Selecting a plastic surgeon to perform surgery on you or a loved one can be a difficult task and your choice can have residual effects. It is vital that you review the qualifications and accreditations of your choice surgeon as well as discussing the procedures of the surgery and the results and limitations of the surgery.

Many patients do not really understand the wide array of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures that are available and what they are intended to do.  They agree to the surgery without fully understanding the expected results, risks, possible complications, and limitations of a surgery.  After the surgery, they end up disappointed because of this lack of understanding that occurs through miscommunication.

It is advisable to discuss your expectations with the plastic surgeon rather than requesting a specific type of surgery.  For instance, if you desire to have your nose reconstructed due to trouble breathing through it, the problem and goal need to be shared with the surgeon in order to assure the best results for you.

If you are concerned with drooping eyelids, you would not want to request a facelift.  Blepharoplasty surgery would be more appropriate in addressing your concern.  If your concern includes drooping eyebrows or wrinkles, then a facelift might be suitable.

Many plastic surgeons specialize in a particular type of surgery.  For instance, you may have heard that I, Dean Toriumi Plastic Surgeon, specialize in rhinoplasty and facelift surgeries.  I chose rhinoplasty as my specialty because of prior training and experience as an otolaryngologist which in lay terms is an ear, nose and throat doctor.  Such knowledge enables me to fully understand the effects of obstructed nasal passages which are common among rhinoplasty patients.  This grasp of expertise enables me to be one of the greatest plastic surgeons in the world in regard to rhinoplasty.

Plastic surgeons may limit their surgical pursuits to their specific line of specialty.  This makes it vital that you review and discuss the surgeon's experience with the procedure that you are considering and making sure that the procedure will produce the results that you expect.  Discussing your expectations can help you to avoid selecting the wrong procedure or the wrong doctor.

Once you have selected a procedure and the plastic surgeon that will perform it, it is time to discuss the limitations and possible side effects and risks that the surgery may present.  Preparatory procedures and aftercare concerns should also be discussed.  Following this advice will minimize disappointments and aid in obtaining optimal results.