Original article by Samantha Stone from AEDIT.

When considering a cosmetic procedure, it is so important to find the right doctor for you. This is a procedure that can last you a lifetime, and you want to be completely confident in the doctor you choose to work with. Throughout the entire research process, you should maintain a healthy dose of skepticism as you vet prospective doctors. As the number of people choosing plastic surgery procedures has increased over the years, unfortunately so has the number of unqualified physicians claiming to be experts in the aesthetics procedure industry. Follow the seven steps below to ensure you are selecting the right doctor for your procedure.

1. Confirm credentials

For a plastic surgeon, a board certification is critical. Unknown to most, in the United States, state medical boards do not require the surgeon to be specifically trained in the surgical procedure he or she offers. In other words, if a general surgeon one day decides he or she wants to start practicing cosmetic surgery instead of general surgery, he or she can! The board certification guarantees that the surgeon has been trained specifically in cosmetic or reconstructive surgeries. When consulting with potential surgeons, ensure they are board certified in plastic surgery as a first step. They should be board certified and members of either The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), The American Academy of Dermatology, The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), or The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

Similarly, a certificate from the American Academy of Dermatology for Dermatologists and accreditation from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) ensure that doctors have received specialized training in the field dermatology and cosmetic dentistry, respectively.

Ask: Are you board certified and a member of any professional organizations?

2. Make sure the physician is skilled in the procedure you want

Once you have confirmed credentials, the next step is to inquire about the doctor’s experience with specific procedures. If you are looking to get a nose job, you want to make sure that the plastic surgeon you work with has plenty of experience performing nose jobs. While some of the knowledge is transferable, each feature has unique properties, requiring a completely different set of skills. For instance, facial plastic surgery would require the cosmetic surgeon to work with bone, cartilage, and potentially breathing passages whereas breast reconstruction is mostly soft tissue. The surgical techniques a plastic surgeon would use on soft tissue vary significantly from those used on bone or cartilage.

Take a step back for a second. If you (or a friend or child) needed a tutor to prepare for a history exam, would you hire an English teacher or a history teacher? While they are both teachers, the history teacher is an expert in the subject whereas the English teacher is less familiar. Opt for a doctor who is a specialist or has substantial experience in the procedure you are considering. A physician who names specific treatments, like Botox, veneers, or breast augmentation, will likely be a better fit compared to someone who claims to do all procedures equally as well.

Ask: What did your training entail for the procedure I am considering? How long have you been performing this procedure? How many times have you performed this procedure?

3. Choose a doctor whose past work appeals to you

You found a doctor with top credentials and who is skilled in the procedure you are considering, but do you like his or her aesthetic? It is so important that both you and the physician you are aligned on what a successful procedure will look like. For instance, some plastic surgeons may like more turned up noses whereas others may not. Once you have an idea of what your ideal outcome will look like, begin browsing the before and after photos on doctors’ websites. If available, pay close attention to the before and after photos of patients with similar features to yours. This will give you good insight on the doctor’s consistency and how you may look after the procedure.

Ask: In addition to what is online, do you have any before and after photos of patients with similar features to me?

4. Inquire about the operating facility

One factor that should not be overlooked is the safety of the surgical facility. When undergoing a cosmetic surgery, you are not only working with the plastic surgeon but also an entire operating team and anesthetist. Accredited surgical centers adhere to strict standards, such as sanitation, staff, and equipment, to maximize patient safety. Accreditation is granted by passing regular inspections and submitting thorough records of the facility’s policies. With an accredited operating facility, you can expect qualified staff, a sterile operating room, anesthesia monitoring devices, and the up to date equipment for emergency situations and patient care. Look for facility accreditation certificates, such as AAAASF or AAAHC, and for an anesthetist who is either a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) or an anesthesiologist who is board certified in Anesthesiology. Additionally, when discussing the operating facility, you will want to see if the prospective plastic surgeon has hospital privileges to perform the considered procedure. If the plastic surgeon is only able to do the procedure in the surgeon’s office then that can be a red flag.

Ask: Where do you perform surgery and what is the facility’s level of accreditation? What is the anesthetist/anesthesiologist’s level of training? Have you and your team handled emergency situations in the past? Are you affiliated with a hospital and/or do you do surgery at one?

5. Assess bedside manner and personality fit

Aside from poor results, the last thing you want is a pushy or rude physician. With such a life-changing procedure, it is essential you feel comfortable enough to express concerns or ask questions. A good plastic surgeon, cosmetic dentist or dermatologist will allow you to take your time as you absorb all of the new information and will lay out all of the pro’s and con’s of each procedure type so you can make the most informed decision. Realistically, there is not one perfect procedure and doctors must be open about the potential drawbacks of each option.

