By Dr. Aviva Preminger, MD, MPH, FACS
We are about halfway through the holiday season, with quite a bit of planning and eating still to go. It’s hard to focus on anything other than trying to squeeze in as many days of work as possible between all the days off, not to mention the shopping, cooking, and selecting the right shul attire. There’s a lot to think about, but when you finally return to the doldrums of everyday life, it may be time to return the focus back to…you.
Over yom tov, you may have noticed having to lift your upper eyelids to apply shadow, or that your lower eyelid bags look a little worse this year than they did last year. Or maybe it’s your neck or that little belly bulge that seems to respond to all that festive eating? It is what it is, as they say, but if you are looking to do something about it, how do you go about finding a plastic surgeon you can trust?
These days we are inundated with a constant stream of information thanks to social media. But, how do you decipher what’s real and whom to believe?
To be honest, it can be difficult. As they say, you can’t believe everything you see on TV. That’s not to say that someone with a great social media presence isn’t a great plastic surgeon either. I try, but to be honest, I’m a much better surgeon than social media star. Thankfully, my surgical results far exceed the quality of my Instagram posts.
So, where does a consumer start? First of all, do your homework as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons likes to say. Make sure that the surgeon you are consulting with is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery. The internet is a great resource, but it can also be a huge source of misinformation, so it’s great to also be able to rely on the recommendations of friends and colleagues who’ve had positive experiences. Ask your doctor, OB/GYN, or dermatologist for recommendations. You may want to check out before and after photos on the doctor’s website or Instagram account. What’s more important is that you ask to see before and after photos of patients who look like you before their surgery. If you are in your late 40s or early 50s and looking for a mommy makeover, don’t base your evaluation on the before and after results of a 25-year-old. Remember, your surgeon is a doctor, not a magician. If something seems too good to be true, it may be so. When you actually go for your consultation, see how you feel about the practice. Do you feel comfortable with the staff? Are they professional? Keep in mind that you will be interacting not only with the surgeon but also with his or her staff. Finally, and most importantly, see how comfortable you feel with the surgeon. I always say that finding the right plastic surgeon is a bit like dating: it has to feel right. Don’t be reluctant to meet more than one surgeon—you may find that you prefer one person’s style over the others. Try to get an idea of how often the surgeon does the procedure you are interested in. The reality is that surgeons who do something more often are better at it. However, a simple caveat is that if the surgeon appears to be too busy, they may not be prepared to give you the attention you need or expect post-operatively. Make sure the surgeon understands your aesthetic goals. If the practice offers 3D imaging, this may be a powerful tool to make sure the two of you are on the same page. Finally, it is a good idea to bring someone you trust to the consultation. Statistics show that most patients only remember less than 5% of what the doctor tells them during the initial consultation, so it really helps to have someone else there too.
Finding the right plastic surgeon may take some time, focus, and energy. That’s okay. As I like to say: It’s not a haircut, get it right. n
Dr. Aviva Preminger is an Ivy League-educated and trained plastic surgeon. She has earned respect and prestige in her field with her extensive credentials. She holds faculty appointments at Columbia University as well as several other fully accredited New York hospitals. Dr. Preminger has expertise in a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures and has lectured and published extensively. She and her staff are committed to excellence. You can reach Dr. Preminger at 212-706-1900 or via her website at PremingerMD.com/contact.
