Miami Cosmetic Surgeons
How to Pick Your Cosmetic Surgeon
If you are wondering if you should have a cosmetic surgery technique you should start by educating yourself as much as you can using resources such as this site, and using the books and products mentioned on this web site.
However, nothing can replace conferring with several surgeons and talking about your needs and wishes. Only a qualified surgeon can tell you how your life may be enhanced by a 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 you can before you finally agree to a procedure. Surgeons found on this website are a good spot to begin finding the best surgeon for your needs.
The Cosmetic Surgery Consultation
When you first meet with a surgeon you may feel quite frightened. You could be about to make decisions that will effect you in all areas of your life. The surgeon and office staff should try to make you as comfortable and relaxed as they can.
You may find 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 day or two. Usually a nurse or coordinator will call to ask some initial questions and arrange for your appointment.
Upon arrival you will need to fill out forms giving your medical history. What you answer helps show 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 honest answers to the surgeon's questions.
The surgeon should discuss your body enhancement goals and tell you what is possible. You should ask to view before & after photographs and hear an in-depth explanation of the technique. You should be able to discuss the price and financing possibilities.
What should you ask?
Here is a list of 10 typical questions to ask your potential surgeon.
- Is the doctor certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
- What training did the surgeon undertake since medical school? Was it in cosmetic surgery?
- How many procedures 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'll need to know should there be an emergency. You may also ask at the hospital for the surgeon's qualifications.
- Should you find the doctor operates in his/her office is it accredited? Check with 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 the person a board-certified anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist?
- What are the risks with this surgery? What percentage of the time do they occur? How does the doctor handle complications?
- What is the expected recovery time for this surgery?
You want to ask about the pre-operative, operative and post-operative routines required by the procedure. Recovery times are usually no more than a couple of weeks for most cosmetic procedures so you should be prepared to schedule the required time off from work.
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 absolutely secure that you have selected the best doctor for your needs.
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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