As you start scheduling consultations, take note of the doctor’s availability. If the schedule is wide open, that could be a negative sign. Typically, Mondays and Tuesdays are the busiest days for cosmetic physicians. If your schedule allows it, try to book your consultation for a Monday or Tuesday to gauge how much demand the doctor has. More so, speak to other patients in the waiting room about their experience with the doctor to get candid and honest feedback. If you are unable to get in-person insight, you can also read online reviews and forums, like AEDIT’s.

A certificate through the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) is another positive indicator as you research doctors. ABMS certifies that doctors carry responsibilities safely and ethically as well as demonstrate empathy towards patients to provide optimal health care.

Ask: What are some risks associated with this procedure? What should I be most concerned about?

6. Consider location

While it is important to work with a professional you trust, you want to ensure that the location is convenient as well. This is particularly important for invasive procedures, like a breast augmentation or tummy tuck. With larger surgeries, you want to make sure that you will be near a family or friend who will be able to pick you up from the surgery and act as a caregiver. Discuss with your doctor ahead of time what post procedure and recovery time will look like.

Ask: Will I need a family member or a friend to pick me up from the procedure afterwards? How long can I expect the recovery time to be?

7. Review pricing

Expenses certainly matter, but this is not an investment to be stingy on. Keep in mind that “inexpensive” surgeries can turn costly if the end result is unsatisfactory. If the outcome is not right, reconstructive surgery may be needed, which can quickly increase the overall cost. That is why it is critical to get the results right the first time. Discuss pricing with the physician ahead of time and ask for a breakdown of all charges. In addition to the surgeon’s fee, you can expect fees for the operating room, anesthesia, and other services. Compare prices among different doctors to gauge what is reasonable for your desired procedure.

Ask: Are there any additional charges to the surgery fee? What can I expect as the total cost for the procedure?

The most important thing to remember is to take your time in making a decision. While it can be a lengthy and labor intensive search, do not settle. Keep looking until you find a well-respected and board certified doctor that has the exact aesthetic you desire and has proper bedside manner. Cosmetic procedures can be absolutely transformative and life-changing when done properly, so remember not to rush!

The post Finding the Right Plastic Surgeon, Dermatologist, or Cosmetic Dentist appeared first on fullSTEAMahead365.

Original article by Samantha Stone from AEDIT.

One of the best things you can do to help aid the post-surgery recovery process is to plan ahead. Recovery protocol and times vary depending on the person and procedure, but you can take proactive steps to make your post-surgery recovery as easy as possible. Taking the time to review instructions with your doctor and ordering any necessary products ahead of time will make a world of difference after surgery day. We interviewed two board certified Plastic Surgeons for their top most-recommended products for a seamless post-cosmetic surgery recovery.

Essentials For Preventing Infection & Easing Pain

The first step of recovery is to keep the wound clean and free of any potential bad bacteria. Dr. David Rapaport of Manhattan’s Rapaport Plastic Surgery says, “a general rule of thumb is to try to keep the area as clean and dry as possible.” However, it is always important to consult your physician beforehand, as each surgery has its own protocol. Your board-certified plastic surgeon should give you specific instructions for your type of procedure, but make sure to get clear orders on whether you should keep the area covered, how often you should be changing the bandage, and what the proper protocol is to clean and rewrap the wound.

While it depends on the person, it is advised to steer clear of cleansers and antibacterial soaps as they can disrupt the healing process. Sometimes antibiotic ointments are recommended, like Neosporin, which can be applied once sutures have been removed. Dr. Rapaport usually suggests his patients use Hibiclens for three consecutive days prior to surgery on the area that is being treated to help prevent germs and minimize risk of infections.

To ease pain, a cold compress can be beneficial. When choosing ice packs, opt for ones made of gel so they can contour to the desired area. Look for gel ice packs are reusable and have a cloth back for ultimate comfort. Some can even double as heat packs if needed by zapping them for a few seconds in the microwave (make sure the kind you have has this function before nuking, though).

In addition to ice packs, which are universally beneficial for easing pain, there are other products specifically tailored to certain cosmetic procedures. For instance, for abdominal surgery there are elastic abdominal products to provide compression and support and for facial surgeries there are chin straps that doctors often recommend to minimize swelling. Since each surgery is specific to the patient, remember to ask your board-certified plastic surgeon if there are any particular products he or she best recommends for you.

Your New Post-Surgery Skin Care Routine You just spent a lot of money on your cosmetic treatment and the last thing you want is to be left with discoloration or scarring. Fortunately, there are many preventative measures you can take to aid the healing process and promote good skin recovery. Denver-based Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon Dr. Gregory Buford says to “focus on a solid program including a collagen stimulator, a hydrator, an eye cream, a sunscreen, and a retinol-based product.” A solid skincare routine is important every day, but especially when recovery is concerned.

