast augmentations to injectables and facials, to complement your natural features. Because everyone has different goals, finding a provider whose training and services match your needs is a key first step in getting any aesthetic procedure. To help you find an appropriate provider for your cosmetic needs, here are some key steps to follow:
Identify What You Want
Before you research providers, take time to define your aesthetic goals. Determine which area of your face or body you want to address and what result you hope to see. Some people want subtle changes, such as a refreshed appearance around the eyes. Others want more noticeable changes, such as reshaping the abdomen after weight loss or pregnancy. Knowing what you want helps you find the right treatments for your needs.
Write down specific concerns rather than general ones, as “I want to look younger” is too broad. “I want to address loose skin along my jawline” gives a surgeon clearer information. Photos of results you like can also help you explain your preferences. Practical factors matter too, so research the treatments you are interested in. Recovery time and scheduling may influence which treatment best fits your life. If you have any questions about your options, write them down before meeting with a plastic surgeon.
Look Into Your Treatment Options
Once you know your goals, research the treatments that address them. Surgical procedures often require weeks away from normal activities, while many nonsurgical treatments involve little downtime. Your goals may shift as you learn more, but that is a normal part of the preparation process. Many plastic surgery practices offer nonsurgical skincare treatments alongside surgical procedures, like chemical peels or customizable facials.
Chemical peels use a solution applied to the skin to remove its outer layers. Hydrating facials cleanse, exfoliate, and deliver moisture to the skin. These treatments are performed in an office setting and typically involve minimal recovery time, making them easy to incorporate into your skincare routine. Intense pulsed light (IPL) rejuvenation uses broad-spectrum light to target concerns such as sun spots, redness, and uneven skin tone. Patients often complete a series of sessions spaced several weeks apart, and these treatments can be used on the face and body, including the hands.
Body contouring includes both surgical and nonsurgical approaches, but methods vary by facility. Surgical options usually include liposuction, tummy tucks, and body lifts. Nonsurgical options may use controlled heat to target fat cells and tighten mildly loose skin. Surgical contouring generally involves anesthesia and incisions, but nonsurgical contouring does not. Not every provider offers every treatment, so review each practice’s website to confirm which services it provides.
Schedule More Than One Consultation
Before visiting a professional, verify they are a board-certified plastic surgeon. through the American Board of Plastic Surgery indicates that a surgeon has completed specific training and passed comprehensive examinations. You can usually verify a surgeon’s status on the board’s website. When you know what treatments you are interested in, visit a few different professionals to give you a basis for comparison. During each consultation, ask about the surgeon’s experience with the procedure you’re looking into.
Useful subjects to discuss include:
- How often the surgeon performs it
- Where it will take place
- What recovery involves
Ask whether the surgical facility is accredited. Request an itemized estimate that includes anesthesia information, facility fees, and follow-up visits. Pay attention to how each surgeon communicates. A surgeon may recommend a different treatment than you expected; this recommendation often reflects an assessment of your anatomy and goals. After your consultations, compare your experience side by side before committing to one practice.
Contact a Plastic Surgeon
When you find a surgeon near you, bring your written goals, reference photos, and list of questions so you can make the most of your appointment. Comparing several board-certified providers allows you to choose someone whose training and approach match your needs. To start exploring your aesthetic treatment options, contact a medical spa near you to learn about their services. Finding a plastic surgeon starts with having clear goals and a solid understanding of your available treatment options.