Choosing a plastic surgeon: things to consider

This article has been reviewed and approved by Chief Medical and Aesthetic Surgeon Dr. Ali Bagher on February 19, 2024.

Undergoing plastic surgery is a big decision that requires careful planning and preparation. Therefore, it is also important to choose a plastic surgeon based on what suits you and your needs. This includes personal chemistry, how the surgeon works and the methods he or she uses. Here is your complete guide to choosing the right plastic surgeon.

Education and experience of the surgeon

The very first thing you should check when choosing a plastic or aesthetic surgeon is their training. It should go without saying that surgeons are properly trained - and in Sweden they usually are - but this is not guaranteed. So do your own research. Which university did they attend? Did they specialize in plastic surgery? When was the training, and have they undergone further training since then?

Also look at how much experience the surgeon has, and which operations he or she is best at. If you can't find this information online, you can always ask your chosen surgeon at the consultation.

You can also see before and after pictures of previous patients' results at the consultation. Seeing reference images from previous procedures can give you an idea of the surgeon's work and results. For surgeries such as abdominoplasty and breast lift where there are larger and more visible scars, you can see where these are located and how they look after healing. 

One tip is to read reviews of surgeons before making a decision. Previous patients' experiences say a lot about the surgeon's skills and results. You can read all reviews of Estetikcentrum on Trustpilot.

The surgeon's methods and approach

As with many other things, there are different approaches to plastic surgery, and how the surgeon works depends on his or her training and preferences. This can also be an important consideration when choosing a plastic surgeon. 

Take for example breast augmentation with implants. At Estetikcentrum , the breast implant is usually placed behind the pectoral muscle, as we see that this offers several advantages, both for the result and for the natural feel of the breasts after surgery. The implant can also be placed in front of the pectoral muscle in certain situations or if the patient wishes. 

It is also possible to make the incision in different places. Some surgeons make the incision in the armpit, but at Estetikcentrum we place it in the chest wall, as we believe this provides better control and less risk of complications.

There are advantages and disadvantages to all methods, so it is important that you as a patient know what you want when choosing a plastic surgeon and that it matches your surgeon's approach.

Sense of surgeon and clinic

At Estetikcentrum , you will always meet the surgeon for a consultation before your surgery, both to discuss your expectations and wishes, to allow you to ask all your questions, and to review your health status and potential risks. It is also a good opportunity for you to familiarize yourself with the clinic and other staff, as they are the ones who will be taking care of you before, during and after your surgery.

Estetikcentrum offers personalized consultations, prioritizing the patient's needs and wishes. You can also meet your coordinator and discuss the price, treatment plan, safety guarantee and insurance in detail. Your coordinator can also help you apply for partial payment of your surgery. 

Hygiene and safety

A good surgeon works in a reputable clinic with high quality standards. When choosing a plastic surgeon, it is important that both the surgeon and the clinic follow strict hygiene rules and maintain high standards in all aspects of their work. 

It can be useful to think in advance about how to deal with a situation where the outcome is not as expected, and to plan for any follow-up or treatment. 

Choose a clinic that has clear guidelines for correction and reoperation, so that you know before the operation what to do if a correction is needed to achieve the expected result. 

Usually you don't have to pay for a correction or re-operation, but there may be a small cost for anesthesia and medical staff.

Estetikcentrum offers free return visits for one year, a post-surgery surgeon hotline that means you can reach your surgeon 24 hours a day, and a free second consultation with another surgeon if you don't feel completely comfortable with the first surgeon you see.

Choosing a plastic surgeon: summary

With careful planning and preparation, you can increase the chances of a successful and safe plastic surgery. It's worth researching the market in advance and understanding the procedure you want to have before choosing a plastic surgeon, so you can ask questions and get answers you feel comfortable with. 

Want to know more about plastic surgery and consultations? You are welcome to contact us at kundtjanst@estetikcentrum.se and we will tell you more.