As a first step, find skin care products that are made with gentle ingredients to ensure they are hypoallergenic, paraben-free, and fragrance-free. They should be gentle, hydrating, and stimulate the skin’s healing process. Dr. Rapaport recommends products that contain clinically proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients. His go-to is Sente Dermal Repair Cream for recovery from facial surgery and procedures such as laser and micro needling. “It is formulated with a patented technology that is clinically proven to show improvement in mature and damaged skin,” he says. “The supporting ingredients include antioxidants vitamins A and E, sodium hyaluronate which provides superficial hydration, and camellia leaf extract, which is anti-inflammatory. The formula is also non-comedogenic, meaning it will not clog your pores, and is paraben and fragrance-free, which avoids irritation.”

Sun protection is also extremely important during the post-surgery recovery period. Cosmetic procedures can leave skin very vulnerable, so it is important to avoid sun exposure for at least the first few days. Afterward, to keep skin safe, it is recommended to use broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB sun rays. Sunscreens with an SPF of at least 30 are ideal but the ingredients are just as important than the SPF number. Remember, they should be mild, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free. Sunscreens with zinc oxide are usually broad spectrum and tend to be less irritating and more suitable for those with sensitive skin.

For post-procedure scarring, Dr. Rapaport recommends Silagen Silocone Gel + SPF 30, which is a non-irritating and chemical free sunscreen. “Silagen is a fast drying gel that helps flatten and smooth scars while reducing redness and itch,” Dr. Rapaport says. “Added UV protection helps prevent permanent hyperpigmentation of fragile new scar tissue that can occur with sun exposure.”

For more discoloration and scarring prevention, Lytera 2.0 by Skinmedica is another one of Dr. Rapaport’s favorites. “It is scientifically proven and clinically shown to reduce the appearance of stubborn skin discoloration in as fast as two weeks,” Dr. Rapaport explains. “The formula contains ingredients that help balance pigment levels including non-retinol exfoliation to accelerate skin turnover.” In general, Dr. Rapaport advises to consider products that contain Vitamin C, niacinamide, licorice, and alpha hydroxy acids (such as glycolic, lactic, or phytic acids), when looking to improve discoloration.

Dr. Buford and Dr. Rapaport both emphasize the importance of looking at the actual results and claims of the medical skincare products. “Medical skin care is completely different from over the counter (OTC) products in that it must be rigorously tested and show proven efficacy, while OTC products do not face this hurdle,” Dr. Buford explains. “As such, many of the OTC lines promote outcomes that are simply not achievable.” One of Dr. Buford’s go-to products is Strataderm for scarring, which has proven efficacy, is easy to use, and is tolerable for most skin types.

While Dr. Buford recommends proceeding with caution with some over-the-counter products, he actually suggests it as a money saving trick for other times. He acknowledges that many of us need to take budget into account, like for cleansers. “While I strongly recommend that patients spend the extra money to purchase specific medical grade skin care products, when it comes to cleansers there is really very little science and differentiation,” he explains. “Spending a lot of money for a medical grade cleanser is often not necessary unless you are treating a specific condition such as acne.”

Your Guide to Staying Comfortable In addition to coming up with your immediate post-procedure plan, like who is going to drive you home and pick up prescription medication, you should also gather all of the necessary tools to keep yourself feeling comfortable in the days after surgery. Depending on the procedure type, you may need more than others.

For bigger surgeries, like facelift surgery or a tummy tuck, you may want to take more extreme measures like renting electric recliners to help you get up more easily. Depending on where you live, they can start at a few hundred dollars a week (plus delivery fees). There are other options like pillows specifically designed for post-surgery recovery. Depending on the surgery, you can opt for a wedge pillow that helps with reclining, a knee pillow that helps with relieve pain and pressure, or even a donut pillow to help distribute weight. At the end of the day, there is no one size fits all checklist, just a combination of personal preference and doctor recommendations. Keep in mind that it can take a few days (or weeks) for some speciality products to ship if purchased online.

Think about your personal hygiene in advance, too, since your normal routine might not be possible when you are recovering. For instance, with some surgeries you may not be allowed to get wet for the first few days. Stock up on products like dry shampoo, baby powder, and doctor-approved lotions which can help you feel cleaner and more comfortable. Make sure to set up everything ahead of time so it is accessible from your recovery area.

Another important thing not to overlook is hydration. Depending on the type of cosmetic surgery, movement can be painful, so even something as simple as drinking fluids could be difficult. To avoid further inconvenience (i.e. spilling all over yourself), look into purchasing a water bottle that has a no spill spout.

With the proper skin care regimen and products to ease pain and discomfort, the post-surgery recovery process can much less stressful. As you continue your research on the best products, specifically for skin care, keep in mind “the focus is better spent on the concentration of ingredients rather than on particular brands,” Dr. Rapaport advises. “A product’s medical grade strength is most important to pay attention to. Medical grade products tend to deliver ingredients in a much more efficient way than over the counter, especially serums and antioxidants.”

The post The Ultimate Guide To The Post-Surgery Products That Help Your Recovery appeared first on fullSTEAMahead365.