Plastic surgery requires a skilled hand, extensive medical knowledge, and years of experience. It also requires a trusted relationship between doctor and patient. Choosing a plastic surgeon should involve research, recommendations, and complete confidence in your doctor’s abilities, but many patients give little thought to their doctor’s qualifications and bedside manner. Guarantee a great experience and excellent results by using these 5 tips for choosing a plastic surgeon.
How to Pick a Plastic Surgeon
Research your doctor’s qualifications. Every year thousands of men and women get botched plastic surgery, leading to disfiguration, health problems, and expensive “fix it” procedures. Always choose a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Know the difference between cosmetic and plastic surgery. Hundreds of doctors claim to be qualified surgeons, but there is a difference between cosmetic surgeons and plastic surgeons who also perform cosmetic surgery. Plastic surgeons must undergo highly specific training before becoming board certified, whereas cosmetic surgeons often “learn on the job” after completing residency in a different specialty.
Ask plenty of questions. Before choosing a plastic surgeon, ask your doctor about his history, his recommendations for achieving your desired aesthetic, and any questions you may have about the procedure.
Share a vision. Plastic surgery is highly personal journey, and each procedure differs from patient to patient. To ensure the best experience, develop clear communication with your doctor during your consultation. Listen carefully to his recommendations, clearly articulate your desired results, and agree on how to achieve your goals before booking a procedure. If you can’t agree, it may be time to search for another physician. Both you and your doctor want you to be satisfied with your results.
Develop trust. When you pick a plastic surgeon, you’re not only choosing a doctor’s skill, but also the sense of security he brings to your surgical journey. After researching a physician’s qualifications, schedule a consultation. Make sure you feel comfortable discussing the procedure, recovery, and results with your plastic surgeon before booking cosmetic surgery.
Call Jim N. Brantner MD, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery to schedule a consultation, get information about cosmetic procedures, and learn about Dr. Brantner’s history and qualifications.
As the holidays approach, plastic surgery procedures are on the rise. Both women and men want to look their best for holiday festivities and family pictures, and non-invasive cosmetic procedures are a simple way to achieve smoother, more youthful features. Cosmetic surgeries like tummy tucks and breast augmentations also rise in popularity during the holidays, generally in late November early December. It seems only natural that loved ones would take note of this trend in cosmetic procedures and tuck plastic surgery consultations and gift certificates underneath the Christmas tree.
The Gift That Keeps Giving
Wouldn’t it be nice if, instead of a new shirt or coat, you could give loved ones the gift of confidence? The gift of plastic surgery does just that. Whether you’re buying your husband an anterior necklift, giving your sister a Juvaderm filler, or buying your daughter a chemical peel, you’re not just ticking another item off their Christmas list. Plastic surgery helps patients feel more comfortable in their own skin, giving them a peace and confidence that’s truly beautiful to behold.
Giving Plastic Surgery as a Present
The danger in buying a loved one a cosmetic procedure lies in making them feel less beautiful instead of more beautiful. That’s why gifts like surgery are best discussed before you put them under the tree. Plastic surgery makes a thoughtful gift for someone who has expressed the desire to undergo a procedure. However, loved ones should never make the mistake of reading between the lines. A treatment like a Glycolic Acid peel or Microdermabrasion treatment – cosmetic procedures that rejuvenate the skin and remove dead skin cells – make excellent gifts for nearly anyone, but giving someone a “surprise surgery” tells them you’re not satisfied with the way they look. Plastic surgery should always be up to each individual patient, a way for them to get the body of their dreams, not the body their spouses, family, or friends think they need.
When Buying the Gift of Plastic Surgery
If your loved one has a facelift, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, or non-surgical procedure on their to-do list, they’ll probably be thrilled to receive it as a Christmas gift. If you’re giving the gift of plastic surgery this year, remember:
All patients must be evaluated by Dr. Brantner prior to surgery. He reserves the right determine whether the procedure is appropriate for the patient.
Always discuss the desired procedure with your loved one before you plan it.
Leave all the details up to the patient.
Cosmetic surgery makes an incredible gift, but if you lack the funds, you can cover the consultation fee instead.
Consider giving the gift of plastic surgery before Christmas day so your loved one can be more confident for holiday family photos.
Have a question about scheduling a cosmetic surgery consultation this holiday season? Call Dr. Brantner’s office in Johnson City, TN.
The success of a cosmetic surgery procedure depends not just on the skill of the surgeon, but also on the openness of communication between the patient and the physician. Before your plastic surgery consultation, create a list of questions to ask your surgeon about the procedure. Make sure you include these on the list of questions to ask your doctor.
Cost, Facilities, and Accreditation
Are you board certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery?
Do you have hospital privileges?
What experience do you have in plastic surgery?
Will the surgery take place at an accredited ambulatory surgery center?
What is the cost of the procedure? What additional fees can I expect?
What payment options are available?
Will insurance cover any of my plastic surgery costs?
