Neil J. Zemmel, MD, FACS, who is often said to be one of the best plastic surgeons in Virginia, provides examples of what to avoid when seeking a plastic surgery provider.
Richmond, VA – According to Neil J. Zemmel, MD, FACS, who is considered by many to be one of the best plastic surgeons in Virginia, there are several factors for patients to consider when choosing a provider for their cosmetic procedure. Because undergoing plastic surgery is a major life decision, he explains, patients can sometimes become overwhelmed with all of these factors. “While it is essential for patients to take a prospective surgeon’s certifications, experience, education, and accolades into account, a patient must also take stock of their own priorities when choosing a physician.” These priorities, he continues, may include a patient’s budget, their location in relation to the practice, or values they may look for in a doctor-patient relationship.
Dr. Zemmel, who has practiced in the Richmond area for over 15 years, encourages patients to take great care in choosing a plastic surgeon. Although the process of researching a surgeon and weighing one’s concerns may take some time, Dr. Zemmel believes thorough deliberation is necessary when searching for an exceptional provider. Moreover, he urges his patients to avoid these common mistakes when seeking a plastic surgeon:
Basing Decision on Cost
While certain procedures can be more expensive than others, says Dr. Zemmel, an experienced surgeon will create a personalized treatment plan that justifies the cost of the surgery. Many leading practices, he adds, work with third-party plastic surgery financiers, such as CareCredit® and Prosper HealthCare Lending. These programs typically offer eligible patients the opportunity to set up affordable payment plans with low interest rates.
Resistance to Travel
It is very common for patients to travel for plastic surgery, says Dr. Zemmel. “In fact, many top practices will frequently offer virtual consultations for out-of-state patients to meet prospective physicians,” he states. “Their websites may also include directions to the office from nearby cities and lists of hotel accommodations.” Dr. Zemmel notes that patients often consider it worth the journey to travel to a high-quality surgeon with whom they feel connected.
Settling for a Physician with Whom You are Not Confident
“The results of the surgery will largely depend on the competence of the physician,” Dr. Zemmel states. “Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with a record of highly satisfied patients and a warm, communicative attitude can make a major difference in the outcome of the procedure.” Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) indicates that a surgeon has completed at least six years of extensive training and is required to adhere to the highest standards of patient care and safety.
Furthermore, Dr. Zemmel states, communication is the foundation of every doctor-patient relationship. “A plastic surgeon should encourage his or her patients to ask questions about their treatment and should provide honest and thorough answers to these inquiries,” he explains. “Patients should always feel that they are being understood and that their concerns are being addressed.”
Dr. Zemmel claims that in order to provide potential patients with a reassuring and welcoming feeling before they even schedule a consultation, a plastic surgeon should have ample information about their practice readily available on their website. Additional information for leading plastic surgeons is often available elsewhere on the internet, such as on sites like Facebook, Yelp, or RealSelf®.
Ultimately, Dr. Zemmel says, individuals should feel confident and comfortable with the plastic surgeon’s abilities and overall approach to care, and should always sense that the doctor is attentive to their unique needs and truly has their best interests at heart.
About Neil J. Zemmel, MD, FACS
Dr. Neil J. Zemmel is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of several distinguished organizations, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Medical Society of Virginia. Among the highlights of his career have been a preceptorship for advanced cosmetic breast surgery with leading company Allergan in Stockholm, Sweden; appearances as a featured plastic surgeon on The Doctors, NBC 12, NBC 6, and Fox29; and being recognized with a multitude of awards and titles, such as “Top Doc” in Richmond Magazine and “Compassionate Doctor” from Vitals. In addition to breast enhancement options such as breast augmentation and breast lift surgery, Dr. Zemmel performs an array of cosmetic, reconstructive, and non-surgical procedures at Richmond Aesthetic Surgery and Dermlounge. He is available for interview upon request.
For more information about Dr. Zemmel, visit vabreastsurgery.com, richmondplasticsurgery.com, and @richmondplasticsurgery on Instagram.
Contact:
Richmond Aesthetic Surgery
11934 W Broad Street, Suite 200
Richmond, VA 23233
(804) 424-2000
Rosemont Media
(800) 491-8623
www.rosemontmedia.com
