Manhattan Cosmetic Surgeons

How to Pick a Plastic Surgeon

If you are thinking that you would like to have a cosmetic surgery technique you must start by learning as much as you can using resources such as this site, and using the books and products recommended on this web site.

But, nothing will take the place of conferring with several surgeons and talking about your desires and concerns. Only an experienced surgeon can explain in detail how your life could be changed by some procedure. They can explain the benefits and risks, the healing time and the costs.

You want to get yourself as knowledgeable and informed as possible before you finally agree to a procedure. Surgeons listing on this website are a good spot to start in finding the right surgeon for your needs.

The Cosmetic Surgery Consultation

The first time you consult with a surgeon you might feel quite frightened. You could be about to make a decision that will effect you for the rest of your life. The surgeon and office staff should attempt to make you as comfortable and relaxed as possible.

You may find 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 contact you to ask some initial questions and arrange for your first appointment.

Upon arrival you will need to fill out forms listing your medical history. What you answer helps decide 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 valuable so be prepared with your questions, and be prepared to give honest answers to the surgeon's questions.

The surgeon should discuss your body enhancement goals and explain to you what is probable. You should be able to see before & after photos and get an in-depth explanation of the technique. You should be able to talk about the price and payment possibilities.

What should you ask?

Here is a list of 10 typical questions to ask your potential cosmetic surgeon.

1. Is the surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
2. What training did the surgeon undertake since medical school? Was it in plastic surgery?
3. How many procedures of this kind does the doctor perform each year?
4. How many years has the doctor been performing cosmetic surgery?
5. What hospital does the doctor work with? You'll need to know should there be an emergency. You may also ask at the hospital for the surgeon's qualifications.
6. Should you find 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 quality of pre and post-operative care.
7. Does the doctor's office have life-saving and monitoring devices?
8. Who will administer anesthesia? Is this person a board-certified anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist?
9. What risks are associated with this procedure? About how often do they occur? How does the doctor handle complications?
10. What is the average recovery for this procedure?

You want 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 of the cosmetic surgeries so you need to be prepared to schedule the required leave time.

At the end of your consultation you should leave feeling educated and confident about the surgeon. Don't schedule an appointment until you have consulted with 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 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