New York Cosmetic Surgeons
How to Pick Your Cosmetic Surgeon
If you are considering a cosmetic surgery procedure you should begin by educating yourself as much as possible using resources including this site, and using the books and products listed on this web site.
But, nothing can replace actually meeting with several surgeons and sharing your needs and wishes. Only an experienced surgeon can explain in detail how your life might be changed by a procedure. They can show you the benefits and risks, the healing time and the costs.
You should attempt to get to be as knowledgeable and informed as possible before you finally agree to a procedure. Surgeons found on this website are a great spot to begin finding the best surgeon for you.
The Cosmetic Surgery Consultation
The first time you consult with a surgeon you may feel quite frightened. You could be about to make decisions that may effect you in all areas of your life. The surgeon and office staff will attempt to make you as comfortable and relaxed as they can.
Often your first contact will be by filling in a web form on the doctor's web site. You will probably have a reply in a few days. Usually a nurse or coordinator will contact you to ask some preliminary questions and arrange for your first appointment.
When you arrive you will be asked to fill out forms listing your medical history. What you answer helps decide if you may be a good candidate. Expect to consult with the surgeon for one to two hours. Understand that the surgeon's time is very full so have your questions ready, and be ready to give candid answers to the surgeon's questions.
The surgeon can discuss your image enhancement wishes and tell you what is probable. You should be able to see before and after photos and get an in-depth explanation of the technique. You should be able to discuss the costs and financing possibilities.
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 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.
- 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 quality 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 risks are associated with this procedure? What percentage of the time do they occur? How is the doctor prepared to handle complications?
- What is the expected recovery time for this kind of surgery?
Be sure to question the surgeon about the pre-operative, operative and post-operative routines associated with the procedure. Recovery times are usually no more than a few weeks for most of the cosmetic procedures so you need to be prepared to schedule the necessary vacation time.
At the end of the consultation you should feel educated and confident with the surgeon. Don't schedule an appointment until you have talked to a number of surgeons and only when you feel completely secure that you have selected 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 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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