Before choosing a plastic surgeon, you should look at before and after photos from surgeries they have performed. This gives you an idea of how their results typically look. You can typically find some of these photos online, such as those on our site, but should also ask during your consultation, as there may be more photos available.
Here are some things to consider when evaluating plastic surgery before and after photos:
1. Find Before Photos That Are Similar to You
At first, it seems like it would make more sense to find after photos that match the results you want. While this can still be helpful, you’ll likely get a better idea of the surgeon’s skills and how good of a match they’ll be for you based on finding before photos that are similar to you.
How to go about this will depend on the type of procedure you are interested in. For example, if you are considering a breast reduction, look for a patient with a similar initial breast size. For a facelift, look for a patient with a similar amount of sagging and/or wrinkles in similar areas. Regardless of the procedure, looking for patients within your age range is also beneficial. You can also ask your surgeon for examples they think are similar to what you are looking for.
2. Look for Symmetry
No one’s face or body is perfectly symmetrical. However, symmetry is generally more aesthetically pleasing, and plastic surgeons should either increase symmetry, as may be the case for facial surgeries like a facelift, preserve existing symmetry in a way that looks natural. Issues with symmetry are especially apparent in breast-related procedures and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). Any results that look unbalanced or “off” are a red flag.
3. Consider Scarring
Some amount of scarring is inevitable after any surgery. That being said, examining the visible scars in plastic surgery before and after photos can still give you valuable information to help you choose a surgeon.
You’ll need to be mindful of the general expectations for the procedure you are interested in. There’s a big difference between the degree of scarring between eyelid surgery and a tummy tuck, for example.
For surgeries where scarring is more visible, examine how the surgeon has placed the scars and how this compares to other surgeons you are considering. Looking at multiple examples of the procedure will help you get a better idea of how results vary between surgeons and can aid you in making your decision.
4. Look Beyond Before and After Photos
While before and after photos are frequently one of the major factors in choosing a plastic surgeon, they are not the only thing you should consider. You should also think about the impression you get during your consultation, whether the surgeon is board certified/board eligible, their level of experience with the procedure you are interested in, and whether they operate in an accredited surgical facility.
Skilled Plastic Surgeons in Tucson
Dr. Hess, Dr. Sandeen, and Dr. Lee are experienced plastic surgeons and can help you achieve your ideal appearance.
