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The four steps in choosing the right
plastic surgeon are:
1. Choose the name/s of the
plastic surgeon
2. Check the surgeons' training
and credentials
3. Obtain a consultation with
the surgeon/s
4. Make the right choice
There are multiple ways to obtain the names of plastic surgeons.
Some ways include: friends, doctors, nurses, hospitals, special
directories, state medical board, paid advertising, web sites,
rankings or listings of doctors, and plastic surgery information
services:
It is important to know that any medical doctor is licensed
to practice cosmetic/plastic surgery or any other specialty
under their MD degree, but may never have been adequately
trained in that specialty. With more and more doctors entering
the cosmetic surgical field, the process of choosing a plastic
surgeon has been confusing for patients. As a result, it is
important to research the training and credentials of your
surgeon.
Your surgeon should be able to supply you with written documentation
of his/her training and credentials. It is important that
your plastic surgeon is board certified in the specialty of
plastic surgery and not in another specialty.
A board certified plastic surgeon has completed a two year
plastic surgical residency preceded by three to five years
of training in a pre-certified field of surgery. He/she has
completed and passed a written examination encompassing all
areas of general plastic surgery, as well as an oral examination
encompassing case presentations, surgical judgment, fund of
knowledge, and medical ethics. Board certification takes a
minimum of two years after residency training to complete.
Please note you can check board certification credentials
with the American Board of Medical Specialties (http://www.certifieddoctor.org).
Make sure to check that your surgeon is certified in the specialty
of plastic surgery.
Even though your surgical procedure may be performed in the
physician's own surgery center, it is important that your
plastic surgeon has privileges to perform your procedure in
a hospital and not just his/her own same-day surgical suite.
Having hospital privileges means the surgeon has been approved
by a body of his/her peers. The hospital has thoroughly checked
the surgeon's training and credentials. Please note you can
call your surgeon's hospital/s to check his/her privilege
status.
It is difficult to evaluate your surgeon's experience and
artistic ability. However, from the consultation, you should
be able to evaluate your surgeon's ability to explain the
procedure, review surgical options, explain possible risks
and complications, and predict probable outcomes.
Your surgeon may belong to a number of professional organizations
and societies (some more noteworthy than others, such as The
American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The American Society
for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery). Your surgeon may also have
been quoted in various magazines, newspapers, and written
articles, as well as radio and television, which may add credibility
to his/her credentials, or may be part of a paid public relations
promotional service.
Your consultation should include an introduction to the surgeon
and his/her staff. The surgeon should take a medical history
and physical examination to evaluate your concerns and formulate
a surgical plan. Your surgeon will ask you about your motives
as well as your expectations. You should obtain information
about the surgical procedure, recovery, risks and possible
complications, costs, type of anesthesia used, and the surgical
facility and team. Most surgeons will provide you with written
information about your procedure, his/her credentials, and
pre/post operative instructions.
Your surgeon should be able to explain the surgical procedure
in understandable terms, and answer all of your questions.
It is important to evaluate the surgeon's staff, as well as
the office environment. The surgeon should be pleasant, attentive
and encourage questions. In addition, the surgeon should be
able to show 'Before and After' photographs of patients who
have had similar surgeries. Remember, your ability to communicate
with your surgeon is paramount.
After you have obtained your surgeon's name, checked his/her
credentials, and are satisfied with your consultation, you
should feel confident that you have made the correct choice.
Safety and surgical outcome should be your top priorities.
Even though price is of concern, the cheapest may not necessarily
be the best.
It is my belief that an educated patient allows you to determine
your personal goals, and enables you to make an informed decision.
No matter what type of plastic surgery you are considering,
the most important factor in its success is the surgeon you
choose.
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1. Is the surgeon board
certified in plastic surgery?
(accept no other certification)
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Yes No
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2. Does the surgeon have
privileges to do your procedure at an accredited hospital?
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Yes No
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3. Did the surgeon make
you feel comfortable?
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Yes No
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4. Is the operating facility
accredited?
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Yes No
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5. Has the surgeon been
willing to answer all of your questions and address
your concerns?
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Yes No
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6. Did the surgeon and
his/her staff act professionally?
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Yes No
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7. *Is the surgeon a
member of the American Society of Plastic
Surgeons?
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Yes No
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8. *Is the surgeon a
member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery?
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Yes No
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9. Is the person who
is doing the consult, the surgeon that will be performing
the procedure?
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Yes No
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Please note: The questions with the
asterisks (*) are suggested but not mandatory.
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Call for a complimentary consultation:
John F. Farella, MD., F.A.C.S
(914) 241-7111
Lexington Avenue Suite 104 - Mount Kisco, NY 10549
(914) 997-9090
311 North Street Suite 408 - White Plains, NY 10605
(718) 548-5200
3333 Henry Hudson Parkway Suite 1-A - Riverdale, NY 10463
http://www.drfarella.com
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