We live in an age of beauty. Both women and men have options today to look younger and more attractive and to change their appearance to more closely resemble their aesthetic ideals. Medical technology has advanced significantly in the field of cosmetic enhancements.

If you are seeking cosmetic plastic surgery, perhaps the most important decision you will make is the surgeon you choose to perform the procedure. It is a choice you will need to live with for years to come, if not for the rest of your life.

What to Look for in a Plastic Surgeon

A successful plastic surgery procedure can have a positive impact on the way you look and feel. However, if you find yourself in the hands of a surgeon who is lacking in specific training or experience, it can increase your chances for a poor outcome. When you are searching for the best plastic surgeon in Washington, DC, schedule a consultation with the doctor, observe the staff and practice, and get answers to the following questions.

Is He or She a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon?

As stated by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, state medical boards do not require surgeons to be specifically trained in the procedures they perform. This can be a real problem in the field of cosmetic surgery, where doctors with medical training such as general surgery are now performing cosmetic procedures that are popular with the public.

In selecting a plastic surgeon to perform a cosmetic procedure, ensure that the medical professional you choose is a board-certified plastic surgeon. Board-certification is a dependable way for patients to know that the surgeon performing a plastic surgery procedure has extensive training and experience.

How Much Experience Does the Plastic Surgeon Have In the Specific Procedures You Need?

Different areas of plastic surgery require different skills. For example, a surgeon who focuses primarily on rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) may not be the choice for breast augmentation in Washington, DC, as the nose contains bone and cartilage, while the breasts are composed of soft tissue. The procedures are radically different.

It is best to choose a plastic surgeon with significant experience in the specific procedure you are considering. Dr. Christopher Chang is a respected board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training and experience in procedures of the face, breast, and body, as well as pediatric plastic surgery procedures.

Does the Surgeon Have an Aesthetic Sense that Appeals to You?

In addition to board-certification and experience, results that appeal to you personally are an important qualification in choosing a plastic surgeon. Look carefully at before and after photos for the procedure you are considering, paying close attention to patients who have similar characteristics to your own.

For example, if are considering a facial procedure, look for patients with similar features and cosmetic concerns. If you are considering a breast procedure, look for before and after pictures of patients with similar build and breast size.

How Comfortable Are You with the Surgeon and Staff?

Invasive surgery is a big deal for the patient. It is important to have a doctor and support team you like as a person, trust and with whom you feel completely comfortable. You should feel relaxed and comfortable in the following situations:

• Spending time in your doctor’s presence
• Asking your doctor any questions you may have
• Revealing your complete medical history and lifestyle
• Trusting your doctor’s recommendations
• Working with the support staff in your doctor’s office

How Good Is the Customer Service?

You will be able to evaluate the level of service in a plastic surgery practice within minutes after you walk in the door for a consultation. The staff should be friendly and helpful, the fees should be clearly stated, and you should receive a prompt response whenever you contact the practice.

The plastic surgery practice of Dr. Christopher Chang in Washington, DC is focused on concierge-style, personalized patient care. Dr. Chang and his associate have rigorous training, extensive experience, and impressive credentials. The offices are fully staffed with friendly, efficient nurses and coordinators who are specially trained in cosmetic medicine.

Checklist for Choosing a Plastic Surgeon

The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery provides a checklist of things to do and questions to ask for patients who are meeting with a new plastic surgeon. The checklist advises researching your procedure in advance of the consultation and wearing clothing that makes it easier to change into a patient gown for evaluation if you are considering a breast or body procedure.

When meeting with a plastic surgeon who could potentially perform your cosmetic procedure, the checklist recommends that you ask yourself whether the surgeon:

• Makes you feel at ease, comfortable, and welcome;
• Listens to your concerns and offers feedback;
• Fully understands your cosmetic goals and expectations; and
• Helps you understand your treatment options.

Do not hesitate to ask questions during your consultation, including:

• What certifications does the surgeon hold?
• How many times the surgeon has has performed your procedure?
• Where will the surgery take place?
• What type of anesthesia is required?
• Who will be administering anesthesia and what are that person’s qualifications?
• What are the risks and benefits of the procedure you are considering?
• Are you a good candidate for the procedure?

Dr. Christopher Chang attended Harvard University and NYU School of Medicine. His training includes a 6-year residency in integrated general and plastic surgery at Yale University and a fellowship in advanced craniofacial surgery at John Hopkins Hospital.

He is a highly-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in cosmetic facial, breast, and body procedures. If you are searching for a top surgeon to perform cosmetic plastic surgery in Washington, DC, schedule a consultation with Dr. Chang.

Sources:

• American Board of Cosmetic Surgery: Choosing a Cosmetic Surgeon