Manhattan Cosmetic Surgeons
How to Choose Your Cosmetic Surgeon
If you are considering a cosmetic surgery procedure you should begin by learning 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 actually meeting with some surgeons and talking about your needs and concerns. Only a qualified surgeon can tell you how your life might be changed by a cosmetic procedure. They can show you the benefits and risks, the healing time and the price.
You want to get to be as knowledgeable and informed as you can before you finally agree to surgery. Surgeons listing on this site are a great place to start in finding the best surgeon for your needs.
The Cosmetic Surgery Consultation
The first time you meet with a surgeon you may feel quite frightened. You may be about to make a choice 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.
Often your first contact will be by filling out 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 call to ask some preliminary questions and arrange for a time for your first appointment.
When you arrive you will be asked to fill out forms giving your medical history. What you answer helps 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 full so be prepared with your questions, and be ready to give honest answers to the surgeon's questions.
The surgeon will talk with you about your body enhancement desires and explain to you what is probable. You should be able to view before & after photographs and hear a complete explanation of the technique. You should also be able to discuss the costs and payment possibilities.
What should you ask?
Here are ten important questions to ask your potential cosmetic surgeon.
- Is the surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
- What schooling did the surgeon undergo after medical school? Was it in cosmetic surgery?
- How many procedures of this type does the doctor perform each year?
- How long has the doctor been performing plastic surgery?
- What hospital does the doctor work with? You will need to know in case there is an emergency. You can also enquire at the hospital for the surgeon's qualifications.
- Should you find 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 level of pre and post-operative care.
- Does the doctor's office have life-saving and monitoring devices?
- Who administers the anesthesia? Is the person a board-certified anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist?
- What are the risks with this procedure? What percentage of the time do they happen? How is the doctor prepared to handle complications?
- What is the average recovery time for this kind of surgery?
You want 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.
By the end of your consultation you should leave feeling 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 absolutely sure 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 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 at least 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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