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We’ve all seen pictures of shockingly bad plastic surgery results, usually of celebrities on tabloid magazines and websites. The pictures are so common that many people assume such unpredictable results must be the norm for plastic surgery. Let us assure you, they’re not.

“Plastic surgery gone wrong” is a label seen far less often in the offices of board-certified surgeons than in paparazzi photo shoots. Looking at this from a perspective inside the industry, we know those high-gloss pictures don’t tell the whole story.

Most Surgeons (and Patients) Live Closer to Reality

That’s everyday reality, not reality television shows. The majority of plastic surgery patients around the world hold much more realistic expectations and desires than those in the entertainment industry, who may be somewhat over-accustomed to plastic surgery. Most patients are simply trying to fix a body issue that is truly affecting them negatively, whether it’s the physical and emotional discomfort of gynecomastia, a traumatic injury limiting their mobility or anything in between. At Livingston Plastic Surgery, we first conduct detailed consultations with all of our patients to ensure that their motivations for surgery are healthy, and that their expectations regarding the outcome are realistic.

Part of a plastic surgeon’s job is to stay up-to-date on current trends and advances in the industry, while maintaining a healthy perspective toward the ultimate results. This also means staying away from surgical methods that are outdated, not fully researched, rushed, or just plain questionable.

How to Check a Plastic Surgeon’s Credentials

The pictures you see of Hollywood horror stories represent a minority of cosmetic surgeons, who may or may not be board-certified. Well-trained, reputable surgeons who care about their patients really are far more common. Here are some key items to look for when searching for a plastic surgeon who will make your surgery a safe and positive experience:

Board Certified by the ABPS:

A doctor’s board certification is the best indicator of training in a medical specialty. The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties to certify doctors for plastic surgery.

Fellowship Trained:

Fellowship training is an intensive, additional training in a subspecialty of surgery. Using a surgeon with fellowship training increases the likelihood of quality work. Dr. Livingston is a Fellow in four specialty areas: the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American College of Surgeons and the American Association of Hand Surgery.

Accredited Operating Facility:

When choosing a plastic surgeon, you should verify that your surgeon operates in an accredited, state-licensed or Medicare-certified facility. (The majority of outpatient surgical facilities are not accredited.) In accredited facilities in the U.S., the rate for serious complications is reassuringly low, at less than half a percent.

Thoroughness and Thoughtfulness:

Lastly, you’ll want to choose a plastic surgeon who demonstrates attention to detail during your initial consultation, carefully reviews your full medical history, takes the time to talk to you about the risks of surgery and has a thorough follow-up program in place to monitor your progress post-op.

The Majority of Plastic Surgeries are Safe, Subtle and Effective
There are a number of reasons why poor examples of plastic surgery show up in the magazines and on the news, but they can be avoided entirely by selecting a trustworthy, caring surgeon and maintaining a healthy perspective about your body. Learn more about why Dr. Chris Livingston is one of Houston’s top plastic surgeons by checking out his credentials. To schedule a consultation, contact us.