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. Watch this video featuring cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Robert Grant to learn about the why, as well as when it makes sense to seek a second opinion.

Transcript

00:00

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

00:06

Anyone can do plastic surgery, even unlicensed practitioners. But you only have one body.

00:13

And you only have one chance at good health. As a result, there are three things that you should do when you're considering

00:20

undergoing a purely cosmetic elective plastic surgical procedure. The first is to check out the credentials of the surgeon

00:28

who's performing the operation. Ideally, that person should be board certified in plastic surgery by the American

00:35

Board of Plastic Surgery, the only specific board which analyzes and confirms the background

00:42

and training of those surgeons who've completed sufficient training to be considered experts in plastic surgery.

00:50

The second is to consider where the procedure is going to be done. You know, sometimes complications even

00:56

happen to the best of surgeons. The best surgeons are the ones who successfully manage those complications. And operating in an accredited facility

01:04

that's licensed by an appropriate authority or in a reputable hospital is really one way to make sure that, God forbid a complication happens,

01:13

all of the resources are there to ensure that your health is the thing that is protected most.

01:20

And finally, you should consider what your goals and objectives are for the operation. This is an elective procedure.

01:27

Is the surgeon presenting a plan that really is in tune with what you want and what you desire?

01:33

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

01:39

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

01:47

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.

01:56

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