How to Find the Best Plastic Surgeons in NYC

Credentials

Considering a plastic surgeon’s credentials, board certification, and educational background is important. For a plastic surgeon in NYC, you should specifically look for individuals certified through the American Board of Plastic Surgery. If they are a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, that’s even better! These two organizations have high qualification standards that ensure only the best plastic surgeons who are at the top of their fields can participate. 

Time in practice

Like everything else, surgery is a skill that requires practice. Obviously, time in practice will determine how much experience a surgeon has. Of course, this shouldn’t be your sole determining factor in whether or not to work with a surgeon, but someone with a few decades in practice will likely have more confidence in their abilities.

Contributions to their field

The best plastic surgeons often contribute to their fields outside of the operating room. They may publish articles in medical journals, participate in studies and research, or even lend their opinions to legal arguments. Research their professional involvement to see if they actively participate in advancing the field and stay updated with the latest techniques and innovations. 

Specific areas of expertise

Plastic surgery encompasses many procedures; not all surgeons have equal expertise in every area. In fact, it’s very common for plastic surgeons to specialize in a specific area of the body, focusing on facial procedures, body contouring, or breast augmentation. Consider your specific needs and look for surgeons who have extensive experience and specialization in the procedure you’re interested in.

You can start whittling down your list of the best plastic surgeons in NYC by examining their credentials, expertise, time in practice, and professional contributions. However, you shouldn’t stop at that step alone. You also need to explore the team providing support to that doctor. 

Don’t Overlook Patient Support! 

A doctor is only half of the equation when looking for the best plastic surgeons in NYC. You’ll also need to pay for your surgery. For some, their reason for getting plastic surgery is purely cosmetic. In those cases, the office will provide them with a quote and may help connect them with financing options or offer payment plans. That’s a pretty straightforward process. 

But sometimes, your need for a plastic surgeon is due to a medical condition. When it’s considered medically necessary plastic surgery, your insurance may cover it. Here are some situations where that applies:

• Breast Reconstruction: If you have undergone a mastectomy due to breast cancer or a preventive mastectomy based on high-risk factors, breast reconstruction surgery may be medically necessary.
• Revision Breast Reconstruction: If your first breast reconstruction was covered by insurance, revision breast reconstruction surgeries are typically covered as well. 
• Breast Reduction: Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, may be deemed medically necessary if you experience physical discomfort, such as back or neck pain, or suffer a chronic skin condition. 
• Scar Revision: If a scar causes functional impairment or significant emotional distress, insurance may cover scar revision surgery to enhance its appearance and potentially restore functionality.
• Mohs Surgery Reconstruction: Mohs surgery reconstruction is a technique used to restore the natural appearance and function of the skin after a Mohs procedure to remove skin cancer. 

The only way to know whether your surgery would be covered under insurance is to schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon who works with your insurance provider. An office experienced in insurance will help walk you through this so you can offset the surgery cost. 

The overall patient experience is also what contributes to making someone the best plastic surgeon in NYC. Look for a reputable doctor to handle your procedure and a strong administrative team to manage finances.