Is there really a difference between Plastic Surgeons?  I was asked this question the other day and to me it’s such an obvious answer; YES, YES and YES! As a plastic surgery coordinator for Dr. George Alexander, I speak to patients all day long who are considering cosmetic plastic surgery. Of course for patients, the first step for them is deciding if they even want to have surgery. Once they’ve made that decision, they head to the internet or ask their doctors or their friends to find a plastic surgeon. At this point, some patients think that all doctors with an ad or a website that say “cosmetic surgeon” or “plastic surgeon” are created equally. This is a tricky spot in the research process. Not all specialties are the same. If you want foot surgery, you look for a podiatrist which is a doctor specially trained in all things feet. But too many people are okay choosing any doctor to be their “cosmetic surgeon”.

Credentials really do matter  If someone on the phone is telling you they don’t, then beware. Once patients have narrowed the list of doctors’ names down to only the board-certified plastic surgeons then there are many other factors to still consider. And some friendly advice here . . . it can’t be all about price. Yes, we all have budgets that need to be considered but sometimes you really do get what you pay for. For example, all the prices you’ve received by calling around or emailing include anesthesia and facility. But what’s the quality of the anesthesia and facility? Is the anesthesia being administered by a board-certified doctor who stays with you throughout your surgery or is performed by the surgeon, a nurse, someone with even less credentials? Is the operating facility a fully-accredited surgical facility with proper staffing prepared to handle medical emergencies or is the surgery being performed in an office or an unaccredited surgical suite? Remember the old saying “Are you comparing apples to apples”? These significant safety differences may even be small differences in the price quotes but obviously are VERY big considerations when choosing a plastic surgeon.

All consultations are not the same  Every plastic surgeon has a different approach to consultations with prospective patients. Some treat it as a quick visit where you come in and they tell you what they would recommend. Short and sweet!

Our approach is quite different We treat the consultation appointment as an integral part of the surgery decision making process. First of all, this appointment is with Dr. Alexander. We consider this very important. He spends time going over your past medical history (because how else would we even know if you’re candidate for any type of surgery. He performs a physical exam and discusses what you want to change about your body or face. He then has an honest and collaborative conversation with you about surgery. I use the word conversation because it’s not just Dr. Alexander telling you what surgery you need; it’s Dr. Alexander discussing surgical options and outcomes with you. This is the important difference; we all need to be on the same page when discussing your surgical plan and its pros and cons. You have to be part of the conversation too! This can’t be one-sided. You need to feel comfortable with Dr. Alexander’s plan and his approach to your care. One patient described choosing the right surgeon as “like falling in love, you just know it when you feel it.” I don’t expect everyone who calls me asking about a procedure to know all the right questions to ask. I feel it’s my job to help them with that and to make suggestions, answer questions and to explain these differences. You can bet I’m prepared when through the phone line I hear “Is there really a difference between plastic surgeons?” And if you’re still not sure, call me, we’ll talk!

We all know that having a strong social support network is important to maintaining health and well-being, and the same goes for completing a successful plastic or cosmetic surgery procedure. With Mother’s Day this weekend, we are reminded that often times the most important and dependable support comes from Mom, and because of that, moms are often the primary caregiver following plastic surgery. Dr. Alexander has also had several patients opt to have cosmetic procedures alongside their mom.When it comes to plastic surgery, read how a mother and daughter support each other through breast augmentation.

Kimberley and Ashton were a mother and daughter that both came to Dr. Alexander for breast augmentation, and during recovery, grandmother Mary was their caregiver. The plastic surgery was truly a family affair and mother-daughter bonding experience. Kimberley says, “I knew that Ashton shared similar feelings with me. We weren’t 100% confident and sometimes felt self-conscious when wearing certain dresses or bathing suits. We talked and decided we would feel more comfortable having the procedure if we both did it. We wanted to be supportive of each other through the process.”

Ashton shares, “Mom and I talked about our feelings and what we wanted before we made the final decision, and once the decision was made, we both researched doctors.”

“After hearing about Dr. Alexander’s reputation and meeting with him, I was confident that he was the right doctor for me and my daughter,” says Kimberley. “He was very clear regarding what to expect, and from start to finish, his entire staff made Ashton and me feel we’d made the right decision.”

When it came time for recovery, Ashton says, “We couldn’t have asked for a better caregiver than my grandmother, and yes, I am certain that having her support and care made recovery easier. And, so did having my mom by my side.”

If you are considering plastic or cosmetic surgery, think about the benefit of not going it alone, whether that means inviting Mom along for the consultation or being sure to have a caregiver lined up following your plastic surgery or cosmetic procedure. Whether you’re interested in breast augmentation, liposuction or another procedure, Dr. Alexander has two decades of experience helping men and women in Summerlin, Las Vegas and Henderson achieve their personal best. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Alexander please call 702-242-6776.

And, whatever you do, don’t forget Mom this Sunday! Happy Mother’s Day!

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