5 Red Flags to Look out for When Picking a Plastic Surgeon

When you are looking to change your appearance, non-surgical procedures can only do so much. Plastic and cosmetic surgery can achieve more dramatic results. Fortunately, there is an abundance of safe and reliable options when it comes to picking a plastic surgeon today. Unfortunately, most people don’t know plastic surgeon red flags that they should be looking for.

When you are picking out a plastic surgeon, here are five red flags that we suggest you should be looking out for.

The Surgeon Is Not Board-Certified

The first, and arguably most important, red flag you should be aware of when considering a plastic surgeon, is whether or not they are board-certified.

There are many cosmetic surgeons out there who will advertise that they are “board-certified” without listing which type of certification they have. The approval requirements differ greatly depending on which professional board is cited. So while a surgeon may be certified for certain procedures or practices, they won’t be for others. In Canada, the only board that can certify physicians and surgeons in medical specialties is the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons.

At McLean Clinic, our plastic surgeons are fully certified with decades of experience behind them.

Tries to “Up-Sell” Additional Procedures

Your relationship with your plastic surgeon should be one of mutual understanding. The initial consultation should be a collaboration in which your wants are heard and discussed before coming to an agreement on which course of treatment is best together.

Overall, it is reasonable for surgeons to suggest complementary or alternative procedures, so long as they make sense. If you are being pressured into undergoing more procedures than you originally desired, this is a definite plastic surgeon red flag. For example, if you are looking for a rhinoplasty, but the plastic surgeon is focused on selling you an arm lift, it’s likely they are just trying to squeeze as much money out of you as they can by convincing to have more surgery.

Don’t feel pressured to undergo more plastic surgery, even if they offer you a significant discount. If this is the case, you might want to consider looking for another plastic surgeon. Ideally, you want to find one who will listen to and address your needs, while providing you with realistic expectations at the same time.

The Consultation Doesn’t Go Well

Similar to the previous plastic surgeon red flag, if the overall consultation doesn’t go well or you are left feeling overlooked and confused, this is a serious sign you might want to find a different surgeon.

Your plastic surgery consultation should involve a series of questions about what you’re looking for, past procedures you might have undergone and any relevant aspects of your medical history. If they aren’t asking you any in-depth questions, even if you’re seeking a cosmetic procedure, they are not being thorough enough. Short consultations that feel rushed should also be seen as a red flag.

Additionally, if your consultation to discuss your surgical options isn’t with the surgeon themselves, but with an assistant or other members of the clinic, you should be wary. Only plastic surgeons who have been board-certified are qualified to deiced whether or not you are a good candidate for the procedure you’re looking for.

The Operating Facility Is Not Accredited

When conducting your research, another plastic surgeon red flag you should be on the lookout for is whether or not their operating facility is accredited. This ensures that strict standards are met regarding safety, proper and up-to-date equipment as well as surgeon credentials and staffing requirements.

Hospitals take into consideration a surgeon’s experience and training when granting them access to use its facilities. If a surgeon is barred from conducting their work in a hospital, there might be justified reasoning that should give you pause. Sometimes, plastic surgeons can work around this by performing surgeries in their own clinics. However, this is only something to be troubled by if they are not accredited. Some surgeons simply prefer to use their own facilities.

Always ask your potential plastic surgeon if they have access to a hospital’s emergency services should something in the procedure go wrong.

McLean Clinic is accredited by the CAAASF and the Ministry of Health as a private facility that specializes in cosmetic surgery. Furthermore, we are proudly one of the few Licensed Independent Health Facilities in Ontario with frequent inspections to maintain our leading status.

The Surgeon Has Been Censured or Sued

The final plastic surgeon red flag that we will discuss, is if the surgeon has been censured or sued.

However, keep in mind that just because a surgeon has come up against a malpractice lawsuit, it does not mean they are inadequate. In today’s medical landscape, it is possible for even the most experienced and skilled surgeons to be sued. What you should be on the lookout for are multiple legal accusations.

You should also be cautious of plastic surgeons who have been censured by Ontario’s medical board. Follow up with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons to determine whether or not a plastic surgeon is fully licensed or if they have faced any disciplinary actions.

When looking for a plastic surgeon, consider Dr. McLean at the McLean Clinic. We offer a wide variety of surgical services to our patients, and our team of certified surgeons, anesthesiologists and registered nurses will ensure you have a safe and pleasant experience throughout the entire process. Contact us today to book your free consultation!