Why Experience Matters: What to Look for in a Facial Plastic Surgeon

Disclaimer: At Artiste Plastic Surgery, our Plastic Surgeons led by Dr Jack Zoumaras have been trained to the highest possible degree. All surgery has risks and it is always advised to get a second opinion. Risks are very real and we cannot guarantee any result. Results are illustrated as a guide only. All risks are managed and any need for revision surgery or complications (1-5%) can be managed by our specialist plastic surgeons. Any statements on how you will feel is based on Level V Evidence: Level V: How you will feel after plastic surgery varies between individuals, depending on psychological and physical factors. Our internal research is based on how patients in our practice feel after surgery. The blogs/posts are not a substitute for a medical consultation and do not form as part of the doctor to patient relationship.

Choosing a facial plastic surgeon is a highly important decision. Whether you’re looking for minor adjustments or a significant transformation, the knowledge and experience of your chosen surgeon will play a huge role in your comfort, safety and satisfaction of your end result.

In this piece, we will delve in deeper into the world of facial plastic surgery, discuss why experienced practitioners achieve more pleasing results, what to look out for when seeking your own facial plastic surgeon, and what could go wrong if you fail to choose a skilled medical professional.

What is a Facial Plastic Surgeon?

A facial plastic surgeon is a medical specialist that offers cosmetic or reconstructive procedures to enhance appearance or restore the form and function of facial features due to trauma or deformities, such as cleft palate. They are also trained to perform non-surgical procedures such as fillers, chemical peels and anti-wrinkle injections. In Australia such a surgeon is a specialist plastic surgeon

Dr Jack Zoumaras is a specialist plastic surgeon (AHPRA MED0001196472) and a facial plastic surgeon (expertise in faces).

Plastic Surgery: Practice Makes Perfect

With experience comes refined skill, better judgement and the ability to deliver safer, more natural looking results. Here’s why it’s worth investing in an experienced facial plastic surgeon:

• Complex Procedures: Facial surgery requires expert precision, because one tiny error or misjudgement can dramatically influence the appearance and function of the facial features, and your face is definitely not something you want to take risks with.
• Refined Technique: A surgeon who was performed name similar procedures over a number of years leans how to perfect their trade. This results in shorter surgical times, fewer complications and more predictable outcomes.
• Adaptable: An experienced facial plastic surgeon is able to adapt their techniques to each patient. As each face, skin type and required outcomes will vary from patient to patient, this skill is exceptionally important.
• Improved Decision-Making: As well as performing procedures, facial surgeons also provide their clients with expert knowledge and recommendations. A practised surgeon will design a plan to suit your requirements, implement the safest approach and set realistic expectations.
• Peace of Mind: Choosing a knowledgeable facial plastic surgeon provides the necessary reassurance that you will remain safe whilst achieving your required outcomes. Before going ahead with the surgery, it’s important that you feel confident with your decision.

Attributes of a Professional Facial Plastic Surgeon

So, now we understand the importance of using a professional facial plastic surgeon, the next step is knowing how to find one. Here’s how to make sure you are getting the real deal:

• Qualifications and Certificates: Did you know that not everyone who performs cosmetic surgery has formal surgery qualifications? The Royal Australasian College of Surgeonsis responsible for maintaining surgical standards across Australia, ensuring that surgeons receive extensive training, promote best practises in patient safety and by providing high-quality care. If you’re not sure, your local GP and hospitals will be able to recommend an appropriately qualified surgeon.
• Specific Experience With Facial Procedures: Surgeons can perform a range of procedures across the body and face; therefore, it would be wise to choose a surgeon who specialises in facial surgery or who is more practised in this area.
• Customised Treatment Plans: Every face is unique, therefore different techniques are required to achieve natural looking results. Look for a facial plastic surgeon who offers tailor-made treatment plans that considers your age, medical history, skin thickness, bone structure and your required goals.
• Communication and Listening: A reputable facial surgeon will take the appropriate time to listen to your goals, fears and queries. They will offer honest advice and provide realistic expectations, so you walk into the surgery with no grey areas or hidden surprises.
• Ethical Practices: The right facial cosmetic surgeon will adopt an ethical approach to their practises. It’s important to look for practitioners who prioritise your wellbeing rather than selling their services, are upfront and honest regarding costs, recovery times and any risks involved.
• Patient Reviews: Ask around or search online for real life testimonials of your potential facial plastic surgeon. It would be wise not only to consider the end results, but a positive experience all round, including professionalism, communication and overall care.
• Before and After Pictures: Nothing tells you how reliable a plastic surgeon is than real life evidence. A skilled surgeon will be able to provide you a comprehensive portfolio of patients they have previously worked on, post-op and over time, so you have a good idea of what the procedure will look like once it has settled down. It would be even better if you could see examples of patients with similar features and attributes to yourself.

What Happens if you Don’t Choose a Skilled Facial Plastic Surgeon

Of course, if you choose to go under the knife, there will be risks involved, no matter who you choose to complete your procedure. However, the dangers are magnified if you choose a less practised practitioner. Here’s what can happen:

• Higher Risk of Complications: This could include infection, nerve damage, scarring or bleeding.
• Unnatural Results: Distorted results or a negative effect to your expressions will make your face look unnatural.
• Nerve Injury: You may experience numbness, weakness or restrictions in facial movement.
• Permanent Scarring: Incorrect incision placement or poor technique could leave lasting side effects.
• Longer Recovery Periods: Unnecessary tissue trauma will take longer to heal than precise incisions.
• Improper Aftercare: If proper protocols are not followed in surgery, then it’s likely that your aftercare support will be lacking too.
• Need for Revision Surgery: Dissatisfaction with your results will lead to stress, discomfort, and maybe even a desire to go back under the knife. This is both costly and more complex than the initial procedure.

What to Look for in a Facial Plastic Surgeon

It’s clear that there really is no better option than choosing a highly experienced facial plastic surgeon. Not only are you more likely to be happy with your results, but your confidence, communication and aftercare support will be so much better too.

Finding the right facial plastic surgeon can be quite a task, but by asking the right questions and seeing real life evidence of your proposed surgeon’s work, you’ll be able to find one that suits you best.