Choosing the right plastic surgeon is a key factor for ensuring the best outcomes from surgery. There are many considerations a person should make when choosing a plastic surgeon.

Surgeon Qualifications

In particular, it is important to ensure that the plastic surgeon of choice is properly qualified and registered with an appropriate plastic surgery association.

In Mexico, plastic surgeons are certified by the Mexican Association of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, which requires plastic surgery practitioners to have the following experience and qualifications:

• At least 12 years of education and training, seven years of which must have been completed after medical school;
• A minimum of five years specialist training and education in plastic surgery;
• Holds a fellowship with the Mexican General Surgery Council, the board that regulates all surgical practitioners in Mexico.
• Fulfils continuing medical education requirements to ensure their skills are up to date.

Questions to Ask a Plastic Surgeon

There are many questions to ask a potential plastic surgeon to help determine if they are the right doctor to perform the operation:

• Is the surgeon fully certified?
• Does the surgeon have specialist training in plastic surgery? In which specialty did they undergo training? For how long did they train and how comprehensive was the training? How relevant is this training to the plastic surgery procedure which they intend to perform?
• At which hospital/s does the surgeon have arrangements to operate? Facilities in which plastic surgery is performed should adhere to strict safety standards. In Mexico, facilities which undertake plastic surgery should be registered with the State Department of Health.
• Will a qualified anaesthetist be used? Are the anaesthetist’s fees included in the costs of treatment?
• How many times has the surgeon performed the same procedure in the past? How often have they performed the procedure recently?
• How will the procedure be performed? Do they have a consent form outlining how the procedure will be performed?

It is useful to prepare a list of questions to ask their plastic surgeon and make notes during the consultation so as not to forget the answers.

What to Expect of A Plastic Surgeon

The plastic surgeon is a medical professional who can give accurate and objective information about surgical procedures, to enable individuals to make informed consent. Plastic surgeons will also:

• Answer questions thoroughly;
• Encourage individuals considering surgery to express their thoughts and opinion about plastic surgery and listen to them;
• Provide information on alternative treatments where these are available;
• Clearly detail the potential risks of surgery and the likelihood of risks occurring;
• Provide information to the individual about the procedure which they are considering;
• Allow the patient to decide whether or not to undergo surgery.