Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure wherein the excess skin around the eyelids is removed. The excess skin often happens with age when the muscles around the eyes weaken, causing the eyelid to stretch out, resulting in skin and fat gathering above and below the eyelids. Severe sagging around the eyes can also reduce peripheral vision, making it difficult to see clearly. Below are a few tips on finding the best blepharoplasty surgeon near you.
Get referrals
The best way to start your search for blepharoplasty surgeons is to speak to people in your trusted social circle and ask for recommendations. Speak to any friends or family member who have had this surgery before and is happy with the results. It can help you set in the right direction while you continue researching the matter. You can even speak to your primary care specialist and ask for any recommendations they may have, as they are part of a professional network.
Check credentials
The surgeon you follow up or consult with must have a board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The board has rigorous certification standards that all surgeons must meet, which adds a level of credibility to the surgeon you are consulting. The board asks the doctors to complete at least six years of training after three years of plastic surgery residency training. They also have to pass the written and oral examination by the board and must have graduated from an accredited institution. They must also complete annual continuing medical education, which also involves patient safety. When it comes to surgery, they can only perform surgery in a state-licensed or Medicare-certified surgical facility.
Ask questions
Don’t be shy to ask queries regarding the surgery. Before you select your surgeon, you should be able to trust them completely and rely on their advice and suggestions. So, it becomes crucial to have a detailed conversation with them about any doubts and concerns. Some of the questions you can ask your blepharoplasty surgeon include-
- Are you specially trained in plastic surgery?
- How many years of experience do you have?
- Am I the right candidate for this surgery?
- What are the risks and complications I can expect from the procedure?
- How should I prepare myself for the procedure?
- How to handle complications?
- If I am unsatisfied with the surgery, what options are available?
- How long will it take for recovery?
- What form of help will I need during recovery?
- Will there be any scarring post-surgery? If yes, how long will it take to go away?
- Do you have any before-and-after photographs of other clients that can help me get an idea regarding the result to expect?
Communication
While qualifications are the primary requirements to consider before choosing a blepharoplasty surgeon, do not underestimate the power of communication while selecting your doctor. While consulting them, observe how calmly they can address your queries or if they are patient enough to give you the proper explanations and make you understand the terminologies. A doctor/surgeon who can communicate with their patients in a calm and composed manner is a huge advantage, especially in cases where something goes wrong or if there is an emergency. You need a surgeon who can handle challenging situations and questions with calmness. Furthermore, notice how the staff at the facility responds to you and how easy or difficult booking an appointment is. These small details matter when you are trying to book your consultation or any follow-ups.
Finding a blepharoplasty surgeon close to you is a significant advantage as it means you don’t have to cancel appointments because they’re too far or if you’re stuck in traffic. They are easily accessible, which makes consultation easier.