Houston, the capital of Texas, is home to some of the best hospitals in the USA. With the College of Medicine from the University of Houston providing training in the top branches of medical science, Houston has a thriving medical practice. This includes plastic surgeons as well.
Many consider plastic surgery a non-essential branch of surgery. They only associate it with cosmetic surgery. However, plastic surgery is more than that. From taking care of congenital disabilities, extensive burn marks to reconstructing facial or other body features. Plastic surgery goes a long way in improving the quality of life of a patient.
Here are some factors to consider so that you can choose the best plastic surgeon in Houston.
- Look for a Board-Certified Surgeon
Unlike other forms of surgery, plastic surgery results will always be there for everyone to see. While many accomplished surgeons are there in Houston, look for board-certified ones, preferably from the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
This will entail that the surgeon has had at least six years of surgical training, along with two or three more years dedicated to learning plastic surgery. The oral and written examinations show that they are engaged in ethical surgical practices and have acquired the qualifications to get certified as a plastic surgeon.
- Accredited Operation Facility
Plastic surgeries are carried out in several public and private nursing homes in Houston. Still, most of the time, they are also carried out in the ambulatory care center or the surgeon’s office-based surgical facility. And there are quite a few of them in Houston because of the high-quality plastic surgery available here.
Nevertheless, you should make sure that the operating facility is accredited and is permitted to carry on plastic surgery. Plastic surgery and cosmetic surgeries are often carried out in underground facilities by poorly-trained doctors, and there are strict regulations in Houston against such malpractices.
Do your research to check the accreditations of the facility before you agree to surgery there. That will ensure that the facility is equipped with the required tools, equipment, and certified staff to carry out such operations.
You can look for accreditations from the American Association of Ambulatory Healthcare, Joint Commission on Accreditation of HealthCare Organizations, or American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities. There should be less than 1% of serious complications in a year to qualify or renew the accreditations in Houston.
- Check if the Doctor Asks for your Medical History
Contrary to popular belief, although plastic surgeries are meant to alter or work on the external parts of the body, you still need to be at peak fitness to undergo major surgery. For women who are doing reconstructive surgery after mastectomy or surgery that requires complex facial reconstructions involving neurological conditions, the doctor should ask you about your past medical records.
Check if they ask enough questions or try to push other services, or suggest other surgeries that will not enhance the surgery you want. If they are not too keen to address any medical issues, you have had in the past and their bearing on the present surgery, you should see this as a red flag and seek advice elsewhere.
- Your Surgeon Should Give a Definite Goal
One of the reasons plastic surgery in Houston is considered so good is that the surgeons will give you a definite goal that they hope to achieve by the time they are done with the surgery. The facilities here use the best technology to show how you will look after the surgery.
From scans to futuristic imaging, Houston surgeons will give you a clear idea about the positive changes you can look forward to. This instills confidence in the patients and makes them comfortable around their doctors, and helps build trust. You should feel equally comfortable with the support staff as well.
Why is Houston a Great Destination for Plastic Surgery?
Because of highly qualified plastic surgeons in Houston, the percentage of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures has gone up by 6% in recent times. Delicate procedures like eyelid surgery and facelifts went up by 4% and 6%, respectively.
There has also been a marked increase in patients who have gone on to do plastic surgeries not just because they have a positive impact on their bodies but also their minds. It brings about an improvement in their mental health as they felt more positive about how they looked post-surgery.
By keeping these factors in mind, you will be able to choose the best plastic surgeon in Houston for your procedure and will be on your way to embark on a new journey in life.
