Selecting a Plastic Surgeon in Houston, TX

The anticipation of your new look is very exciting; however, the decision to have plastic surgery is a significant one. Choosing the right plastic surgeon is your first and most important step. Being an informed patient is your best defense. Here are a few steps to help you make a good decision.

STEP 1: Choose a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

There are many different boards out there, but the only plastic surgery board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) is the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Certification by the ABPS is a rigorous process consisting of a mandatory three years of training in plastic surgery, oral and written examinations, and peer reviews for safety and ethical standards. Dr. Newall was board certified by the ABPS in 1995.

Membership in the prestigious American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) are two more indicators that a surgeon is in good standing and upholds the high standards for patient care and continuing educations demanded by these societies. Dr. Newall has been a long- standing member of both societies.

STEP 2: Gather Information and Narrow Your Search

The digital age has made it easy to find information about anyone and anything, but much of the information out there is inaccurate or misleading. The websites for the ABPS, ASPS, and the ASAPS are great places to start. Not only can you find great information on procedures but they all have tools to determine if a surgeon is certified. Another great place to find information is to ask trusted friends and physicians for recommendations. Seventy percent of Dr. Newall’s patients are referred to him by other happy patients or fellow physicians.

STEP 3: Consultation Experience

Your consultation with your surgeon will tell you a lot. You must feel comfortable with him or her, as well as with his or her staff. The consultation is the opportunity for your surgeon to discuss with you your goals and options. Don’t be afraid to ask him or her for more information about their credentials and level of experience. Dr. Newall has been in practice since 1993 and has performed over 10,000 cases. He will show you numerous before and after photos to help you feel comfortable with his capabilities.

STEP 4: Cost

While cost should not be the final factor on which you base your decision, it is an important consideration. You should first realize that even though you are considering elective surgery, it is still surgery. Safety must be your surgeon’s highest priority followed by patient satisfaction. You also must be informed of the true cost. Many surgeons will quote you a low fee for their services and fail to inform you of the other expenses associated with surgery. Don’t be afraid to ask your surgeon what his quoted fee includes. Are there additional costs for your follow-up visits? Do you pay the anesthesiologist and the surgery facility separately? Dr. Newall strives to make things simple for his patients by including these costs in his quotes.