How to Choose the Ideal Plastic Surgeon for Your Procedure
There are many questions that arise when deciding to undergo surgery for aesthetic or functional reasons
Choosing the right plastic surgeon is one of the most important decisions you must make when considering plastic surgery. An experienced and qualified surgeon can not only help you achieve the desired results but also ensure your safety and well-being throughout the entire process.
At SurgConnect, we want you to be the one choosing your surgeon. Here are some tips:
They should be a plastic, aesthetic, and reconstructive surgeon
How to know? There are many ways, but the two alternatives we offer at SurgConnect are:
Check the “Registro Único Nacional del Talento Humano en Salud (RETHUS)”. This registry is the registration in the information system defined by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection for human health talent that meets the requirements established in Law 1164 of 2007. In fact, for SurgConnect, this is our main filter; all the surgeons listed on the platform must be registered in this database.
However, for various reasons, it is possible that some duly certified surgeons may not appear in RETHUS but may be listed in the database of the Sociedad Colombiana de Cirugía Plástica, Estética y Reconstructiva. And this is the second alternative we can provide. Belonging to the Colombian Society of Plastic, Aesthetic, and Reconstructive Surgery is not a requirement for practicing. However, this organization provides endorsement that all its members have received a verification of their qualifications and have ethical conduct.
The procedure should be performed in an appropriately accredited center
Check the accreditation of healthcare providers in the Special Registry of Healthcare Providers or in the areas of healthcare provision of the Departmental Health Secretariat.
Make sure that the clinic has emergency care, hospitalization, or intensive care facilities either on-site or through a contract or agreement with another entity in case any complications arise during the procedure.
If you wish, you can ask your surgeon to visit the facilities before the operation.
The surgeon's experience and their team
It's essential to inquire about the surgeon's background, education, and the type of procedures they have performed during your first appointment with them at SurgConnect.
For example, if you're considering rhinoplasty, choose a surgeon with extensive experience in that specific procedure. This will better support your desired outcome.
Keep in mind that the more procedures you have done in a single operation, the higher the risk.
If your surgery involves the placement of internal materials, ensure the quality of these materials and their official approval by the “Instituto Nacional de Vigilancia de Medicamentos y Alimentos (INVIMA)”.
Initial consultations
Schedule initial consultations with at least two plastic surgeons. During these consultations, you can discuss your goals, ask questions, and assess your communication and comfort with the surgeon.
Your medical, surgical, and allergic history is essential for your surgeon to provide better care.
Do not withhold any information from your surgeon. Ask any questions openly. Be aware that all surgical or non-surgical procedures for aesthetic or functional purposes have risks. Inquire about them.
Forget about thinking solely in terms of economics. Sometimes, choosing the cheapest option can be costly
Deciding to undergo plastic surgery is a very serious decision. Therefore, price should not be the primary factor in choosing one surgeon over another. If you only focus on cost, you may overlook a series of key, higher-priority factors.
Be wary of excessively low fees or plans.
However, the most expensive option isn't necessarily the best either. Use your good judgment to evaluate it.