1. Find out if the surgeon is board certified

Surgeons that are certified by the Australian Society of Plastic Surgery are specially trained and uniquely qualified in the field of plastic surgery. Generally, board certified plastic surgeons will provide excellent patient care and have a lower complication rate compared to physicians with no certification.

To become certified by the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons one must:

• Earn a degree from an accredited medical school
• Complete three years of general surgery
• Complete a 2-3 year residency program in the field of plastic surgery
• Have at least two years of professional practice following residency
• Pass various oral and written exams administered by the ASPS

2. Check the surgeon’s record

You can go the medical board in the Australian state that you reside in to confirm whether or not the surgeon is licensed to practice within that state and view any disciplinary actions taken against the surgeon. Typically all that’s needed to obtain this information from the board is to submit records request either through the mail or online.

3. Ask if the surgeon has hospital privileges

The easiest way to confirm if a plastic surgeons credentials are as good as he/she says they are is to check to see if the surgeon has hospital privileges. Reputable hospitals conduct thorough background checks prior to granting any physician privileges to perform operations within their facilities. Therefore, privileges from a hospital are a great indication that the surgeon is in good standing, qualified and experienced like plastic surgeon Dr Magnusson.

4. Ask detailed questions

The best thing you can do is to ask the surgeon questions that may include:

• How long have you been performing this procedure?
• What’s the number of times you’ve performed this procedure?
• How long have you been a practising plastic surgeon?
• Will anyone else be helping you with the procedure? If so, what training do they have?
• What specific technique will be used? Why use that technique over others?
• Are you insured for malpractice?
• If sedation is used, who will monitor and administer it?
• What contingency plans are in place in the event of an emergency?
• What results should I expect?
• Have you ever had any complications with this procedure?

5. Make sure you and the surgeon are a good match!

A consultation is an excellent opportunity to make sure the surgeon is a good fit for you. If you meet the surgeon during the consultation, pay attention to the surgeon’s overall demeanour. Are questions answered in a professional and detailed manner? Does the surgeon take his/her time to answer your questions thoroughly? Do you feel comfortable and confident with the surgeon’s ability to perform the procedure on you?

The surgeon’s personality and mannerisms during your initial consultation is a great indicator of how the surgeon will act during the surgery.