What are the benefits of choosing a female plastic surgeon for your body contouring?

When considering body contouring, choosing the right plastic surgeon is essential to achieve your desired results and ensure a positive experience. Many female patients wonder whether choosing a female plastic surgeon offers specific advantages. Miss Sarita Vamadeva, renowned consultant plastic surgeon, explains more.

What is body contouring?

Body contouring refers to a variety of procedures aimed at reshaping and enhancing the body's appearance. These procedures can target areas such as the abdomen, thighs, arms, buttocks, and breasts. Common body contouring procedures include:

• Liposuction: A liposuction eliminates excess fat deposits from targeted areas of the body.
• Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty): A tummy tuck tightens and flattens the abdominal area.
• Breast augmentation and lift: Breast augmentation and lifts enhance the size and shape of the breasts.

Body contouring can help patients achieve a more toned, proportionate, and aesthetically pleasing body shape, enhancing both appearance and self-confidence.

What are the benefits of choosing a female plastic surgeon for my body contouring?

Female plastic surgeons often bring a unique perspective to body contouring, particularly when working with female patients, due to their understanding of female anatomy and aesthetics. Female plastic surgeons, for example, might have a keener insight into issues such as:

• natural breast shape and contour
• feminine curves and proportions
• post-pregnancy body changes

Additionally, many patients may find that female plastic surgeons exhibit greater empathy and better communication skills. This can make the consultation and decision-making process more comfortable and reassuring for patients. Enhanced communication can then result in a more tailored approach to surgery, aligning closely with the patient's goals, desires and concerns.

Discussing body image and personal aesthetics can also be sensitive topics. Female plastic surgeons typically exhibit heightened sensitivity and respect towards patients' feelings, creating a supportive environment that fosters trust and open communication. Patients might feel that a female surgeon better understands their concerns and experiences.

Can a female plastic surgeon understand my aesthetic goals better than a male surgeon?

While both male and female plastic surgeons are highly skilled, some female patients may feel that female surgeons better understand their aesthetic goals, especially when it comes to body contouring. This understanding stems from shared experiences and a deeper comprehension of the nuances in female body aesthetics. For example, female surgeons may have a more intuitive grasp of what looks natural and proportionate for a woman's body, leading to results that better meet the patient's expectations.

Do female plastic surgeons approach patient care differently?

Female plastic surgeons often emphasise personalised care, spending more time to understand each patient's unique concerns and desired outcomes and spending longer in theatre to ensure an operation is conducted to high standards. This personalised approach can result in a more satisfactory surgical experience and optimal results. There are now many scientific studies showing female surgeons have better outcomes, lower complication rates and shorter hospital stays.

In addition, female plastic surgeons may also provide more comprehensive consultations, ensuring that patients are well-informed about the procedures, potential risks, and expected outcomes. This thorough approach helps patients make informed decisions and feel confident about their choices, fostering a collaborative approach to decision-making.

How can I find a qualified female plastic surgeon for my body contouring?

Finding a qualified female plastic surgeon for your body contouring involves several steps:

Research and referrals

• Online research: Use online resources to identify board-certified female plastic surgeons who specialise in body contouring.
• Referrals: Ask for referrals from friends, family, or other specialists who have had positive experiences with female plastic surgeons.

Check credentials

Ensure that the female plastic surgeon is board-certified and has the necessary qualifications and experience. Board certification indicates that the surgeon has successfully completed rigorous training and maintains high standards of clinical practice.

The way to check board certification in the UK is to visit the General Medical Council (GMC) website (www.gmc-uk.org) and search if a surgeon is on the Specialist Register. The following image will appear in their record. Many doctors call themselves plastic or cosmetic surgeons but they are not Board Certified. Check with the GMC before you commit to surgery.

Schedule consultations

Arrange consultations with potential surgeons to discuss your objectives and concerns. Use this opportunity to: assess how well the surgeon listens to and understands your concerns; determine how comfortable you feel discussing sensitive issues with the surgeon; evaluate the surgeon's empathy and understanding during the consultation. Make sure you meet with your surgeon twice before any surgery.

Ask questions

Create a list of questions to discuss during your consultations, such as:

• What is your experience with body contouring?
• Can you provide examples of successful body contouring surgeries you have performed?
• How do you ensure personalised care for each patient?
• What are the risks and complications?
• What is the postoperative course? How long before I can resume normal activities?

Read patient reviews and testimonials

Reading reviews and testimonials from previous patients can provide additional insights into the surgeon's expertise, bedside manner, and patient satisfaction.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with Miss Vamadeva, head on over to her Top Doctors profile today.