Before you choose any plastic surgeon for your plastic or cosmetic surgery, there are some very important questions that you need to ask in order to choose the best plastic surgeon for your specific needs. These questions should cover many things, like how much specialist plastic surgery training the professional has, and how many times the plastic surgeon has performed the procedure that you want to have done.
According to Sydney plastic surgeon Dr Steve Merten you should also always inquire about what will happen if you are not happy with the outcome of your surgery, and whether you can see before and after plastic surgery photos of the surgeon’s work. It is also important to determine what qualifications and certifications the surgeon has when you are evaluating which one to use. The answers to these questions will help you avoid any non-specialist surgeons who are not qualified to give you the best possible results.
1. What Plastic Surgery Training Has the Surgeon Had?
This should be one of the very first questions that you ask any plastic surgeon or cosmetic surgery provider. Some doctors may offer these services without undergoing specific training, and this could cause less than satisfactory results. Only Specialist Plastic Surgeons, like Dr Merten, are fully qualified surgeons trained in both reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery. All specialist surgeons in Australia have the title FRACS after their name, indicating that they are Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. This is the only recognised training of surgeons in Australia in plastic and cosmetic surgery. So-called “cosmetic” surgeons are usually not specialist surgeons, and have no government or health authority recognition of their “training”. Ask and make sure that the surgeon has the qualifications and training to give you the best results.
2. How many times have you performed this specific type of plastic surgery?
During your initial consultation you should always ask the plastic surgeon how many times they have performed the procedure that you are considering, and how many times they do it each year. If the surgeon does not perform the procedure on a regular basis, then you may want to choose someone who does, because they will generally be more experienced and up to date on any changes or new advancements in that area.
3. What if I am not happy with the plastic surgery results?
This is a big question that you need to ask, and a question that is often overlooked. Plastic surgery is not a guarantee or a magic cure for every problem, and in some cases the results may not be exactly what you are hoping for. The plastic surgeon should explain what your options will be if the procedure does not go as expected and provide you with the expected outcome. It is Dr Merten’s practice philosophy to make every effort to correct any unexpected dissatisfactions, and wherever possible, this will be done at no or minimal cost.
4. Are there before and after plastic surgery photos I can see?
Before and after plastic surgery photos will help you see the actual work that the plastic surgeon has performed. This can help you decide whether you feel comfortable with the surgeon, and whether you admire their past results or if you have any doubts and further questions.
5. What qualifications and credentials does the plastic surgeon have?
Make sure that you ask about the qualifications and credentials your potential plastic surgeons have. If they specialise in this area of the medical field, then they should belong to one or more associations that certify this fact. All specialist plastic surgeons in Australia, such as Dr Merten, are Fellows of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and members of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Dr Merten is also a recent past President of the NSW Chapter of ASPS. Dr Merten is also a member of the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS), a consultant plastic surgeon and Supervisor of Plastic Surgery Training at Concord Hospital, a major teaching hospital in Sydney, as well as a Senior Lecturer in Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery at Macquarie University and Fellowship Director for the Advanced Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship. You should also ask about other credentials, such as hospital privileges, in order to make sure you only choose a top quality and reputable plastic surgeon.
If you want to discuss any cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures, please call us at Pure Aesthetics on 9252 9262, or Contact Us for an appointment to see our Sydney Plastic Surgeon, Dr Steve Merten.
