Choosing a good surgeon can be a difficult decision to make, especially with the multitude of doctors and clinics out there. It is easy to feel overwhelmed, so here are some tips to make the process easier.
Research, Research, and Research!
Research is the only way to find a good surgeon, as it is essential to gain a deeper understanding of their results and reviews. Taking the time to read through reviews from patients is crucial in getting a wide range of feedback on the surgeon. As there will always be the occasional bad review, it is important to assess if it is a major issue that can also impact your surgery. In addition, finding before and after results is an important step in the research process, as if you do not like the work of that surgeon it is best to eliminate them from your options. It is also important to find out what is on offer and if there are any inclusions or packages. Included post-surgery consultations and hospital care are important inclusions that can make a big difference in your experience. Researching every detail (pre and post-surgery) can help you narrow down your options.
Be Wary of Sponsored Instagram Posts
It is good to use Instagram as a platform to find before and after photos, popular surgeons, and deals on surgery packages. However, it is important to know that paid influencer posts are generally under a contract and cannot disclose anything that will damage the reputation of the surgeon. It is important to also consider that their reviews may be exaggerated and biased, due to contractual agreements. So whilst it is good to see what’s on offer and what is popular at the moment, it is important to be aware of the risks of trusting paid influencer promotions.
Family and Friend Recommendations
Take advantage of the recommendations that your family and friends can contribute to your process of finding a surgeon. Ask questions about their experience and what they would do differently if they could go back in time, these are generally good starting questions to get a scope of the surgeon. Discuss your most important requirements and see if they align with their experience with their surgeon. Also, be sure to check out their results and before and after images, to get a sense of the surgeon’s work.
Book Multiple Consultations
Don’t make the mistake of settling with the first surgeon you consult with. It’s important to get the opinion of multiple doctors and to take the time to figure out which one is right for you. Making sure you are comfortable and 100% confident with your choice of surgeon is fundamental in ensuring you get the outcome you want. If your surgeon makes you feel uncomfortable or pressures you to undertake extra treatments, it is imperative that you listen to your gut feeling and get more opinions on the situation. Also, by booking multiple consultations you can be confident that you have found the best option for you.
Check the credentials of the surgeon
It is always important to check the qualifications of your surgeon, and no we don’t mean how many Instagram followers they have! Even doctors with large social media followings can be embroiled in investigations or inquests. A good place to begin is by searching their name on the AHPRA website, that a health practitioner and regulation agency, which can reveal their registration, reprimands and conditions of practice.