Nip & Tuck
Choosing your cosmetic plastic surgeon
Cosmetic surgery is booming; and why not? The procedures are safe and the results can be amazing. Yet as the interest in cosmetic surgery skyrockets, so does the number of surgeons vying for your business. You are about to invest in a purchase whose outcome will affect the rest of your life. Finding the best plastic surgeon for your procedure is the most important step in your journey. Your surgeon should be attentive and patient when answering your questions. You should feel comfortable with both the doctor and the office staff. Many individuals prefer to go on a few consultations. However, if you like the doctor and get the answers you need to the questions below, there really is no reason to go on more than one consultation.
Sources for your Surgeon Search:
Former Patients: A referral by a satisfied patient is always great. If you like the way another 4, chances are you will be too.
A Doctor You Trust: Ask your gynecologist, pediatrician, family doctor or any other medical doctor with whom you feel comfortable for their recommendation.
The Internet: Many plastic surgeons elect to have their information posted on plastic surgery directory and information websites. There are many of these sites on the Internet. The sites can provide good background information on the doctor and procedures. You might also check the surgeon’s website to get a flavor for the office.
Radio, newspaper, and other advertising: It’s perfectly OK to use an ad you see or hear as a starting point in your search, just make sure you ask all the important questions.
American Board of Plastic Surgery: This is the only board exclusive to plastic surgery. Physicians holding ABPS certification are the only ones certified to perform all types of plastic surgery. You can confirm certification through the American Society of Plastic Surgery’s website at www.plasticsurgery.org. By choosing a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, you know the doctor has graduated from an accredited medical school and has completed at least five years of additional training as a resident surgeon (a minimum of three years in an accredited general surgery program and two years in plastic surgery). To become certified, the doctor then must successfully complete comprehensive written and oral exams. Board certification is a voluntary process.
Price: Money is not the only measure of value or quality, so don’t make your decision based on price. The most expensive surgeon is not necessarily the best. At the same time, there is no such thing as a discount on quality and skilled care.