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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.
| 1. Is the
surgeon board certified in plastic surgery?
(accept no other certification) |
Yes No | | | |
| 2. Does the surgeon have
privileges to do your procedure at an accredited hospital? |
Yes No | | | |
| 3. Did the surgeon make
you feel comfortable? | Yes
No | | | |
| 4. Is the operating facility
accredited? | Yes
No | | | |
| 5. Has the surgeon been
willing to answer all of your questions and address your concerns? |
Yes No | | | |
| 6. Did the surgeon and
his/her staff act professionally? |
Yes No | | | |
| 7. *Is the surgeon a member
of the American Society of Plastic
Surgeons? |
Yes No | | | |
| 8. *Is the surgeon a member
of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery? |
Yes No | | | |
| 9. Is the person who is
doing the consult, the surgeon that will be performing the procedure? |
Yes No | Please
note: The questions with the asterisks (*) are suggested but not mandatory.
| Call for a complimentary
consultation: (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
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