The word “facial” almost always conjures up images of a florid, red-carpet event: You’re meeting with the plastic surgeon to discuss the results of your latest procedure. But what about the non-glamorous, everyday side of cosmetic surgery? You might not think about it often, but your skin — and specifically your face — is an organ. It covers and protects your sensitive organs and tissues, and as such, has very specific needs.
A facial plastic surgeon in Dallas is trained to understand these needs and provide precision care in order to achieve the best results. To help you find a board-certified facial plastic surgeon that’s right for you, here are some tips:
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Know Your Face
The first step in finding the right surgeon for you is to identify what kind of face you have. There are four main types of facial surgery, and each has its own specific needs.
- Type I — This is where the surgeon removes fat and tissue from the face in order to create a more youthful and toned look. It’s often performed on people who are experiencing significant aging due to weight gain, diabetes, or other factors.
- Type II — This is done to treat conditions like septum, which is sometimes referred to as a “bell” or “bridge” face. It involves removing the excess tissue from the nose and mouth and sometimes the chin.
- Type III — This is typically done for people who have severe age-related skin changes, including wrinkles, pouches under the eyes, and skin that’s too dry or oily. It’s often done in combination with type II.
- Type IV — This is usually reserved for people with dwarfism, but can also be used as a last resort when other treatments have failed. It’s often done in combination with type II.
These are just a few examples of the many conditions that can be treated with facial surgery. So, to get a better understanding of your face and what kind of surgery will work best for you, you should get in touch with your doctor and ask him or her about available procedures.
Consider the Portfolio
Most surgeons have a sound understanding of a few common procedures and will be able to provide you with a list of recommended doctors. However, many don’t know about the growing number of “jack of all trades, master of none” specialists who specialize in a variety of procedures. These are the surgeons you should hire. The portfolio approach to board certification is a good way to find such a doctor. The doctor will have extensive experience with a variety of surgeries and may provide you with recommendations for other board-certified plastic surgeons in your area.
Be Clear on Your Goals
When it comes to finding the right doctor for you, you should have a clear idea of what your goals are. A general goal that applies to all patients is to find a doctor who can provide the best possible care. However, the right doctor may specialize in certain types of surgery, so you need to be clear on what your goals are. For example, if you have concerns about possible complications after surgery, you should ask your doctor about staging the face for photos. This is usually straightforward, but you should be clear on what you want to do and don’t want to see.
Similarly, if you have questions or concerns about the long-term effects of surgery, ask your doctor about the “life after” section of the patient brochure. If you have specific questions about the types of procedures your doctor will perform, ask those as well.
Hire a Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
When it comes time to find a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, you should make sure you’re hiring the right doctor. A board-certified plastic surgeon is one who has received fellowship training from the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is fully aware of the specialties that exist. To ensure you’re getting the right doctor for you, you should be clear on which specialties the doctor practices. If you have questions such as, “Is he board-certified in facial plastic surgery?”, or “Is he an aesthetic surgeon?”, the doctor should be able to clarify for you. Likewise, you should be able to ask the doctor, “Is he an expert in all my procedures?”
Get to Know the Doctor and Staff
After you’ve found the right doctor, it’s time to get to know him or her and see if you can establish a rapport. This will help establish a trusting and professional relationship, which will help you throughout your treatment. You should never see a doctor or surgeon alone. The doctor and any staff members should be speaking with you via telephone or Skype and should meet with you on a regular basis. You should also bring your friends and family members into the picture. Having members of the team from the get-go can help build trust and confidence among all parties, as well as make referrals easier.
Ask for Panel Reviews
Finally, after you’ve found the right doctor for you, it’s time to ask for reviews. You should check out online reviews to see if they inspire confidence in the doctor. You should also check out previous-patient reviews to see if they have any indication of the doctor’s reputation. You can usually find recent reviews on Google and Facebook.
Conclusion
A good facial plastic surgeon can help you achieve the most attractive and youthful appearance possible while correcting any problems you may have had before surgery. To get the right doctor for you, you should be clear on your goals and consider the portfolio of procedures available. In addition, you should hire a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in the area. Finally, you should get to know the doctor and staff well so you can feel confident and safe in their hands.
