The Importance of Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon

When you decide to seek plastic surgery to change your cosmetic appearance, the decision can be life-changing. While plastic surgery can undeniably be a positive experience, the key to having the most positive experience is to find the right surgeon based on your needs and preferences — and the surgeon’s credentials.

Dr. Christopher Schaffer at Schaffer Plastic Surgery has been in practice for over 20 years and prioritizes patient safety, personalized care and the utmost commitment to excellent plastic surgery outcomes. Find out from an experienced surgeon what to look for when choosing the best practitioner for a cosmetic procedure. 

Understanding Surgeon Credentials and Experience

The most immediate thing to look for in a plastic surgeon is that they are board-certified, but what does that mean exactly? Board-certified plastic surgeons have undergone a stringent process and have been certified by certain gold-standard organizations, like the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). 

For example, Dr. Schaffer is certified by the ABPS and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS). Dr. Schaffer is also recognized as a plastic surgery expert and an innovative figure in aesthetic medicine with specialties in advanced procedures. This level of specialized training and experience is also something to look for in a plastic surgeon, especially if you are looking for a certain procedure or treatment. 

Evaluating the Surgery Center’s Accreditation

Surgeons are almost always affiliated with a surgery center or medical facility where treatment takes place. Evaluating the surgeon is important, but it is also essential to ensure the surgery center where you will receive treatment is accredited by the right organizations, such as the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). Schaffer Plastic Surgery is accredited by the AAAASF, which ensures patients receive comfort, professionalism, privacy and excellent care. 

Analyzing the Surgeon’s Portfolio and Past Work

Take the time to look at a surgeon’s prior work. The best plastic surgeons proudly provide their portfolio of before-and-after galleries to display their skill sets and experiences with certain types of surgical outcomes. For example, Dr. Schaffer’s comprehensive portfolio contains a full collection of before-and-after photos of happy patients. This gallery of images of previous patients reflects his expertise, particularly in facial and neck lifts, and in many other areas of cosmetic surgery. 

Patient Testimonials and Reviews

While any surgeon can tell you they do good work, few things compare to testimonials from other patients who have experience with a surgeon firsthand. These insightful testimonials and reviews tell how the patients felt about the surgeon’s approach to care and how satisfied they were with the overall experience. 

Neck Liposuction

Dr Schaffer and his staff are wonderful. After having a not so pleasant consult elsewhere, I made a consultation with Dr Schaffer. He was extremely informative and took time to answer any question I had. I just had my procedure done yesterday and am already super satisfied with my results. You will not be disappointed in him or any his staff. Very professional and very caring.

by Jennica

He Really Made Me Comfortable

I really love this place. Dr. Schaffer was amazing. He is very understanding and made me feel comfortable. I get very awkward when it comes to interacting with a male doctor. He really made me comfortable, and that\’s saying a whole lot. The staff is very friendly. If I ever have anything else done, this will be the only place I go

by Aminah M

Call at 205-619-9905 to schedule a consultation.

Personalized Approach and Patient Care Philosophy

Make sure any surgeon who makes the short list of prospective care providers values a personalized, tailored approach to your care. While procedures may be similar, every patient has unique needs. Dr. Schaffer and his team ensure a personalized experience for every patient by first providing a one-on-one consultation and getting to know the patient’s specific needs. Even after surgery, Dr. Schaffer maintains direct access and communication with each patient. 

Consultation: What To Expect and What Questions To Ask

The initial consultation with a potential surgeon can be vital in ensuring they are the right physician for the procedure. You will be able to evaluate their bedside manner, how attentive they are to your needs and whether the surgeon seems familiar with the procedures you are interested in. 

During your consultation at Schaffer Plastic Surgery, Dr. Schaffer will take the time to discuss various options and allow you to ask questions about your concerns. A few things to ask during the initial consultation include: 

• What is your approach to addressing my specific concerns and goals?
• What are the risks and potential complications associated with the procedure?
• Can you explain the recovery process and expected downtime?
• How often do you perform the procedure I’m interested in?
• What type of anesthesia will be used, and who will administer it?
• What is your policy on revisions if I’m not satisfied with the results?
• How do you handle emergencies during or after surgery?

During the consultation, also ask about the surgeon’s safety record. This is also an attribute to research on your own by looking into patient reviews. The best surgeons have impeccable dedication to ensuring patient safety. For example, Dr. Schaffer goes the extra mile to negate undue risks and keep patients informed so they know how to react in the event of an emergency post-surgery once they return home. Therefore, he has an excellent safety record. 

Understanding the Procedure and Aftercare

Before you entrust a certain doctor to perform your surgery, make sure they offer clear communication about the procedure, what to expect and how your aftercare plan will look. Dr. Schaffer takes a considerable amount of time and care to make sure patients are well-informed about any procedure they are considering. 

Making an Informed Decision

Making an informed decision when choosing a plastic surgeon makes the difference in everything from your comfort during the procedure to the overall results. Therefore, evaluating the surgeon’s credentials, protocols, consultation methods, safety protocols and prior patient satisfaction is vital. If you are looking for a board-certified plastic surgeon who openly helps you decide if plastic surgery is right for you and is committed to excellence, reach out to Schaffer Plastic Surgery at 205-619-9905 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Schaffer.