California Cosmetic Surgeons
How to Pick a Plastic Surgeon
If you are thinking that you would like to have a cosmetic surgery procedure you must begin by educating yourself as much as possible using resources such as this site, as well as the books and products listed on this site.
But, nothing can replace conferring with several surgeons and discussing your desires and concerns. Only an experienced surgeon can explain how your life might be changed by some procedure. They can explain the benefits and limitations, the recovery time and the costs.
You should attempt to get yourself as knowledgeable and informed as possible before you actually agree to a technique. Surgeons found on this website are a great spot to start in finding the best surgeon for you.
The Cosmetic Surgery Consultation
The first time you consult with a surgeon you may feel quite nervous. You are about to make a choice that will effect you for the rest of your life. The surgeon and office staff will attempt to make you as comfortable and relaxed as they can.
Often your first contact will be by filling in a web form on the doctor's web site. You will probably have a reply in a few days. Frequently a nurse or coordinator will contact you to ask some preliminary questions and arrange for a time for your first appointment.
When you arrive you will need to fill out forms listing your medical history. What you answer helps decide if you are a good candidate. Expect to meet with the surgeon for one to two hours. Understand that the surgeon's time is very full so be prepared with your questions, and be prepared to give candid answers to the surgeon's questions.
The surgeon should talk with you about your body enhancement goals and tell you what is realistic. You should ask to examine before & after photos and get a complete explanation of the process. You should also be able to talk about the costs and financing options available.
What should you ask?
Here are ten typical questions to ask your potential surgeon.
- Is the doctor certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
- What schooling did the surgeon undertake after medical school? Was it in plastic surgery?
- How many procedures of this type does the doctor perform each year?
- How many years has the doctor been performing cosmetic surgery?
- What hospital is the doctor associated with? You'll need to know in case there is an emergency. You can also ask at the hospital for the surgeon's qualifications.
- Should you find the doctor operates in his/her office is it accredited? Check with the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities or Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. It can mean a better level of pre and post-operative care.
- Does the doctor's office have life-saving and monitoring devices?
- Who administers anesthesia? Is this person a board-certified anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist?
- What risks are associated with this procedure? About how often do they happen? How is the doctor prepared to handle complications?
- What is the expected recovery time for this surgery?
Be sure to ask about the pre-operative, operative and post-operative routines associated with the procedure. Recovery times are typically no more than a couple of weeks for most of the cosmetic procedures so you need to be ready to schedule the necessary time off from work.
At the end of the consultation you should feel educated and confident with the surgeon. Don't schedule your appointment until you have consulted with several surgeons and only when you feel completely sure that you have selected the right surgeon for your needs.
How to Verify a Surgeon's Qualifications
Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. (AAHC)
Phone : 847/853.6060
Internet : www.aaahc.org/accreditation/search.shtml
Accredits surgical facilities in physician offices.
American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF)
Phone : 888-545-5222
Internet : www.aaaasf.org/Facilities
Certifies ambulatory surgery facilities and provides practice guidelines for surgeons working in ambulatory surgical facilities.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)/ The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)
All cosmetic surgeons should be ASPS members who are board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. They also should have graduated from an accredited medical school and completed five years of surgical residency, usually three years of general surgery and two years of plastic surgery.
Phone : 888-4PLASTIC
Internet : www.plasticsurgery.org/find_a_plastic_surgeon
Federation of State Medical Boards (FCVS)
FCVS verifies medical education, postgraduate training, licensure examination history, board action history, and identity.
Phone : 888-ASK-FCVS
Internet : www.fsmb.org
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