Florida Cosmetic Surgeons
How to Pick Your Cosmetic Surgeon
If you are thinking that you would like to have a cosmetic surgery technique you should begin by informing yourself as much as you can through resources including this site, as well as the books and products listed on this site.
However, nothing will take the place of conferring with some surgeons and talking about your desires and wishes. Only a qualified surgeon can explain how your life may be enhanced by some cosmetic procedure. They can explain the benefits and limitations, the recovery time and the price.
You want to get yourself as educated and informed as possible before you finally agree to a procedure. Surgeons listed on this website will be a good place to start in finding the right surgeon for your needs.
The Cosmetic Surgery Consultation
The first time you meet with a surgeon you may feel a bit frightened. You are about to make a decision that will effect you for the rest of your life. The surgeon and staff will try to make you as comfortable and relaxed as they can.
Often your first contact will be by filling out a web form on the doctor's web site. You should have a reply in a few days. Frequently a nurse or coordinator will call to ask some initial questions and arrange for your first appointment.
When you arrive you will be asked to fill out forms explaining your medical history. Your answers help decide if you are a good candidate for surgery. Expect to consult with the surgeon for one to two hours. Understand that the surgeon's time is very valuable 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 image enhancement goals and explain to you what is probable. You should ask to see before and after photographs and get a complete explanation of the technique. You should be able to discuss the price and financing possibilities.
What should you ask?
Here are 10 typical questions to ask your potential cosmetic surgeon.
- Is the doctor certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
- What training did the surgeon undergo after medical school? Was it in cosmetic surgery?
- How many surgeries of this kind does the doctor perform each year?
- How many years has the doctor been performing plastic surgery?
- What hospital does the doctor work with? You'll need to know should there be an emergency. You can also enquire at the hospital for the surgeon's qualifications.
- If the doctor operates in his/her office has it been 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 will administer anesthesia? Is the person a board-certified anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist?
- What risks are associated with this surgery? What percentage of the time do they happen? How is the doctor prepared to handle complications?
- What is the average recovery time for this procedure?
Be sure to question the surgeon about the pre-operative, operative and post-operative routines associated with the procedure. Recovery times are normally no more than a few weeks for most cosmetic procedures so you should be prepared to schedule the required leave time.
At the end of the consultation you should feel educated and confident with the surgeon. Do not schedule an appointment until you have talked to a number of surgeons and only when you feel completely sure that you have found the right doctor 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 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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