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Choosing to have cosmetic
plastic surgery may be an important decision…but,
The Cosmetic
Plastic Surgeon you choose is the
Most Important Decision you’ll make…
From nose reshaping to face lifts
and breast enhancement to body contouring, the art of
cosmetic plastic surgery can restore and/or enhance
your appearance, providing a boost in self-confidence
and self-esteem. To achieve an outcome you can be pleased
about, it’s critical to make an informed choice
about who will perform the procedures you’re considering.
The following guidelines will help you select a cosmetic
plastic surgeon that offers the best credentials, qualifications
and experience to ensure safe and successful results.
GATHERING REFERRALS
One of the best ways to compile
a list of candidates is to gather names from various
referral sources. If you know someone who’s had
a procedure like the one you’re considering, talk
to him or her about it, ask them what procedures were
performed and their degree of satisfaction with the
results.
Advertising has become a
strong force in today’s highly competitive field
of Cosmetic Plastic Surgery. Not all cosmetic surgeons
are the same. Learning all you can and separating hype
from fact cannot be overemphasized. Our goal is to provide
you with valuable information to assist you in your
decision making process.
QUESTION…who can advertise
as a cosmetic plastic surgeon?
Any physician, with or without surgical
training, who holds a medical license is legally able
to list themselves under the specialty heading of “Cosmetic
Plastic Surgeon.” Furthermore, they can advertise
services they want to sell, regardless of their skills,
training or credentials. Similarly, doctors quoted in
newspaper and magazine stories may or may not be qualified
“experts.”
The American Society of Plastic
Surgery (ASPS) and The American Society for Aesthetic
Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) are two prestigious professional
organizations within the cosmetic plastic surgery community
and are excellent sources for names. Both societies
require each plastic surgeon to be ethical and remain
current in his/her field. Membership represents years
of specialized training and even more years of peer
review for quality surgery, judgment and high ethical
standards.
Check it out: Credentials, Certifications
and experience
From your pool of prospective physicians,
it’s time for further research—beginning
with credentials and qualifications. Physicians of all
types can perform plastic surgery in their office even
if they have not received special training in this area,
so find out about their credentials, board certifications
and experience. You can usually accomplish this by calling
the physician’s and speaking with the receptionist
or nurse or visiting the physician’s website.
QUESTION…are all
medical boards the same?
Don’t be confused by official
sounding boards. Several medical boards review the credentials
of doctors. The American Board of Plastic Surgery
(ABPS) is the only
plastic surgery board recognized by the American
Board of Medical Specialties.
Make absolutely certain that
your surgeon is “American Board Certified”
by the ABPS.
This guarantees that your surgeon
has completed medical school, an approved general surgery
residency and a plastic surgery residency. They must
be fully trained in all aspects of cosmetic plastic
surgery and must have reached a high level of surgical
competence. To qualify for “board certification,”
the physician must have been in practice for two years
and pass intensive, comprehensive written and oral examinations.
It represents years of specialized training and strategic
peer review for quality surgery, judgment and high ethical
standards.
QUESTION…is it
important for my Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon to have “hospital
privileges”?
Not only is it important to verify
hospital privileges, but also verify hospital privileges
to perform your specific cosmetic plastic surgery procedure.
To obtain staff privileges, the surgeon’s judgement,
skills and performance must undergo extensive examination
and be judged acceptable by his peers. The cosmetic
plastic surgeon you choose should have privileges for
your “special surgery” in a hospital. This
is an important factor even if you plan to have your
surgery performed in an office surgical facility or
surgicenter.
THE CONSULTATION
Once you’ve narrowed your search
down to two or three prospective surgeons, you may wish
to schedule a consultation with each one. These one-on-one
meetings will give you an opportunity to decide which
cosmetic plastic surgeon you want to perform your “special
surgery” based on your evaluation of the surgeon’s
experience, personality, medical options available to
achieve the results you desire and the fees involved.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions,
no matter how trivial or how personal you think they’ll
sound. In fact, it’s a good idea to write down
your questions beforehand so you won’t forget
any of them and to make a note of the surgeon’s
answers as well.
Another subject you’ll want
the surgeon to address is experience. Find out whether
the doctor specializes in the procedure in which you’re
interested, ask how many procedures of this kind he
or she has done and find out how many the doctor currently
performs per year. The answers to these questions should
make you feel comfortable that the surgeon you choose
is experienced in up-to-date procedures. Ask to see
before-and-after photos to give you an idea of his/her
ability. Look for a surgeon who can accommodate all
your needs from consultations to surgery to post-operative
care.
Any cosmetic plastic surgeon that’s
reputable and qualified will not hesitate to answer
your questions and should be very forthcoming about
his/her experience in the field. If you run across a
physician who is reluctant to offer references or information,
consider that a warning signal and move to the next
name on your list of candidates.
Finally, bring up the subject of
fees. Ask for a detailed explanation of what each procedure
you’re considering will cost and find out about
financing options.
FEELING COMFORTABLE AND
CONFIDENT
Start taking mental notes even before
you enter the consultation room by noting the atmosphere
in the office. Do you feel at ease with the staff? Are
they warm and friendly? Do they appear well organized
and efficient? Positive answers to these questions are
important because the office personnel serves as your
first line of information and of contact with your surgeon
throughout the procedure. Your experience with cosmetic
plastic surgery can be greatly enhanced with a generous
dose of support, encouragement and TLC from the physician
and his medical team.
While discussing the procedure, the
physician’s experience and credentials, the fees,
try to get a feel not only for the doctor’s skills
and training but for his or her personality and philosophy
as well. The doctor should be candid and forthcoming
as you ask questions and raise concerns. These qualities
will help you to determine whether you feel a rapport
with the surgeon or if you need to investigate further.
SKIN CARE, AESTHETICIAN SERVICES
AND POST OPERATIVE CARE
Finally, consider a surgeon who is
not only a board-certified and experienced surgeon,
but also one whose practice and staff offers you a comprehensive
line on anti-aging skin rejuvenation treatments. Examples
of non-surgical treatments include laser resurfacing,
medical microdermabrasion, Botox® Cosmetic, and
advanced chemical peels to rejuvenate aging or sun damaged
skin, improve rosacea, acne or skin discoloration. A
surgeon who has developed a progressive skin care program
is one who is exceptionally interested in your skin
care health. You will also want to ask what is included
in your pre and post-operative care—aftercare
varies greatly with the surgeon that you choose. Your
total care and skin care services available to you are
the extra personal touches that can help you look your
best—with or without surgery. Cosmetic plastic
surgery practices featuring licensed aestheticians,
pre and post-operative treatments, medical skin care
and skin care products go the “extra mile”
to help you look and feel your best.
Remember…You
deserve a cosmetic plastic surgeon who is knowledgeable,
qualified, and experienced…
One who has the credentials to eliminate your fears,
skills to achieve your goals, and the staff to pamper
you!
Dan
L. Bennett, M.D.
Board
Certifications and Education
Choosing
a Plastic Surgeon
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