When considering plastic surgery—especially when choosing the right plastic surgeon—it’s crucial to understand the difference between a generalist and a specialist. At The Spiegel Center, we believe that selecting a surgeon with specialized expertise in your area of interest ensures you receive the best possible results with confidence. Whether you're interested in facial or body procedures, it's important to trust your care to a surgeon who lives, breathes, and dreams about their area of focus.
In this guide, we’ll explain the differences between generalists and specialists and why selecting a surgeon who focuses on specific cosmetic procedures is vital for achieving exceptional outcomes.
Generalist vs. Specialist: What's the Difference?
A generalist performs a variety of cosmetic procedures, but they may only perform each surgery occasionally. For instance, they might do a tummy tuck here and there or a facelift a few times a year. While these surgeons are qualified, their expertise in any one area can be limited due to the broad range of procedures they handle.
A specialist, on the other hand, focuses exclusively on one area of the body. For example, at The Spiegel Center, we have both facial and body plastic surgeons. Our facial plastic surgeons specialize in procedures like facelifts, rhinoplasties, and neck lifts. They live, breathe, and sleep faces. Every day, they think and dream about facial aesthetics. They worry about the details that others might not even notice, ensuring your facelift or facial procedure is refined to perfection.
Similarly, our breast and body plastic surgeons bring the same dedication and focus to body contouring procedures. They specialize in surgeries like breast augmentations, tummy tucks, and liposuction, always thinking about how to achieve the best body contour for their patients. This specialized focus means that no matter what procedure you’re considering—face or body—our surgeons have unmatched expertise in their field.
Just as you would see a cardiologist for a heart condition, when it comes to cosmetic surgery, you should seek a surgeon who specializes in the area you're interested in. Specialists deliver more consistent, refined results because they focus on perfecting one area of the body.
Why Board Certification Matters
Choosing a specialist isn’t just about experience—it’s also about certification. A qualified facial plastic surgeon should be certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Don’t be misled by the term “board certified” alone; make sure your surgeon is certified by the appropriate specialty board. For instance, a doctor certified by an unrelated board, like ophthalmology, might not have the specific expertise you need for your goals.
In addition to board certification, many specialist surgeons complete advanced fellowship training, further honing their skills in their area of focus. At The Spiegel Center, our double board-certified facial plastic surgeons (this means they have been certified by two separate medical boards) have undergone rigorous training to deliver world-class care. Our body plastic surgeons are also highly specialized and certified in their respective fields, ensuring you receive expert care for whatever area of the body you’re looking to enhance.
Tips for Choosing the Right Surgeon
When selecting your surgeon, be sure to do thorough research. Consider their education, training background, safety record, and success rates. Ask questions during your consultation to ensure you feel comfortable and confident in your choice. Here are a few additional tips:
- A Comfortable Consultation: A trustworthy surgeon will never pressure you into making a decision. If you feel rushed or uncomfortable, it’s a red flag.
- Respectful of Colleagues: A good surgeon respects their peers. If you encounter a surgeon who belittles other professionals, it may be a sign to look elsewhere.
- Patient-Centered Care: You deserve a surgeon who listens to your concerns and makes you feel like the center of the process. If the medical team doesn’t prioritize your needs, it’s time to move on.
- Realistic Expectations: Be wary of promises that sound too good to be true. A skilled surgeon sets reasonable expectations and focuses on delivering results you can trust.
The Spiegel Center: Your Experts in Face and Body
Choosing the right plastic surgeon is a significant decision. At The Spiegel Center, our expert team includes both facial and body plastic surgeons who are committed to providing the best results and the highest quality experience. Whether you're looking for a facial procedure or body contouring, you can trust that your surgeon is uniquely focused on their area of expertise. Our facial surgeons think about faces all day and night, while our body surgeons focus on perfecting the body’s form.
At The Spiegel Center, you are always at the center of everything we do, and by selecting a surgeon who is highly trained and focused on your area of interest, you’ll set yourself up for success, ensuring your aesthetic goals are met with precision and care.
