Plastic surgery has gained considerable prominence in Singapore over the last few years. You can blame this trend on K-Pop which has pervaded the local culture, transforming beauty standards and compelling Singaporeans, both young and old, to go under the knife in the hopes of replicating their favorite idol’s physical appearance.
Mind you, these procedures are not cheap. Ranging from nose thread lifts and liposuction to breast augmentation, the typical surgical procedure could cost you anywhere between $2000 and $16,000, possibly even more in some cases.
With this field of medicine booming, some people have begun to question the reliability of these procedures. Is plastic surgery really safe?
The answer to that question is simple: it depends on the doctor. The right surgeon knows all the best practices. They will perform your procedure without any hiccups. But how can you find such a skilled surgeon?
Well, before you can answer that question, you need to first identify the kind of procedure you require.
Cosmetic Surgery VS Reconstructive Surgery
Most people do not realize that ‘Plastic surgery’ is a very broad term, one that can refer to either cosmetic surgery or reconstructive surgery. And before you ask, the answer is ‘No’. Cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery are not the same. You may be wondering, cosmetic surgery vs reconstructive surgery – what is the difference?
Cosmetic surgery
Cosmetic surgery is very superficial. It is supposed to change your appearance, enhancing certain aspects and taming others. Cosmetic procedures are ultimately designed to accentuate your beauty. As such, you wouldn’t be wrong to call them medically unnecessary.
Reconstructive Surgery
As their name suggests, reconstructive procedures are designed to fix abnormalities such as birth defects, burns, tumors and the like. Reconstructive surgery will improve the performance of a body part. In some cases, it can actually save lives.
Choosing The Right Plastic Surgeon For Reconstructive Surgery
Now that you know the difference between cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery, and you have identified the exact procedure you require, you need to think about the surgeon. Plastic surgeons are not the same. Some are simply better than others.
To ensure that your plastic surgery Singapore experience goes without a hitch, you need to locate the best possible surgeon for your needs. Now, if plastic surgery in Singapore is new to you, finding a suitable surgeon is going to present a challenge. But there are ways to improve your chances of landing the right medical professional, for instance:
1). Referrals
The easiest way to find the right plastic surgeon is to ask your friends and family members. Consult those people that have had cosmetic and reconstructive work done. If they are close to you, they can be trusted to provide you with an honest opinion of the plastic surgeons they know.
They can also point you in the direction of their personal surgeon. Referrals simplify matters because they eliminate the threat of con artists and fraudulent doctors, especially if your recommendations came from an individual whose word you can trust.
2). Internet
If all your friends and family members are ignorant of this issue, use the internet. Search for all the plastic surgeons in your community. The internet is an expansive tool. Not only will it reveal all the plastic surgeons of note in Singapore but the internet enables you to thoroughly investigate them.
You are also encouraged to read as many reviews as possible. People on the internet tend to lie. So you shouldn’t take everything you read at face value. If you want to form an accurate opinion of the candidates that have piqued your interest, browse as many customer reviews as you can find.
3). Qualifications
Finding the best plastic surgeon in Singapore takes time but the hard work doesn’t end there. Once you have found the surgeon in question, take a moment to scrutinize their qualifications. Customer reviews are important. You will find that it is much easier to trust a medical professional whose reputation is supported by overwhelming praise from past clients.
But a good reputation is meaningless in the absence of proper qualifications. Look into your potential surgeon’s background. Make sure that they went to the schools they claim and they possess all the necessary certificates to legally practice medicine. You must also ensure that they have experience in the procedure you want to be done.
4). Consultations
Before trusting your face and body to a surgeon, book a consultation. Meet your surgeon in person. Ask them about the procedure, what it will entail, the cost, the recovery process, and any potential hazards. You can also use that opportunity to ask about their qualifications and training.
Make sure that your doctor is confident in all the information they offer you. You should also endeavor to corroborate all the details they reveal regarding their medical career. The internet is effective but it isn’t a substitute for face-to-face interactions. Talk to every potential surgeon in person before making any decisions.
It takes time and effort to identify the right plastic surgeon for your reconstructive procedure. But reconstructive procedures go wrong everyday. And the only way to ensure your safety is to trust your life to the hands of a qualified, experienced, and competent surgeon.
The Benefits of Working with a Female Plastic Surgeon
Does gender matter to the field of plastic surgery? Some people believe that a female plastic surgeon is the preferred choice for reconstructive procedures. This notion sounds absurd but it starts to make sense once you consider all the benefits that a female surgeon brings to the table, for instance:
1). Familiarity
More women are receiving cosmetic procedures than men. This matters because the average woman is more comfortable exposing their body to a female surgeon. Female surgeons are familiar with the female body. Their personal experiences position them perfectly to foresee the challenges and complications that might arise down the road.
2). Warmth
Women are, on the whole, more compassionate than men. This works in the favor of female surgeons who are more likely to respond positively to the concerns and anxieties that drive patients to pursue plastic surgery. They are not as judgmental and they normally create a friendly atmosphere that encourages both men and women to share their deepest, darkest secrets.
3). Communication
Women are better communicators than men. Patients need to feel like they can openly express themselves. Female surgeons can give them this platform, putting them at ease.
They are also better listeners, which is why their consultations take longer. They are more than happy to help the patient put all the concerns they might have to rest. This allows for a more cordial relationship between the doctor and the patient to develop.