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Choosing Between Two Surgeons

asked 1 year ago by MIAMIVICE in MIAMI
Latest answer by York Jay Yates, MD
Question viewed 500 times
Tags: age 25-34, chest, flanks, choices, plastic surgeon

Im planning to get lipo on my chest and flanks sometime in mid December. I visited a total of 5 plastic surgeons I narrowed down my choices to two highly qualified surgeons based on anesthetic method, for some reason most of the surgeons I consulted with only use general anesthesia, these two surgeons use twilight both surgeons have been practicing in the field before I was born 1984. There prices differ considerably one wants $3800 the other wants $5400. Both perform procedures in office.

Heres where the issue is, surgeon $3800 his OR is not accredited by anyone as far as I can tell he is licensed in the state of Florida but no facility accreditation. The other doctor’ $5400 facility is accredited by the AAAASF. Both facilities look the same. The issue with this is doctor $3800 wants to use a smart lipo/ vaser and doctor $5400 want to use tumescent lipo, for some reason I think doctor $3800 approach will result in the best. What should I do? Chest/ flank lipo

23 answers to Choosing Between Two Surgeons

+2

Several factors don't seem right with either doc you are looking at.

Be sure the facility is accredited. That is very important.  The $3800 is way to cheap for smart or vaser lipo or any other technique for that matter for the areas you are to get liposuctioned.  Be sure the doc is not doing it so cheap as to gain experience on you or letting one of his fellows in training do the procedure.  Don't go where they are still doing lipo under the old method of  general anesthesia. He technique may be out dated as well.  ... more
David Hansen, MD

Beverly Hills Dermatologic Surgeon

www.DrDavidHansen.com

+1

Outpatient facility certification is important

In my opinion you are absolutely right to desire conscious sedation without general anesthesia for liposuction. Regarding certification, I would look a little further into the reasons why one does not practice in a certified operating room.  There are requirements that all ASPS member surgeons practice in certified operating rooms.  Is he a board certified plastic surgeon? Certification is important.  It does not guarantee a good outcome but it does guarantee specific... more
York Jay Yates, MD

Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon
+1

Chossing between two surgeons.

The fully accredited OR is an indication that the surgeon is willing to open up his/her facility to outside scrutiny. This is a sign that the surgeon is confident in the delivery and quality of care
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Choosing a surgeon

Many times we get caught up in the ongoing battle for which technology is the best.the best technology is what technology does your surgeon use to get the best results.That is more important then anything.Excellent results can be had by both techniques,the real question is which surgeon utilizes that technology to get superior results.I think having an accredited facility is important and that should weigh in your decision.
Robert Brueck, MD

Fort Myers Plastic Surgeon
+1

Choice Between Two Surgeons

A couple of points: 1.  I would recommend using a facility that is AAAASF certified. 2.  The method of liposuction is far less important than the skill of the plastic surgeon performing the procedure. 3. Select a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. ES
Earl Stephenson Jr., MD, DDS

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Choosing a surgeon

Always go with the surgeon who has a fully accredited facility unless you have it done at a hospital. 
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Accreditation means something

accreditation means that surgeon went to a lot of trouble to be sure his OR  measures up to some pretty strict standards...and the other guy might be cutting corners. who do you want to operate on you???       a good surgeon will get good results with either method...and a bad one won't. it's not the machine one uses, it's the skill of the operator.  sometimes you get what you pay for........
Bruce K. Barach, MD

Schenectady Plastic Surgeon

drbarach.com

+1

Choosing a Plastic Surgeon

Board certification in Plastic Surgery and an accredited facility with a plastic surgeon you trust and feel comfortable with are the most important factors.  This may be slightly more expensive but will minimize risk (Yes, there is risk, even in a liposuction procedure) and  help ensure that the procedure will go smoothly. 
Stephen Delia, M.D.

Boston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Surgeon Preference

Wow...the threads posted here from my colleagues are RIGHT ON!  Peter A. Aldea, MD and Stephen Prendiville MD have hit the nail square on the head. Safety is paramount...ask these two surgeons 1) Are you Board Certified, 2) What are you Board Certified in?  Surgery Center certification is a MUST...if the center doesn't have it, ask WHY. Good luck and be safe! Dr. C
John Philip Connors III, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Choosing a plastic surgeon

Please re-read Dr. Aldea's thoughtful answer as it rings true entirely.  First of all, be sure you are going to real Board Certified Plasic Surgeons as many non-plastic surgeons do liposuction (ie "cosmetic surgeons").  Then decide on the quality of their results and from seeing photos of patients like you.  Make sure they are telling you honestly how good a candidate you are for liposuction because so many who want it aren't going to have the best skin... more
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

