Can a Plastic Surgeon Be Great at Both Face and Body Procedures? Doctor Answers, Tips

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It is no the anatomy; it is surgical principles and aesthetics!

What distinguishes Cezanne from Van Gogh is not that one painted only fruit baskets and the other only landscapes. In fact, both men painted both subjects. What distinguishes Cezanee from Van Gogh is how they saw the world and what they wanted to communicate in their paintings. Facial, breast, and body anatomy that is relevant to aesthetic surgery is not so complex that a well-trained, intelligent, and diligent surgeon cannot master them all. What distinguishes between different surgeons,... more

Steven Teitelbaum, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

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Determining if a plastic surgeon is good

If you ask anyone if they're good at what they do, the answer is predictable. You must look at their results. Irregardless of if they call themselves a facial or an eyelid or a nasal plastic surgeon you must evaluate their results. Those plastic surgeons that are good at faces and breast augmentation and body procedures (there's thousands of them) are likely good to great surgeons with a good eye for the aesthetic result. That's what you need. Assuming you've found the proper credentials... more

Ricardo A. Meade, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

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Plastic surgery for both face and body

There are certainly surgeons talented in both face and body. Generally surgeons pick procedures they love to perform and perfect those. When you have found the right surgeon, you will probably feel at home in their office, and will often have the sense that you are in the best hands. Of course to paraphrase Reagan, trust but verify.... Look critically at the doctor's before after pictures, their CV (resume), their publications and ask your doctor friends if they have heard of the doctor's... more

Brent Moelleken, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

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It is possible to be an excellent facial and body plastic surgeon

The first thing you will need to determine is whether the surgeon is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery (Am. Board of Plastic Surgery). If that is the case, they have had extensive formal training in all aspects of plastic surgery on all parts of the body. No other cosmetic surgery specialty has this and as such, they are pretenders if they promote themselves as equal in training. Second, you need to meet with several surgeons and carefully inspect multiple photos of their work in all... more

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

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Here are the facts for face and body plastic surgery

1) Each residency and fellowship training has its strengths and weaknesses. Some programs are strong in cosmetics. Some are strong in reconstructive. Some are weak in both. 2) Each surgeon's practice ends up being tailored by various factors such as location, personal preferences, reputation, etc which end up making a surgeon do more of a certain type of surgery. However, most surgeons like the variety and are bored by being too super specialized and will continue to do most types of... more

Shervin Naderi, MD
Washington DC Facial Plastic Surgeon

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Plastic Surgeon Specialities

Plastic Surgeons are trained in cosmetic, hand, craniofacial, breast, wound and all other areas that have to do with the soft tissues. However, not all training is equal and depending on where they went depends on what they are comfortable doing. I, for example, have done extensive hand and facial trauma surgery. And I was trained extensively in breast and cosmetic surgery. So I'm very comfortable doing facelifts and eyelid lifts as well as breast augmentations, reductions and... more

Christopher L. Hess, MD
Fairfax Plastic Surgeon

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Plastic surgeons can equally be expert at facial and body cosmetic surgery

As a dermatologic surgeon I have many chances to see the work of plastic surgeons. There are many who do excellent work regardless of the anatomical region upon which they work. It just requires them to have the talent and interest in doing the procedure. Referrals by friends who have had work are an excellent way of knowing the surgeon Is good as well as checking with your general physicians.

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist

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Face and Body Procedures

All board certified plastic surgeons are trained in both body and face procedures. Some plastic surgeons focus on specific areas some do it all. It is just a matter of interest. You can have a plastic surgeon that has done hundreds of some particular procedure but not be good at it, it means nothing how much they have done of one particular thing or how much they do. You need to see the before and afters and feel comfortable with the plastic surgeon you seek. Those are the most important... more

Farbod Esmailian, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

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Great Plastic Surgeon

A well-trained Plastic surgeon is good at whatever he/she LIKES doing and works on improving. A GREAT Plastic surgeon is one who posses Plastic Surgery experience and knowledge, has a critical eye for details, a constant striving for doing each procedure better than the last one AND posses God given talent. Unlike some specialties whose livelihood and reason for being may hinge on repeatedly asserting an un-merited and unsubstantiated supremacy in eye surgery, facial surgery, skin /... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

