If you are interested in plastic surgery for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons, it is essential to select the right surgeon for the job. A general surgeon can perform some operations, but others may need a specialist. When searching for the best surgeon for your needs, utilize the following tips.

Ask Friends, Family, or Neighbors for Suggestions

If you are comfortable doing so, ask someone you know who had a similar procedure whom they went to and how the experience was. They may also be able to provide some useful information on the procedure, as well as their experiences with recovery time or complications.

Search for a Support Group

If you are having a common cosmetic procedure done, there may be groups online of other residents who have had the same surgery. You may be able to find a variety of local surgeons that suit your needs through recommendations from others across the community.

Use Your Insurance Company

If you have insurance that covers the procedure you are interested in, check to see if any surgeons are in-network. Even if your procedure is not included, requesting a list from your provider can help you gain a starting point.

When you are looking for plastic surgeons in Raleigh, North Carolina, contact the experts at Cary Plastic Surgery. Reach out to us today at (919) 233-1933 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hanna.

If you are interested in plastic surgery, it is essential to be as informed as possible before your consultation. Below are four things you should know before meeting with plastic surgeons in Raleigh, North Carolina.

1. Are You Healthy Enough for Surgery?

Before considering plastic surgery, you need to ensure you are healthy enough to go through the procedure. Most people are great candidates; however, it is critical to meet with both your doctor and your surgeon to ensure you are healthy enough to go under the knife.

2. The Name of your Procedure and What is Involved

Knowing the name of the procedure you want to be done and what to expect going into it can help you confirm with your surgeon what you are looking to have done. Knowing exactly what you want can also help weed out less than favorable surgeons, who may try and sell you on something that they say would work “better.”

3. Know the Risks

Before going through with your procedure, you should be fully aware of the risks involved. Infection, scars, and unsatisfactory results are all risks you will take with any cosmetic or reconstructive surgery.

4. What are Your Goals?

You want to ensure you have clear goals as to what you want the surgery to do. Are you looking for an improvement in contour and a boost of self-esteem? Maybe you are looking to correct the damage done by an injury in your youth.

As bariatric surgery and extreme weight loss become more and more common, body lift surgery is also more in demand. This surgery targets the loose, hanging skin that is the result of significant weight loss, pregnancy, aging, or sun damage. The procedure will raise, firm, and tighten the skin on areas of the lower body.

The best candidates for this procedure are those with large amounts of loose, hanging skin on multiple areas of the body. Before moving forward with the surgery, your weight must be stabilized at or near your goal, as this procedure does not remove large fat deposits. In cases where there are still some local fat deposits, plastic surgeons in Raleigh, North Carolina, may recommend liposuction and then a body lift surgery.

Before your Surgery

During your consultation, be ready to discuss whether this option is the best choice for you. Your surgeon will evaluate your overall health, as well as examine and measure your body and take photos. You may need to adjust, cease, or begin taking certain medications in the weeks leading up to your surgery to ensure the best results while under the knife.

Recovery Time

Once your surgery is complete, you will be taken to a recovery area to be monitored for at least 24 hours. Most people can return to non-strenuous work and activities after two or three weeks, and any strenuous exercise or more physically demanding jobs will need at least four to six weeks.

Whether you’re looking to have a cosmetic procedure done or you’re in need of reconstructive surgery, finding the best plastic surgeons in Raleigh, North Carolina can be a challenge if you don’t know what to look for. When searching for the right plastic surgeon for your procedure, you want to make sure of the following:

Confirm they are board-certified: Though this one should be a no-brainer, it’s critical to ensure your surgeon of choice is board-certified. Legally, any doctor is allowed to perform surgery. By knowing that your surgeon is certified, it means that they underwent 3-5 years of training in general surgery, and 2-3 years minimum training in plastic surgery specifically.

Check their record: Even if a surgeon is board-certified, it’s important to check their record to ensure there have been no malpractice incidents against them. Many state licensing boards will list these judgments, as well as any disciplinary actions that were taken. Taking the time to research a surgeon can make all the difference between a fantastic and undesirable experience.

Don’t agree to multiple procedures: If you meet with a surgeon and they suggest a variety of procedures to be completed at the same time, be wary. Bundling procedures cause the risk factor to go up and unfortunately, many doctors are in it for the money alone. Focus only on the objective facts the surgeon is providing and don’t go into anything you don’t feel comfortable with.