You’ve been thinking about getting plastic surgery for months, maybe even years, and have researched the best plastic surgery practices in Langley, Abbotsford, and Vancouver, B.C. When you start to book consultations, though, you learn it could be a few months before you can meet the surgeon. What’s more, you discover that it could be several months before you can book a surgical procedure.
It’s tempting at this point for patients to revise their expectations and find a surgeon who is in less demand. There are several excellent reasons, though, to resist that urge. Talented, distinguished plastic surgeons with reputations for producing excellent results typically are booked out for several months—which is a good reason to be patient.
Why Should You Wait?
There are some situations where immediacy is more important than quality. Plastic surgery is definitely not one of those situations. Your health and appearance both depend on your choice of surgeon, so it’s not a time for cutting corners. The highest quality plastic surgeons have excellent track records for safety and produce quality outcomes.
Which Plastic Surgeons Are Worth the Wait?
Busy surgeons have many things in common, including experience and a high level of training. When you’re researching surgeons, you’ll see a range of backgrounds. Use these guidelines to see if they measure up to your expectations:
Board certification: This is an essential qualification when choosing a plastic surgeon. You can check if a surgeon is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, which requires that surgeons meet rigorous standards. It’s also important that a surgeon is an active member of professional organizations, such as the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Specialized training: A surgeon who has completed fellowship training after their plastic surgery residency is another sign of exceptional skill. For example, Dr. Mosher completed an aesthetic surgery fellowship under internationally acclaimed plastic surgeon Dr. B.F. Connell in California and additional specialized training in Toronto, Dallas, and Honolulu.
Before-and-after photos: Reviewing a plastic surgeon’s gallery of before-and-after photos featuring actual patients can give you a good sense of the types of results they create.
What patients say: Reviews posted on reputable, independent websites such as RealSelf and RateMDs reveal what previous patients have to say about their experiences. Reviews often go into detail about the quality of communication between the patient and the surgeon and other members of the practice.
The Benefits of Waiting
If the first opening on the surgeon’s schedule is weeks or months away, you can use that time to focus on becoming as healthy as possible. That not only minimizes any complication risks, but it can also help you heal faster after the surgery.
Some specific things to focus on include:
Exercise: Whether you’re getting cosmetic breast surgery such as breast augmentation, a body contouring procedure, or facial rejuvenation, being in good physical shape can help you bounce back more quickly. Being healthy and looking more youthful typically go hand-in-hand.
Diet: Healthy eating habits help you heal faster. Adding dark green, leafy vegetables and fruits to your diet and avoiding sodium-rich foods is part of a nutritious diet.
Skin care: Good skin care is especially important for patients getting facial plastic surgery. A daily skincare routine that includes moisturizing and avoiding excessive sun exposure can help improve the condition of your skin before your surgery. You can shop online at YES Medspa for quality, professional-grade products.
Quit smoking: You’ll have to quit smoking before surgery to reduce risks both during and after the procedure. This is an excellent opportunity to stop smoking for good.
If you’re looking for the best plastic surgeon in Langley or the Vancouver area, you can request a consultation online to meet with Dr. Mosher or call our office at (604) 888-9378 to schedule an appointment.
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