Aesthetic Plastic Surgery is a part of Plastic Surgery and exclusively aims to enhance the human body's appearance. The most crucial factor for the success of a cosmetic operation is the choice of your Plastic Surgeon – and for a voluntary procedure, this decision lies solely with you! The field has grown significantly in Germany, but the applied techniques are not identical. The terms 'beauty surgery,' 'cosmetic surgery,' and 'aesthetic surgery' are not legally protected. German law allows any doctor to perform any operation they feel capable of, regardless of their training. Due to limitations imposed by healthcare reforms, doctors from other specialties (general practitioners, gynecologists, ear-nose-throat specialists, and even dermatologists) are attempting to practice aesthetic surgery without having received systematic surgical training or proper education in aesthetic surgery. Caution should always be exercised when there is no official specialist title (simply inquire if in doubt). The official specialty designation is 'Facharzt für Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie' (Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery) or 'Plastischer Chirurg' (Plastic Surgeon).
Aesthetic surgery is voluntary
You have enough time to carefully select your plastic surgeon. Even a specialist in plastic surgery should have focused on aesthetic surgery for a considerable period of time. In order to find a highly reliable aesthetic plastic surgeon, you are free to ask the following questions without hesitation:
- how long has the surgeon been performing these types of operations?
- how many of such procedures has he already performed?
- does he predominantly perform aesthetic surgeries, or only occasionally?
- can he show you photos of successful surgeries? Ask for images of treatment results. (Before and after photos of performed surgeries can provide an indication of the surgeon's level of qualification. However, these photos are not a guarantee of how you would look after a surgery).
- what specialist education/training has he completed, are there certificates available?
How can you find addresses of plastic surgeons in Germany?
First and foremost, you can consult your general practitioner. If you trust them, you will also have confidence in the surgeon they recommend. Friends, relatives, or others who have already undergone cosmetic surgeries might provide valuable tips. The more openly discussions are held in Germany about the results of aesthetic plastic surgery, the more 'natural selection' occurs between good and bad surgeons: A satisfied patient is the best advertisement. Additionally, it can sometimes be helpful to inquire with beauticians as they are familiar with the issue and may know clients who have already undergone surgeries. There are several reputable professional associations that, upon phone or written request, can provide a list of their members with whom you can then schedule a consultation.
Consultation and clarification
The consultation allows the patient and the doctor to assess each other. During this process, the various treatment options should be thoroughly discussed, including all advantages and disadvantages. No surgery is without risks. Possible complications, their frequency, and treatment options should be mentioned. The details of the treatment procedure, such as anesthesia methods, length of stay, and recovery phase, must be explained. Some surgeons have comprehensive information brochures about these matters. Be cautious about placing too much trust in computer simulations; this 'toy' can provide an indication of what might be achieved through a procedure, but the actual surgical outcome depends on many factors, such as wound healing, scar formation, skin quality, and others, and may look entirely different. Be wary of doctors who pressure you into undergoing surgery, downplay the healing phase, claim there will be no scars, offer a 'special deal,' guarantee success, and try to convince you that the operation will change your life.
Your decision
The only factor that can contribute to the successful outcome of your plan is choosing the right surgeon. If you are not immediately certain that you have found a reliable address, seek advice from 2-3 surgeons. This may require more time, but you must be confident that you feel well taken care of and supported by the chosen doctor! The combination of education, experience, precision, artistic sense, and psychological empathy are crucial qualifications for the surgeon, determining the success of the operation.