The growing desire to look good and make a lasting impression has increased the demand for aesthetic enhancements and reconstructive treatments. Plastic surgery is not as rare a treatment today as it was 20 years ago. Almost everyone is aware of it in India, which stands among the top 20 countries with the highest plastic surgery rates per capita (over 370,000 cosmetic surgeries in 2021).
Although it may seem familiar, finding the best plastic surgeon in Ahmedabad can still be challenging. While flashy websites may catch the user’s attention, a surgeon with proper skills, expertise, and credentials is a must in terms of procedural safety. If you plan to have plastic surgery or any other cosmetic transformation, you must pay close attention to the credentials of the practitioner.
Why Credentials Matter in Plastic Surgery?
Plastic surgery is a surgical treatment that involves repairing, reconstructing, or altering body tissues to improve someone’s appearance. It can be of several types depending on the body area, such as the face, eyes, breasts, skin, mouth, teeth, etc. The procedures can be nasal surgery, breast augmentation, liposuction, gynecomastia surgery, and more.
All these procedures involve skill, precision, and a deep understanding of human anatomy for the best results. Therefore, proper credentials are necessary.
Here are some more reasons why credentials matter in plastic surgery in Ahmedabad.
- Credentials demonstrate that the practitioner possesses expertise in surgical safety, sterile techniques, and the management of complications, if any.
- From board certifications to professional affiliations and medical training, proper credentials also showcase that the surgeon follows strict ethical guidelines and ensures patient transparency.
- It protects you from unqualified professionals who might produce poor results, including infections, scarring, or even long-term damage.
- Qualifications such as M.Ch. (Plastic Surgery). It is 3 years long, and its completion promises the best results from the surgeon.
Key Credentials to Look For in The Best Plastic Surgeon in Ahmedabad
Several practitioners claim to offer the best plastic surgery in Ahmedabad, making it difficult for you to make a choice. Here are some credentials that you must verify before shortlisting a surgeon.
Educational Qualifications
Educational qualifications to be the best plastic surgeon in Ahmedabad include courses, degrees, and certifications that the candidate must acquire.
- MBBS: To become a professional surgeon, a candidate has to complete the MBBS degree. It is a five-and-a-half-year undergraduate program that provides candidates with theoretical knowledge and clinical training in various medical disciplines.
- MS/MD: Besides MBBS, a surgeon should also hold a postgraduate degree in plastic surgery. You can look for Master of Surgery (MS) or Doctor of Medicine (MD). These three-year courses include comprehensive training in General surgery, techniques, principles, and practices.
- Mch/ DrNB: After post-graduation, look for a residency program in plastic surgery. The most common one in India is the Master of Chirurgiae, a three-year program. Surgeons get hands-on experience in advanced plastic surgery, including reconstructive and cosmetic procedures.
Board Certification
Board certification is the next credential that makes a practitioner the best plastic surgeon in Ahmedabad. Board certifications demonstrate that the surgeon has undergone years of specialized training in reconstructive and cosmetic procedures.
Check if the surgeon has a board certification from a recognised body, such as
- Medical Council of India (MCI) or National Medical Commission (NMC)
- Association of Plastic Surgeons of India (APSI)
You can discuss the credentials with the doctor themselves or verify it on the Medical Council of India website.
Fellowship Training
Besides, a professional plastic surgeon in Ahmedabad may also have super-specialization or fellowship training in handling surgeries in specific areas, such as hand surgery, craniofacial surgery, facial aesthetics, and microvascular surgery. Fellowship training is not necessary, but it adds a level of expertise.
Experience and Specialization
After reviewing educational qualifications, it is time to check the surgeon’s experience and specialization. Check how much experience the surgeon has, the number of surgeries performed, and the success rate.
Additionally, verify whether the surgeon has experience in performing the specific surgery you are looking for. For example, a surgeon might specialize in rhinoplasty, liposuction, abdominoplasty, and gynecomastia.
Memberships and Hospital Affiliations
The best plastic surgeon in Ahmedabad would have memberships and affiliations with reputed hospitals and associations. For example, you must check if the surgeon is affiliated with local hospitals and clinics in Ahmedabad. Furthermore, check if they are members of
- Association of Plastic Surgeons of India (APSI)
- Indian Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (IAAPS)
- International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)
Lastly, if they have a surgical facility accreditation, such as NABH or ISO certification.
Client Testimonials
If you want plastic surgery in Ahmedabad, check and verify the client testimonials from trusted sources. You can look for reviews and recommendations on the surgeon’s website, third-party sources, social media channels, Google review pages, etc. You can also check for video reviews on YouTube.
For more information or clarification, you can check with the client directly by getting contact details from the surgeon. A professional surgeon with genuine expertise will not hesitate to share the details.
Before and After Portfolio
Every professional surgeon would have a well-built before-and-after portfolio. A portfolio establishes a surgeon’s aesthetic sense, technical ability, and consistency. Don’t forget to ask for a copy of this portfolio during the consultation.
Review the before-and-after photos of patients with similar cases to yours. Look for details in the final results, such as scars, natural appearance, and asymmetry. You may also contact these patients to learn about their long-term issues.
Any Red Flags to Watch Out For?
While monitoring the credentials, you must also closely analyze other factors to prevent selecting an inexperienced practitioner.
- If the surgeon is unwilling to share their credentials in the name of confidentiality, it is best to proceed with another surgeon on the list.
- Don’t choose the practitioner if there is no documentation for the number of cases handled and the success rate.
- Vague answers and overpromising results during consultation.
Conclusion
Now you know there is much to consider and verify when choosing the best plastic surgeon in Ahmedabad. From verifying educational qualifications to checking online reviews and contacting clients, there is a lot to analyze that requires time and effort. If you want to save time and have the best practitioner for your plastic surgery, NG Plastic Surgery is the best pick for you.
Neel Gupta (MS, DrNB (Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery)) is a professional plastic surgeon in Ahmedabad. She specializes in aesthetic and reconstructive surgeries for adults and pediatric patients, including head, neck, and breast microvascular surgeries.
Get In Touch Today for a Consultation!