Colorado Cosmetic Surgeons

How to Choose Your Plastic Surgeon

If you are thinking that you would like to have a cosmetic surgery procedure you should begin by learning as much as possible through resources such as this site, as well as the books and products mentioned on this site.

However, nothing can replace actually meeting with several surgeons and discussing your desires and concerns. Only an experienced surgeon can tell you in detail how your life may be changed by some cosmetic procedure. They can show you the benefits and risks, the healing time and the costs.

You should attempt to get to be as knowledgeable and informed as you can before you finally agree to a technique. Surgeons listed on this website are a great spot to begin finding the best surgeon for your needs.

The Cosmetic Surgery Consultation

When you first consult with a surgeon you might feel quite frightened. You are about to make a choice that may effect you in all areas of your life. The surgeon and office staff will attempt to make you feel as comfortable and relaxed as they can.

Often your first contact will be filling in a web form on the doctor's web site. You may have a reply in a few days. Frequently a nurse or coordinator will contact you to ask some initial questions and arrange for your first appointment.

When you arrive you will need to fill out forms giving your medical history. What you answer helps determine if you may be a good candidate. Expect to consult with the surgeon for one to two hours. Remember that the surgeon's time is very valuable so be prepared with your questions, and be ready to give honest answers to the surgeon's questions.

The surgeon should discuss your body enhancement desires and explain to you what is probable. You should be able to examine before & after photos and get an in-depth explanation of the technique. You should also be able to discuss the costs and payment options available.

What should you ask?

Here are ten typical questions to ask your potential cosmetic surgeon.

1. Is the doctor certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
2. What training did the surgeon undergo after medical school? Was it in plastic surgery?
3. How many surgeries of this kind does the doctor perform each year?
4. How many years has the doctor been performing plastic surgery?
5. What hospital is the doctor associated with? You will need to know should there be an emergency. You may also ask at the hospital about the surgeon's qualifications.
6. If the doctor operates in his/her office has it been accredited? Ask the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities or Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. This may indicate a better level of pre and post-operative care.
7. Does the doctor's office have life-saving and monitoring devices?
8. Who administers the anesthesia? Is this person a board-certified anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist?
9. What are the risks with this surgery? About how often do they occur? How is the doctor prepared to handle complications?
10. What is the normal recovery time for this procedure?

Be sure to ask about the pre-operative, operative and post-operative routines required by the procedure. Recovery times are normally no more than a few weeks for most cosmetic surgeries so you should be prepared to schedule the necessary leave time.

By the end of your consultation you should feel educated and confident with the surgeon. Do not schedule your appointment until you have consulted with a number of surgeons and only when you feel absolutely secure that you have found the best surgeon for you.

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 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