How can I ensure that I have a safe cosmetic surgery?

To have a safe cosmetic surgery, start by researching the who and the where. Cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon Robert Grant, MD, discusses the why, as well as when it makes sense to seek a second opinion.

Transcript

00:00

Sometimes complications even happen to the best of surgeons. The best surgeons are the ones who successfully manage those complications.

00:06

[MUSIC PLAYING]

00:15

Ensuring a safe plastic surgery procedure is one of the main things I want to emphasize in these discussions.

00:21

Anyone can do plastic surgery, even unlicensed practitioners, but you only have one body, and you only

00:28

have one chance at good health. As a result, there are three things that you should do when you're considering undergoing a purely cosmetic elective plastic surgical

00:38

procedure. The first is to check out the credentials of the surgeon who's performing the operation.

00:44

Ideally, that person should be board certified in plastic surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only specific board which

00:54

analyzes and confirms the background and training of those surgeons who have completed

01:00

sufficient training to be considered experts in plastic surgery. The second is to consider where the procedure is

01:07

going to be done. You know, sometimes complications even happen to the best of surgeons. The best surgeons are the ones who successfully

01:15

manage those complications. And operating in an accredited facility that's licensed by an appropriate authority

01:22

or in a reputable hospital is really one way to make sure that, god forbid, a complication happens,

01:28

all of the resources are there to ensure that your health is the thing that is protected most. And finally, you should consider what your goals and objectives

01:37

are for the operation. This is an elective procedure. Is the surgeon presenting a plan that really is in tune with what you want and what you desire?

01:47

I think I do a great job with my patients, but I don't-- am not able to do what every patient wants

01:53

when they walk in the door. So if your surgeon seems eager or if you have any suspicion in your intuition about what

02:00

the plan has been proposed, then get another consultation with another board-certified plastic surgeon. You have all the time in the world to make a right choice.

02:09

Use it wisely. Because once you've had the procedure done, it's way too late to consider not having the operation at all.