Questions to ask when choosing a plastic surgeon

Plastic surgery has moved from being a secret to something that everyone is talking about. From celebrities to everyday people, everyone seems to be considering, or at least talking about what cosmetic surgery they would have. Because of the rising popularity of this type of surgery, there are more doctors then ever who are trying to meet the demand. However, it is crucial to understand that any licensed doctor can call himself a plastic surgeon. This means that it is more important then ever to find a doctor who has been properly trained in plastic surgery and is also certified to do it. There are several questions to ask when choosing a plastic surgeon. Here are some of the most important-

• Is the plastic surgeon you are considering a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)? Health experts urge that this is the first question you ask any prospective surgeon. Using a plasticsurgeon who is a member of this group is the best way to insure that you will receive the highest quality of care and the best possible outcome.This is because each ASPS member surgeon:
  • Has had at least six years of surgical training and experience, with a minimum of three years of plastic surgery.
  • Is board-certified to do plastic surgery.
  • Is trained and experienced in all plastic surgery procedures, including breast, body, face and reconstruction.
  • Is peer-reviewed for safety and ethical standards prior to attaining the honor of active membership.
  • Only operates in accredited facilities.
  • Adheres to a strict code of ethics.
  • Fulfills continuing medical education requirements, including standards and innovations in patient safety.

Once you have found the surgeon you are considering who is part of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there are still further questions that you should ask. These questions will further educate you about the plastic surgeons capabilities. These questions are:

• Do you have privileges atthe hospital I am choosing to perform the surgery?If the plastic surgeon does not, you should ask at what hospitals they do have privileges and then determine if that hospital is satisfactory for you.
• Is the surgical facility that you use fully accredited?
• How many times have you performed the procedure I am considering?You want to make sure that you are choosing a plastic surgeon who is experienced in what you want to have done.

Once you are fully satisfied that you have chosen the right plastic surgeon to do your procedure there are still more questions that you need to ask. Some of these questions are:

• Do you consider me a good candidate for this procedure?
• What will I need to do to get the best results?
• What are the specific risks that are tied to my procedure?
• How long will my recovery be? How difficult will my recovery be? Will I need certain kinds of help during my recovery?
• Will I need to take time off work? If I do, how long will I need to take off?

While you are asking these questions your plastic surgeon should do the following:

• Answer all of your questions thoroughly and completely to your satisfaction.
• Ask what your thoughts are about the procedure.
• Offer alternatives, where appropriate, without pressuring you to consider unneeded or additional procedures.
• Welcome any questions about your procedure, and his or her professional qualifications, experience, costs and payment policies. Failure to do this is a red flag that you should move on to another plastic surgeon.
• Make completely clear the risks of surgery and possible outcomes.
• Give any you information about the procedure you want.
• Finally, leave the final decision to you.