New York City Cosmetic Surgeons
How to Pick a Plastic Surgeon
If you are considering a cosmetic surgery procedure you must start by learning as much as you can using resources including this site, as well as the books and products listed on this web site.
However, nothing can replace conferring with several surgeons and sharing your desires and wishes. Only an experienced surgeon can explain how your life may be changed by a procedure. They can show you the benefits and limitations, the healing time and the price.
You want to get to be as knowledgeable and informed as possible before you finally agree to a technique. Surgeons listed on this website will be a good place to start in finding the best surgeon for your needs.
The Cosmetic Surgery Consultation
When you first consult with a surgeon you might feel a bit frightened. You could be about to make a choice that could effect you in all areas of your life. The surgeon and staff will try to make you feel as comfortable and relaxed as they can.
Often your first contact will be filling out a web form on the doctor's web site. You may have a reply in a few days. Usually a nurse or coordinator will contact you 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. Expect to meet with the surgeon for one to two hours. Remember 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 body enhancement goals and tell you what is realistic. You should ask to see before & after photos and hear an in-depth explanation of the process. You should be able to discuss the costs and payment possibilities.
What should you ask?
Here is a list of ten typical questions to ask your potential surgeon.
- Is the doctor certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
- What schooling did the surgeon undergo since medical school? Was it in plastic surgery?
- How many surgeries of this type does the doctor perform each year?
- How many years has the doctor been performing cosmetic surgery?
- What hospital is the doctor associated with? You'll need to know in case there is an emergency. You can also enquire at the hospital about the surgeon's qualifications.
- If 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. It can mean a better quality of pre and post-operative care.
- Does the doctor's office have life-saving and monitoring devices?
- Who will administer the anesthesia? Is the person a board-certified anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist?
- What risks are associated with this procedure? About how often do they happen? How is the doctor prepared to handle complications?
- What is the expected recovery for this procedure?
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 few weeks for most of the cosmetic surgeries so you need to be prepared to schedule the required vacation time.
At the end of the consultation you should feel educated and confident about the surgeon. Don't schedule an appointment until you have consulted with several surgeons and only after you feel completely secure that you have chosen 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 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 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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