How To Choose A Plastic Surgeon

How to choose a plastic surgeon depends on various factors. Plastic or cosmetic surgery is a serious decision to make and the experience and qualifications of your chosen surgeon will determine how successful and safe your procedure is. Opting for a surgeon that may be cheaper and with less knowledge can be incredibly dangerous and detrimental to your recovery and health. We advise doing thorough research on plastic and cosmetic surgeons prior to booking in your procedure. 

It can be scary making the decision to undergo plastic surgery, and finding the right plastic surgeon for you is paramount. Your experience also involves the trusted care team who work closely with your surgeon. A good plastic surgery clinic will always keep in touch to make sure your pre surgery needs and post-operative recovery goes smoothly. Consistent communication with your care team can ensure any questions you may have, big or small, are answered. 

Finding the right plastic surgeon for you

There are many factors to consider when choosing your plastic and cosmetic surgeon. From years of experience, areas they specialise in and the professional bodies that they are members of. 

Doing a simple google search or researching only via social media is highly advised against. It’s recommended that you go to multiple consultations before making a decision, look at certified credentials, proven experience and results, and the surgeons access to accredited operating facilities and hospitals. 

Your decision will ultimately stay with you for life, a poor selection of surgeon can lead to very serious health repercussions, unnecessary excess costs, and psychological distress. 

Dr Hertess is a specialist plastic surgeon with over 27 years of experience. She is dedicated to providing you high standards of care and helping you achieve the best possible results.

BOOK A CONSULTATION WITH DR HERTESS

What is the difference between a plastic and a cosmetic surgeon? 

Alarmingly, there are no formal requirements for a doctor to call themselves a ‘cosmetic surgeon’. What this means is that anyone with a medical degree can legally perform cosmetic procedures, regardless of their training or qualifications. Scary right? This is where your research becomes vital. Cosmetic surgery itself is not actually a recognised speciality area in Australia, meaning you need to be working with a highly qualified ‘plastic and reconstructive’ surgeon or ‘specialist plastic surgeon’. 

For a medical professional to become a specialist plastic surgeon, they need to undergo years and years of extensive training and education. This starts with a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery. From there they need a residency in general surgery, fellowship in plastic and reconstructive surgery, followed by rigorous exams and ongoing training to keep their certification. There is absolutely no shortcut to becoming an esteemed specialist plastic surgeon. 

Cosmetic vs Plastic Surgeon

Aside from the disparity in training and years allocated to study, cosmetic surgeons are more heavily focused on aesthetics over functionality. This different approach poses a higher risk of complications after surgery. 

Specialist plastic surgeons on the other hand are highly vigilant with safety and functional issues that may arise from the surgery. They offer a more holistic approach to plastic surgery, taking into consideration your emotional response to the procedure, along with the physical. A patient’s safety is the priority, followed by your aesthetic goals and enhancing your appearance.

Finding the right plastic surgeon for you will take time, patience and thorough research. 

Is your surgeon board certified?

Make sure your surgeon has board certification by accredited governing bodies. Here are the top medical bodies that your surgeon should be a member of. Remember, it is more than okay to ask to see these certificates. 

• Australiasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
• Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons
• Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
• International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
• American Society of Plastic Surgeons 

Dr Isolde Hertess is a highly esteemed specialist plastic surgeon and has over 27 years of experience in cosmetic surgery with a heavy focus on the female anatomy. She is a member of all of the above bodies. 

BOOK A CONSULTATION WITH DR HERTESS 

Tips for choosing a cosmetic surgeon 

Remember that the below research methods are great if they are used in combination with each other. On their own, they aren’t reliable enough.

Do not solely rely on social media

Social media is not the place to be comparing results that you may want or expect to get. All bodies vary, and responses to surgery can be worlds apart. Social media can be dangerous as not all of the imagery is completely accurate. It is highly advised not to do your research on social media alone. Of course it is ok to look into a plastic surgeon’s social media platforms, but this should only be one minor part of your decision making. 

One simple Google search won't do it 

Google search is the most common way to look into any service or product. There is some very useful information on Google, but like social media, it should not be the only source of information you use to decide on your surgeon. Google is beneficial for finding a surgeons website which should show the surgeries they focus on, some background on them, and which governing bodies they are a part of. Do take note of reviews that you see, but do not take them as gospel. 

Your results will differ to those around you

It’s important to understand that your results will be different to your friends. As much as they may be trying to help by showing you their results and giving their opinion, this decision is yours and the surgeon you choose is completely up to you. 

Check your surgeons qualifications

As we have gone into in detail above, you MUST check your surgeons board certifications and understand how these play a role in their training, experience and legitimacy. The term ‘cosmetic surgeon’ alone may sound glamorous and appealing, but choosing a certified specialist plastic surgeon with the lettering FRACS(Plas) will save you a lot of time, money and heartache in the future.

Book multiple consultations

Book consultations with multiple surgeons, and when you have narrowed it down or chosen your preferred surgeon, speak to them a few times until you feel at ease with your decision. Ask yourself, “how comfortable do I feel in the presence of this surgeon with the information they are providing me with?”. Enquire about the involvement of their team and what support you will get prior and post surgery. 

When not quite knowing how to choose a plastic surgeon, follow our tips for finding the right plastic surgeon for you above, and most importantly, take your time when making this decision. It may take weeks or it may take months, but surgery may be one of the biggest decisions in your life, and it is not to be taken lightly. Sleep on it, again and again.

BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION WITH DR HERTESS TODAY