Choosing a Plastic Surgeon- SAFELY

Just when I thought I had repeated myself one too many times (..."This is how to pick your Plastic Surgeon"), it becomes apparent to me that the challenge of finding a safe, qualified, and effective plastic surgeon is still a process which often stumps the general public. I continue to be surprised at some of the stories I hear about how intelligent and trusting citizens put their lives and appearances in the hands of practitioners whose only qualifications are that of self-promotion. A recent California survey revealed that the majority of Cosmetic Surgery providers in San Diego are not actual Plastic Surgeons, urges me to re-iterate some fundamental steps to ensuring that your aesthetic concerns are discussed and treated by someone who deserves your trust.
Before reviewing some guidelines to "Finding Dr. Right" let me mention that the study in Southern California (where it was documented that Hyaluronic Acid Gel Fillers are being offered by 1867 'practitioners', and Liposuction is being done by 834 individuals--but only 495 trained Plastic Surgeon exist in the same geographic area) is only putting numbers to what we already know to be the case- not just in San Diego, but all across the country. "Cosmetic" procedures (I place the word cosmetic in quotes because it is a word with no legal meaning) are being offered by many physicians of other specialties, primary care M.D.'s and D.O.'s, Dentists, Oral Surgeons, Nurses, Physician Assistants, Immigrants whose background may have included, unconfirmed, medical background in other countries, and even Salon personnel. These procedures are being done in offices, nail salons, hotel rooms, tanning centers, and ad hoc clinics. "Why?" you might ask. Because they legally can; because they may even think they know how, because it makes them money- being qualified and safe takes a lot of expense which these people do not have. Whether or not these service providers have had any training, have had the right kind of training, can take care of any complications which may arise, use legitimate products, answer to any higher authority, and have the experience and interest in human aesthetics and all its implications-- is up to you to discover before you make a commitment. I would like to help you.

"Finding Dr. Right"
Plastic surgery involves many choices. The first and most important is selecting a surgeon you can trust.
Choosing an ASPS Member Surgeon ensures that you have selected a physician who:

• Has completed at least five years of surgical training with a minimum of two years in plastic surgery.
• Is trained and experienced in all plastic surgery procedures, including breast, body, face and reconstruction.
• Operates only in accredited medical facilities
• Adheres to a strict code of ethics.
• Fulfills continuing medical education requirements, including standards and innovations in patient safety.
• Is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery

Questions to ask Before and During the Consultation

• Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
• Were you trained specifically in the field of plastic surgery?
• Do you have hospital privileges to perform this procedure? If so, at which hospitals?
• Is the office-based surgical facility accredited by a nationally- or state-recognized accrediting agency.
• How many procedures of this type have you performed?
• Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
• Where and how will you perform my procedure?
• How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?
• What are the risks and potential complications associated with my procedure?
• How are complications handled?
• What are my options if I am dissatisfied with the outcome of my surgery?

Please do you homework. The experience of Plastic Surgery or a non-surgical Aesthetic Procedure, in the right hands, is usually a wonderfully positive, empowering process. This is especially true if you have the confidence - before, during, and after - that you chose your provider well.
There are many wonderfully gifted, compassionate, professional, and experienced, and properly trained Plastic Surgeons out there. Not as many as you would think by just reading the billboards and ads posted by the wanna-bes-- but be patient, use your resources wisely, and you'll find the right one.