Palm Springs 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 you can through resources such as this site, as well as the products and books mentioned on this site.
However, nothing can replace conferring with some surgeons and discussing your needs and goals. Only a qualified surgeon can tell you in detail how your life could be enhanced by a cosmetic procedure. They can show you the benefits and limitations, the recovery time and the price.
You should attempt to get yourself as knowledgeable and informed as you can before you actually agree to a procedure. Surgeons listed on this site will be a great spot to start in finding the right surgeon for your needs.
The Cosmetic Surgery Consultation
The first time you consult with a surgeon you may feel a bit frightened. You are about to make a decision that may effect you for the rest of your life. The surgeon and office staff should try to make you feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible.
You may find your first contact will be by filling in a web form on the doctor's web site. You should have a reply in a day or two. Usually a nurse or coordinator will contact you to ask some preliminary questions and schedule your first appointment.
When you arrive you will be asked to fill out forms listing your medical history. Your answers help show if you may be a good candidate. Expect to meet with the surgeon for one to two hours. Remember that the surgeon's time is very valuable so have your questions ready, and be prepared to give honest answers to the surgeon's questions.
The surgeon can talk with you about your body enhancement goals and explain to you what is realistic. You should be able to examine before & after photos and get an in-depth explanation of the technique. You should be able to talk about the costs and payment options available.
What should you ask?
Here is a list of ten important questions to ask your potential surgeon.
- Is the surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
- What schooling did the surgeon undertake after medical school? Was it in plastic surgery?
- How many procedures of this kind does the doctor perform each year?
- How many years has the doctor been performing cosmetic surgery?
- What hospital does the doctor work with? You will need to know should there be an emergency. You may also enquire at the hospital for the surgeon's qualifications.
- If 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. This may indicate a better standard 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 occur? How is the doctor prepared to handle complications?
- What is the average recovery time for this surgery?
Be sure to ask 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 cosmetic procedures so you need to be ready to schedule the necessary leave time.
At the end of the consultation you should leave feeling educated and confident about the surgeon. Don't schedule an appointment until you have talked to several surgeons and only after you feel absolutely 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 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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