Peace of Mind Before Surgery: How to Choose the Right Surgeon

There is never a one-size-fits-all approach to surgery. One of the most important decisions to make is choosing the right surgeon for you. There are likely hundreds of accredited surgeons within a commutable distance of you, but they are likely not all best suited for what you need. For example, you may be looking for plastic surgery, or on the other hand, you may need health-related surgery such as a hip replacement. No matter what you are looking for, there is a surgeon out there who will be able to get you desirable results, all while offering the safest process possible.

Choosing The right surgeon for you can be daunting, but there are some telltale signs to look out for. In this blog, we will cover all of the basic ground you need to cover when finding the right surgeon. This should be an entirely independent decision, and extensive research should be carried out before making a final decision. Consider starting with the following suggestions to start your journey in finding the perfect surgeon for you:

Check their qualifications 

Qualifications are king when it comes to finding a reputable surgeon. Depending on your surgery of choice, you should be looking for accreditations that are tailored to the treatment. For example, if you are looking for a breast augmentation, you should seek a surgeon who is BAAPS and BAPRAS registered. It is also telling by looking at their academic qualifications. For example, surgeon Kshem Yapa graduated from Cambridge University and completed a PhD at Stanford University. These academic establishments are recognised as being some of the most esteemed in the medical world, therefore this should offer you peace of mind when looking at professional backgrounds. 

Research their years of experience 

Practice does make perfect, and choosing a surgeon with years of experience is much more likely to offer the possibility of the best outcome, as opposed to a surgeon who has little experience. Everyone has to start somewhere, but ideally, you should work with a surgeon who has at least 5 + years of experience. You will be able to find details on their years of operating, including how many surgeries they perform a year on average. 

Consider their speciality 

As touched on, surgeons have a range of different specialities they can work under. For example, if you are looking for a facelift, there is likely a surgeon who is recognised for their great work on facelifts, including the accreditations that provide their authority. For example, having an RCS certification may solidify this. Research what accreditations your surgeon of choice should have for your procedure of choice.

Look at their referrals

Referrals can differ from surgeon to surgeon. If you are looking for a local surgeon, you might know family or friends who have worked with them to offer a first-person account of their experience. These can be credit referrals, or if you have a trusted doctor, you can also ask for their advice and expertise on who they may recommend.

Look at online reviews

Reviews are the bread and butter of successful surgeons. Online review platforms on their websites, including external ones such as ‘real self’ offer feedback from past patients. You will likely find reviews that go into great detail, with ratings on their surgery quality, facility, care, and pricing rating. You may also find case study images from past clients to see what the outcome of the surgery is likely to relocate.

See their social channels 

A surgeon or surgery practice who wishes to connect with their potential and existing patients will post frequently on their social media channels. Search their names on channels such as Instagram and Facebook to see their online activity. Many practices will share testimonials from past patients, which will offer a clear reflection of their experience. Additionally, some surgeries offer an instant chat box option, so you can even directly message the accounts and queries you have an expert response within 24 hours. 

Consider the location where they operate

Different surgeons operate in different locations. For example, they might travel between London and Manchester to operate between two different facilities. Sometimes staying close to home is a priority, so make sure that your surgeon of choice is located in a facility that is commutable to your home. For example, take your dentist. You may opt for a dentist in Collingwood if its local and friends and family are nearby incase of an emergency. Or, if you are willing to go the extra mile, be sure to have an idea of your transport options to get to and from the surgery. You will not be permitted to drive after having surgery, so make sure you have a trusted friend or family member to take you home from the location.

Check insurance coverage 

Your health insurance coverage may apply depending on your surgery of choice. This may be through personal insurance or with health insurance included in your employment plan. Again, depending on the complexity of your surgery, this may be covered or at least partly covered to reduce the entirety of the costs involved. Not all surgeons and facilities will be applicable for your dedicated insurance, so be sure to do your diligence to see what is available to you. 

Book in a consultation 

Sometimes you have to bite the bullet and have a few consultations to determine which surgeon is right for you. Often, there is a cost associated with surgery consultation which can range anywhere from £50- £500 depending on your surgeon. Here you can ask your surgeon your most pressing questions, what the process of surgery will entail, and also gain further insight into the costs associated. 

Have questions ready 

Speaking of questions, it would be wise to have a list of questions ready to take with you to the surgeon’s practice. Consultations can last anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour, so make use of your dedicated time slot to gain clarity surrounding your surgeon’s experience and care.

Bottom Line 

Finding someone to trust with such a tender, and potentially life-threatening treatment is never easy. Especially as a patient, understanding what makes a great surgeon is not immediately clear without prior experience. Be sure to do your general diligence checks, such as seeing their experience and accreditations, and then take a further look into their experience doing your specific treatment. Most plastic surgeon websites will have a case studies section to offer a visual insight as to what you might expect from your surgery. Take your time, and seek help from trusted friends and family if they have good judgment.