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Plastic surgeon for both face and body procedures

There are plastic surgeons and facial plastic surgeons. Facial plastic surgeons specialize in performing facelifts, eyelid surgery, and rhinoplasty. The field of general plastic surgery is very diverse and includes cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face and body. Some plastic surgeons are very good at both facial and bodywork. It is very important that you feel comfortable with your surgeon, he/she is board-certified in whichever specialty you choose, and you have reviewed many... more

William Portuese, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

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Facial and Body Cosmetic Surgery

I believe in specialization. Some surgeons do reconstructive work primarily and very little cosmetic surgery. I've been doing facial cosmetic surgery for over 30 years, but there are some eye problems I refer to ophthalmic plastic surgeons. Ask about the surgeon's practice and look at other patient's results to make sure the physician is experienced in the procedure you are considering.

Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

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Plastic Surgeon for face and body

Hello, It is important to do your research when choosing a surgeon. It is a good idea to choose a surgeon who specializes in facial procedures only, as they will have the most skill and experience dealing with facelifts and neck lifts. It is difficult to be an expert with the face and body, as specializing in both areas limits the amount of exposure the surgeon will have in each area of the body. I am a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon located in Beverly Hills, and have a... more

Paul S. Nassif, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

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A surgeon may do both body and face but not be good at either.

Usually a surgeon develops a practice is primarily one or the other though he may do both. The important thing is do you like the noses that each does. Pick an experienced rhinoplasty or breast surgeon that you feel has your same aesthetic sense.

Toby Mayer, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

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Plastic surgeons who do both facial and body contouring

It is common for a Plastic Surgeon, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery to be competent at both facial and body contouring. As recently as today, I performed eyelid surgery as well as abdominal liposuction. The most important issue is asking the physician and looking at results. The plastic surgeon who is certified by the Board of facial plastic surgery is an otorhinolaryngologist who performs facial procedures. They are not trained in body contouring and would only be... more

Roger J. Friedman, MD
Bethesda Plastic Surgeon

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Surgeons tend to be best at what they do the most

Can a surgeon be brilliant at many different surgical areas such as breast, body, lipo and rhinoplasty? I suppose it is possible. I personally specialize in rhinoplasty and reconstruction of the nose and face. My focus allows me to improve my skills and build up experience in this very difficult art. You, as the consumer will have to decide based on looking at photos and talking to several doctors who you think will be the best. Ask nurses who work in the OR's, they usually have some... more

Ivan Wayne, MD
Oklahoma City Facial Plastic Surgeon

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Same plastic surgeon for face and body procedures

Many patients are happy with their facelift and want the same surgeon to perform a breast augmentation or tummy tuck. Board certified plastic surgeons are the only specialists trained in cosmetic surgery of the face and body that can provide that service and value to patients. Choose the plastic surgeon that has the credentials under american board of medical specialties, has the experience in the procedure(how many do they perform), before and after photos and even previous patients you... more

Andrew Turk, MD
Naples Plastic Surgeon

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Yes, a plastic surgeon can be good at face and body procedures

Plastic surgery is unlike other surgical disciplines. There are many ways to perform a cosmetic procedure with each procedure creating a different aesthetic outcome. Understanding your surgeon's aesthetic and agreeing with it are key to choosing the right surgeon for you. Although all plastic surgeons are trained to perform multiple cosmetic and reconstructive procedures advanced training in aesthetic surgery demostrates a committment to aesthetics and assures you the surgeon has extensive... more

Robert W. Kessler, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

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Real plastic surgery is technique and judgement, not anatomical location

A plastic surgeon that has completed training in the full specialty is capable of applying these skills to multiple areas of the body. Obviously, some surgeons will choose to limit their practice and some will not. Some plastic surgeon have only had training with certain anatomical parts so you need to be aware of this. If a plastic surgeon calls him self or her self a plastic surgeon of a certain body part; make sure to stay with in that anatomy with that surgeon. Find a qualified surgeon... more

Marcus L. Peterson, MD
Saint George Plastic Surgeon

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Rhinoplasty is a very specialized procedure

