How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon​​​​​​​

When you dislike an aspect of your appearance enough to consider plastic surgery, you want to be certain that the surgery will yield the changes that will restore your confidence and self-esteem.

The media regularly reports about sub-standard cosmetic surgeries which have left patients with undesirable side effects and poor results. Yet, with so many plastic surgeons now offering their services, how do you know who to choose?

Education and Training of Plastic Surgeons

Unfortunately, the law currently permits any licensed physician to refer to themselves as a cosmetic or plastic surgeon. However, to perform cosmetic surgery procedures safely, competently and to a high standard, you should find a surgeon who has specialized in plastic surgery. This means that they have undertaken:

• A four-year premedical undergraduate degree

• Four years of medical school to earn their basic Doctor of Medicine degree

• A residency. Specialization in plastic surgery requires a residency of five or six years

By ensuring that your plastic surgeon has the proper education and training, you can be confident that they have the technical skill and aesthetic judgement required to be able to perform the surgery to a reasonable standard. You can also rest assured that your surgeon will have education and training that enables them to identify and handle any medical emergency that may arise during the course of your procedure. 

Board Certification in Plastic Surgery

When you are considering choosing a plastic surgeon, you should also consider asking if they have any board certifications. While this does not guarantee the result that you want, in order to achieve the extremely high standard set by boards in order to attain certification, the surgeon will have had to have shown that they can meet certain requirements, training, ethical standard and experience. 

Our surgeon, Dr. Jason Potter, has certifications from the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. 

Membership of a relevant Professional Organization

While membership of a professional organization doesn’t necessarily mean that a person has the right qualifications or experience to be able to practice their profession, the individuals belonging to it are usually heavily invested in developing their education and skill in that particular areas. Many professional organizations are committed to the development and monitoring of educational programs. In the case of the medical field, that can include improving techniques that enhance the results, safety, and patient experience associated with the procedure.

Membership of a professional organization also often shows that the surgeon is committed to ongoing education and training.

Dr. Potter is a member of a range of relevant professional organizations:

• The American Society of Plastic Surgeons

• The Dallas Society of Plastic Surgeons

• The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

• The American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons

A Comprehensive Portfolio and Reviews

Any good plastic surgeon will have a comprehensive and well-maintained portfolio of the procedures that they have carried out. These should contain before and after images, preferably from a variety of angles so that you can accurately see the improvements that have been made. They will also be willing to show you testimonials from previous, satisfied clients. 

To ensure that you get the best possible result from your surgery, you need to find a plastic surgeon with the education, experience, skill and bedside manner to deliver great results and outstanding patient care. Our qualified, professional and friendly surgeon, Dr. Jason Potter, would be delighted to meet with you to discuss your plastic surgery requirements. To book your consultation, please do not hesitate to call our Dallas office today at 214-892-2474.