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How to choose a plastic surgeon
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The following are some question the American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends you ask when selecting a plastic surgeon.
• Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
• Do you have hospital privileges to perform this surgery? If so, at which hospitals?
• How many procedures of this type have you performed?
• Where and how will you perform my surgery?
• Is the surgical facility accredited or in the process of being accredited by a national or state-recognized accrediting organization?
• What is the best procedure for me?
• What are the risks involved with my procedure?
• Will my procedure need to be repeated?
• 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?
• How much will my procedure cost? Are financing options available? |
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Men and women have many various reasons – all of them personal – to opt for plastic surgery, whether cosmetic surgery to improve appearance or reconstructive to correct defects or improve function. Nose reshaping, liposuction, breast augmentation, eyelid surgery and facelifts top the list of most common procedures.
“A person should have realistic expectations when going into any procedure,” states Dr. James Hunyadi of Plastic Surgery Consultants in Toledo. “You should know your motivation. If you’re doing it to satisfy another person’s expectation, remember that your personal relationships may not change with your appearance. In other words, you should do it for yourself.”
Dr. Hunyadi says, “Some people seek a consultation knowing exactly what they would want altered. While others come in with more general concerns, requesting recommendations as to what can be done to enhance their appearance. Nor everyone will benefit from plastic surgery. During a consultation, seek an honest assessment of whether or not you are an appropriate candidate.”
For whatever their reasons, patients come from all economic levels and age ranges. It’s not just women over 50 with disposable incomes, who are seeking a youthful appearance. It’s your coworker, the new mother next door, the waiter who served you lunch. A recent study conducted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons showed that the household incomes of patients ran from $31,000 to more than $90,000.
The study also revealed that the participants’ age ranges varied from 18 years old to 50 years or older. Eighty-one of the study’s respondents had never undergone plastic surgery before, but 19 percent had had at least one. The people polled came from all regions of the country, with 85 percent female Caucasians.
If you’re considering plastic surgery, finding the qualified plastic surgeon who will meet your individual needs is crucial. The ASPS can help through its informative Web site at www.plasticsurgery.org. Basically, go with a doctor who is board certified, has a great reputation and who routinely performs the kind of surgery you want to have.
Check board certification
Members of the ASPS are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. This credential ensures that the plastic surgeon has graduated from an accredited medical school and completed at least five years of additional residency, and passed a written and oral test.
Ask questions in your consultation
Don’t be afraid to ask your surgeon personally about his or her qualifications, experience, surgery costs and payment plans. Your surgeon should answer your questions clearly and ask for your feedback on his or her recommendations. Your surgeon should let you know of any possible alternatives, as well as the risks and side effects of surgery.
Other questions to ask include: How many procedures do they do a year? How long have they been in practice? Who will do your post-operative care? Who will do your surgery? If you have a problem at night, who do you call?
Ensure safe facilities
Everyone who chooses plastic surgery has the right to a safe procedure. Procedures should be administered in a setting with appropriate medical personnel and necessary equipment to observe patients and manage potential complications, as well as provide for the disposal of medical waste as required by Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations.
Post Surgery Skin Care
After surgery, many surgeons will recommend that patients undergo a skin care regimen of various treatments, including acid peels or lightening. Most have a skin care technician to consult with patients post-operatively at no charge.
Patented and proven peels effectively exfoliate, bleach and inhibit pigment production. The treatments are done at the doctor’s office These peels soften lines and provide a more even, smooth skin texture. Other peels result in plump, hydrated and ultra-soft skin. Another treatment is a mask that contains natural hormones and vitamins. Vitamin A helps increase cell turnover to keep skin looking fresh, while vitamin C strengthens the skin by helping to increase the skin’s collagen and elastin network. The technician will instruct you on the proper use of these products at home.
Build a rapport
When a treatment decision is made cooperatively between the physician and patient, the physician should explain the risks, benefits, alternatives, and reasoning for the proposed treatment, after which an informed consent document should be signed by the patient, the ASPS says.
Ultimately, you should select the doctor you feel comfortable with, and who answers your questions fully.
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