As mentioned in our last blog post, the Eyesthetica team believes that the most important qualities in your oculoplastic surgeon should be his or her experience and training. What we did not mention in that post is that for some patients, it can be difficult to find a surgeon that offers these credentials. If you are seeking an oculoplastic surgeon in Los Angeles for cosmetic or reconstructive treatment, you might find our tips helpful.
Check Board Certification
Board certification should be a non-negotiable for your search. Anyone performing surgery on your eyes or eye area should be certified by one of two boards: the American Board of Surgery or the American Board of Ophthalmology. If you are looking for an oculoplastic surgeon, they have been certified by the latter (and have completed extensive additional training in their field). In addition, the most elite eyelid surgeons are members of the American Society of Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS). Members of ASOPRS have an additional 1-2 years of dedicated eyelid surgery training. Board certification ensures that your surgeon is properly educated and trained, practices in safe facilities and stays up-to-date with their knowledge and skills. They are also licensed by the state in which they practice.
Read Patient Reviews
Ideally, you want an oculoplastic surgeon that is expertly educated and trained and also makes you feel comfortable and well cared for. Personality and rapport are important because you will be spending time with the surgeon pre-and post-operatively. A good way to get a sense of a surgeon’s temperament and personality (as well as skills) is by reading patient reviews. The surgeon may publish patient reviews on his or her website, and it is also a good idea to check other independent websites, such as Yelp or Vitals, for an unbiased look.
Look at Before-and-After Photographs
In addition to patient reviews, before-and-after photographs offer additional glimpses into a surgeon’s skill level and the results that they typically deliver. Browse the surgeon’s website and look at pictures of patients that have had the procedure in which you are interested. Try to look for people that resemble you pre-operatively.
Meet with Several Surgeons
Our last bit of advice is to meet with several surgeons during your search. Try to get an idea of how a few different surgeons would approach your case. When you have a few options, decide with whom you feel most comfortable and confident.
If you would like to meet with our team of trusted oculoplastic surgeons, please contact Eyesthetica by calling (213) 451-6824 or via email today.