How to Pick a Plastic Surgeon

Regarding:   "Choosing Between Two Surgeons Im planning to get lipo on my chest and flanks sometime in mid December. I visited a total of 5 plastic surgeons I narrowed down my choices to two highly qualified surgeons based on anesthetic method, for some reason most of the surgeons I consulted with only use general anesthesia, these two surgeons use twilight both surgeons have been practicing in the field before I was born 1984. There prices differ considerably one wants... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Accreditation is Expensive and Time Consuming, But in Your Best Interest

There is very likely a reason for the difference in price:  accreditation is expensive and time consuming.  Anybody operating in a non-accredited office these days is not following the standard of care.  Why Accreditation?  Because it is the right thing to do for the patient. It is not worth it to short change your health and well being for $1600. 
Stephen Prendiville, MD

Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Accreditation

At a minimum you should have your surgery in an accredited office.  This designation exists for a reason.  I would also be sure both physicians are true plastic surgeons.  This is not the area to look for savings.  I tell my patients, "it may techinically be legal to have surgery in an office, but that doesn't mean it is the safest."  In the unlikely event things go wrong, where do you want to be?  How many people we be in the office who are... more
David A. Lickstein, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Safe liposuction in accredited facility only.

Hi. This is a really easy choice. In states like New York, it is actually illegal to do liposuction in a facility that is not accredited. You should also know that there is no advantage to Smart lipo or vaser. They are mostly about marketing.
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Liposuction best done in an accredited facility

You should have your surgery done in an accredited office in Florida. Most surgeons don't feel that the type of liposuction is as important as the surgeon who is doing the liposuction.
Ronald Shelton, MD

Manhattan Dermatologist
+1

2 Surgeons

You ask many questions and issues. First, are the surgeons board certified by "the American Board of Plastic Surgery"? Sounds like the first choice is NOT! Second, It is state law any operating office suite needs accreditation by one of 4 agencies - qua A, triple A, JACO, or by the Florida Board of Medicine Office Surgery Accreditation. The second surgeon has one of these (quad A). In my personal office operating room I have the Florida Board of Medicine approval.  You... more
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Accredited Facilities

You should always have any major procedure performed in an accredited facility by a board certified plastic surgeon.  Once you have established this, then you should go with who you feel the most comfortable.  Good luck.
David Shafer, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

www.ShaferPlasticSurgery.com

+1

Choosing the best surgeon for liposuction.

The facility should be accredited where I would be having any type of liposuction. You will be more comfortable with general anesthesia and the type of liposuction is not important---the surgeon is.
Toby Mayer, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Choosing a plastic surgeon

Choosing a plastic surgeon is a very important step, one in which your result and perhaps your safety will depend upon. We always suggest a surgeon board certified in plastic surgery, with experience and a reputation for quality in your community. Membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons will also signal a commitment to high ethical standards. Finally, office accreditation is a must to ensure your health and safety. You should question why any surgeon would not hold himself up... more
Peter E. Johnson, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Making decisions about cosmetic surgeons

I'm not sure you are approaching this decision in the best way- here is another way to look at the issue. Which surgeon do you feel most comfortable caring for you, listening to your desires for cosmetic outcome, and dealing with potential complications. Which surgeon do you LIKE the best? Now look at that surgeon's results- go through his/her website before and after photos, look at the photo books in the office... are the surgical results really good? Basing the... more
Scott Sattler, MD

Bellevue Plastic Surgeon
+1

Which plastic surgeon

Great question. First make very certain that you are comparing apples to apples. Many types of Dr's will call themselves plastic surgeons. Make sure you have a plastic surgeon certified by the american board of plastic surgery. The certification of the facility means that the surgeon has gone above and beyond and is being monitored by an ourtside agency. That does not mean that the other facility is not adequate but at least you have an independent group checking. The technique used... more
John P. Stratis, MD

Harrisburg Plastic Surgeon
+1

Trust Your Instincts In Surgeon Selection

In both cases, you stated that they use sedation, which is not under the same rules as general anesthesia with regards to level of surgery, etc.  Alot of surgeons do liposuction under minimal sedation and local anesthesia in there office.  It just depends on which surgeon you felt more comfortable with.  Both sound like they are qualified, so it just depends on who you "fit" better with.  I hope this helps.
Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD

Barrington Plastic Surgeon
+1

Is this really a question?

In the State of Florida, office based surgery that is performed under general anesthesia is considered level III, twilight procedures are considered level II surgery.  In order to be compliant with Florida law, the surgeon's operating room must be appropriately accredited for performing level II or III procedures.  This means inspection by the Florida Department of Health, or AAAASF, AAAHC, or JCAHO accreditation and compliance with state standards for office based surgery.... more
Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

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