How to choose your surgeon
The popularity of plastic surgery is soaring— and more and more doctors are trying to meet the demand for this specialty that has become an integral part of mainstream medicine. Any licensed physician can call himself or herself a cosmetic surgeon, recently, however, certain cosmetic procedures are beginning to be performed by physicians who are not specifically trained in plastic surgery, so the importance of finding a properly trained and certified provider is paramount.
Your surgeon should be well trained, experienced in the procedure you are considering, and highly regarded by patients and colleagues alike. He should also have:
- At least six years of surgical training and experience, with a minimum of three years of plastic surgery.
- A board-certification.
- Training and experience in all plastic surgery procedures, including breast, body, face and reconstruction.
- Peer-reviews for safety and ethical standards prior to attaining the honor of active membership.
- Accredited facilities.
- A strict code of ethics.
- Continuing medical education, including standards and innovations in patient safety.
Questions to ask yourself when choosing a plastic surgeon
Is the plastic surgeon accredited? (If he or she answers “yes,” you can rest assured that your surgeon is board-certified in plastic surgery, has hospital privileges and only performs surgery in accredited facilities?.
Is the plastic surgeon board-certified? By what entity or board?.
Does the plastic surgeon have hospital privileges to perform this procedure? If so, at which hospitals?.
Is the surgical facility accredited?.
How many procedures of this type has the plastic surgeon performed?.
It’s important to talk to your Surgeon about your goals and your treatment. Feel confident asking about your doctor’s credentials, experience, outcomes or safety record. It is your body, your safety and your life.
- Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
- What will be expected of me to get optimal results?
- What are the risks involved with my procedure?
- How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?
- Will I need to take time off work?
- If so, how long?
Questions to ask your surgeon during the consultation
During your consultation, your surgeon should:
- Answer all of your questions thoroughly and clearly.
- Ask about your thoughts to recommended treatment.
- Offer alternatives, where appropriate, without pressuring you to consider unneeded or additional procedures.
- Welcome questions about your procedure and his or her professional qualifications, experience, costs and payment policies.
- Make clear the risks of surgery and possible outcomes.
- Give you information about the procedure you want.
- Leave the final decision to you.