Surgical Procedure
What surgery or surgeries do you recommend based on my needs?
Am I a good candidate for the procedure?
Do you have before/after images I can view?
How does the procedure work?
What are the risks involved with this plastic surgery procedure?
How long is the recovery period? Will a friend or relative need to care for me during my recovery?
Will there be prolonged discomfort after the procedure?
Will I have visible scars after my surgery?
What are my options if I require additional surgery?
Preparing for Surgery
Which foods and medications should I avoid leading up to my surgery?
How long before/after the procedure should I quit smoking?
What sort of clothes should I wear or bring to my surgery?
How long will the surgery take? Do I need a family member to stay with me?
When do I need to schedule a follow-up appointment?
How often should I take medication during my recovery?
Dr. Brantner will likely answer all these questions and more during a surgical consultation, but preparation helps patients feel comfortable about their plastic surgery choices. Make sure you ask your surgeon about your procedure, costs, recovery, and results before scheduling a cosmetic procedure.
After a patient decides to have cosmetic surgery, she must find the right physician. Research board certified plastic surgeons in Johnson City, TN before scheduling a cosmetic surgery consultation.
Plastic Surgery Credentials
When a patient decides to undergo cosmetic surgery, finding a qualified plastic surgeon is crucial. A board certified surgeon has the skill and experience to address potential complications during surgery or infections during healing. Make sure your plastic surgeon:
Is board certified in plastic surgery. Plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery are highly skilled physicians uniquely qualified to provide unbeatable patient care with minimal surgical complications. Choose a surgeon certified by the ABPS or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Has a good record. Contact your state’s medical board to verify your physician’s license and surgical history.
Has hospital privileges for the procedure. Hospitals perform extensive background checks before allowing a plastic surgeon to operate within their facilities. Most hospitals require their cosmetic surgeons to be board certified in plastic surgery.
Makes you feel comfortable. Before scheduling a cosmetic procedure, make sure your physician makes you feel comfortable and well-informed. Bring a list of questions about your procedure to your consultation and make sure your physician answers them to your satisfaction.
Cosmetic Surgeon vs Plastic Surgeon
Although cosmetic surgeons often oversell their expertise, there is a clear cut difference between a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon. A plastic surgeon is required to have five years of surgical training for both facial and body procedures, and at least two years of specialized medical training in plastic surgery. Cosmetic surgeons do not necessarily receive surgical training during medical school or residencies; they often train themselves in cosmetic surgery while on the job. An American Board of Plastic Surgery certified physician must pass extensive qualifying exams in plastic and cosmetic surgery. A cosmetic surgeon could be certified in anything from Dermatology to ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat), but may not be professionally trained in plastic surgery. Because plastic surgeons have accredited training, they are equipped to handle complications and medical emergencies that non-specialized cosmetic surgeons can not.
Dr. Brantner has been certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons since 1985. To learn more about Dr. Brantner’s qualifications, contact his plastic surgery office.
Father’s Day is approaching fast, and with it comes the inevitable question: “What can I get him that’s not a grill?” Sometimes it feels like fathers are the most difficult people to shop for. It’s difficult to find a gift that’s useful, unexpected, and meaningful. Most years families find themselves celebrating dad by giving him array of sporting goods and backyard accessories. Think outside the box with your Father’s Day present this year. If your husband or father has expressed a desire to improve his appearance, give him the gift of plastic surgery.
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasties, better known as “nose jobs,” are a common pick for men who want cosmetic surgery. A rhinoplasty can be cosmetic—balancing a nose large enough that it distracts from a man’s other facial features—or medical—correcting a break or natural flaw that blocks the nasal passage. A rhinoplasty can improve the size, shape, and symmetry of the nose. Dr. Brantner gives his patients natural-looking enhancements, shaving down the size or shape of the nose to balance the shape of the face. When done correctly, the patient’s acquaintances might not even notice he had work done, just that he looks more attractive.
Facelift for Men
As they age many men find themselves unhappy with sagging jowls, drooping eyelids, and displaced fat on the face. Some men want to improve their appearance for personal reasons, while others believe that a smoother jaw line and more alert looking eyes will benefit their careers. Whatever his reasons, a facelift makes a great Father’s Day gift for any dad who has expressed an interest in facial rejuvenation. Give your husband a full facelift for Father’s Day, or address his biggest insecurities with an in-office facelift that lifts the eyes, mid-face, and neck. He’ll enjoy a smoother, more youthful appearance without changing the facial features that make him the man you love.
To learn more about cosmetic surgery for men and determine if your dad is a candidate for plastic surgery, call Dr. Brantner’s office.
Plastic surgery requires a skilled hand, extensive medical knowledge, and years of experience. It also requires a trusted relationship between doctor and patient. Choosing a plastic surgeon should involve research, recommendations, and complete confidence in your doctor’s abilities, but many patients give little thought to their doctor’s qualifications and bedside manner. Guarantee a great experience and excellent results by using these 5 tips for choosing a plastic surgeon.
