Los Angeles 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 educating yourself as much as you can using resources such as this site, as well as the books and products recommended on this web site.
But, nothing will take the place of conferring with some surgeons and discussing your desires and concerns. Only a qualified surgeon can tell you how your life could be enhanced by a cosmetic procedure. They can explain the benefits and limitations, the healing time and the price.
You want to get yourself as knowledgeable and informed as you can before you finally agree to a technique. Surgeons listed on this website will be a good spot to begin finding the right surgeon for your needs.
The Cosmetic Surgery Consultation
When you first consult with a surgeon you might feel quite frightened. You may be about to make decisions that may effect you in all areas of your life. The surgeon and staff will attempt to make you feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible.
You may find your first contact will be filling in a web form on the doctor's web site. You should have a reply in a day or two. Usually a nurse or coordinator will contact you to ask some initial questions and arrange for your first appointment.
Upon arrival you will be asked to fill out forms listing your medical history. Your answers help determine if you may be a good candidate for surgery. 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 honest answers to the surgeon's questions.
The surgeon will talk with you about your body enhancement goals and explain to you what is realistic. You should be able to see before and after photos and hear an in-depth explanation of the technique. You should also be able to talk about the price and payment options available.
What should you ask?
Here are 10 important questions to ask your potential surgeon.
- Is the surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
- What training did the surgeon undertake since medical school? Was it in cosmetic surgery?
- How many surgeries of this type does the doctor perform each year?
- How many years has the doctor been performing plastic surgery?
- What hospital does the doctor work with? You will need to know should there be an emergency. You may also ask at the hospital about the surgeon's qualifications.
- If the doctor operates in his/her office is it accredited? Ask the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities or Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. This may indicate a better standard of pre and post-operative care.
- Does the doctor's office have life-saving and monitoring devices?
- Who administers the anesthesia? Is this person a board-certified anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist?
- What are the risks with this procedure? About how often do they happen? How is the doctor prepared to handle complications?
- What is the average recovery for this kind of surgery?
You want to question the surgeon about the pre-operative, operative and post-operative routines required by the procedure. Recovery times are typically no more than a couple of weeks for most cosmetic procedures so you should be ready to schedule the required leave time.
By the end of the consultation you should feel educated and confident with the surgeon. Do not schedule your appointment until you have talked to a number of surgeons and only after you feel completely sure that you have selected the best surgeon for you.
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 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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