YES, rhinoplasty surgeon is a highly challenging and specialized procedure, and to achieve truly aesthetic results in all different patients, an experienced surgeon -- whether a facial plastic surgeon (who specializes exclusively in plastic surgery of the face) or a plastic surgeon (who generally does both body and facial work) is key. Here in Miami, there are around 4 of us facial plastic surgeons who I would refer to prospective patients for a second opinion, and a similar number of... more

Jeffrey Epstein MD, FACS
Miami Facial Plastic Surgeon

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Great Plastic Surgery is focused on who is your surgeon not the procedure

Of course, you can find a Plastic Surgeon who is good at both Face and Body Cosmetic Surgery. Plastic Surgery is about finding the right surgeon for you who is honest, talented and focused on helping you get the best results for you. A Board-certified Plastic Surgeon is trained in all areas of the face and body, however, he/she may have an area of expertise they have focused on in their practice. Good Plastic Surgeons will tell you what they are great at doing....just ask them and then look... more

Rod J. Rohrich, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

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Face and body plastic surgeon

Certainly, a plastic surgeon can be great at facial work and body work. They are definitely out there. Some may be better than others, but usually if a plastic surgeon is good at one and performs meticulous work, he is also good at the other.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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Training is not enough to assure that someone is an excellent surgeon

There are excellent surgeons who perform facial plastic surgery and excellent surgeons who perform breast and body work. I know some great surgeons who do both as well. Ask your surgeon how many of each of the type of surgery that you seek that they do per year or per month and what is the rate of revisions on their cases. Get recommendations from national societies, patient advocates and happy patients. Make sure you are comfortable with the doctor and confident in their ability. The... more

Steven J. Pearlman, MD
New York Facial Plastic Surgeon

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Plastic surgeons can be skilled at multiple procedures

Many plastic surgeons are skilled at both body contouring and facial procedures. Consult with more than one plastic surgeon. Ask about how often the surgeon performs the procedures you are interested in (experience makes a difference), look at before and after photos, and you can even talk to patients who have had the same type procedures.

Michael D. Yates, MD
Huntsville Plastic Surgeon

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Face and body procedures by the same plastic surgeon

Your question touches on a point of confusion among patients and some degree of disagreement among professionals. Plastic surgeons who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery are trained in reconstructive and cosmetic procedures for the entire body. For quite a while, plastic surgeons were the only ones who did plastic surgery but market forces drove others into the field. One of the first was ENT surgeons (otolaryngologists) who set up fellowship programs for additional... more

Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

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Plastic Surgery of the Face and Body

A few recommendations: - Visit with several plastic surgeons who are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The core training as determined by the American Board of Medical Specialists confirms ASPS member surgeons are the best trained to treat cosmetic concerns of the face and body. - Ask to see before/after photos of the surgeon's work - Ask how many times each month they perform your desired procedure - Go with your gut... more

C. Bob Basu, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

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Evaluating a surgeon's skills

After evaluating a surgeon' s credentials, I believe getting referrals from former patients and from medical professionals in the community is a good way of evaluating a surgeon's skills.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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Cosmetic surgery expertise breast and face

There is no reason a seasoned, experienced, plastic surgeon can not be great at both areas you mentioned. Personally, I refuse to do any procedure that I feel I am not good at, and trust me, there are a few that I readily refer to others who are good at, and are passionate about. That said, look at the pre and post op photos as there can be a lot of variability from one doctor to another, and your sense of aesthetics plays into this. sek

Scott E. Kasden, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

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Plastic surgery specialty

There is no hard and fast rule. If you think about some of the great artists of the world, they were great at many media. It is really their philosophy and view of the world that determined and transcended their work and the specific medium. A good plastic surgeon that is well-trained should be able to be expert in various body parts. In fact, I view plastic surgery as simply applied anatomy where we are able to manipulate and change the anatomy to fit our purpose. It is really not at all... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

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Best of both worlds

Doberman, Plastic and reconstructive surgeons are well trained in the complete surgical depth of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. A surgeon that has a high percent of body contouring patient certainly can be an excellent facial aesthetic surgeon. I believe that you are on the right path with your questions for potential surgeons. You should additionally look for a plastic surgeon that is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Once you have found the criteria outlined and... more

Earl Stephenson Jr., MD, DDS
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

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Depends on the focus of practice

There are plastic surgeons who only perform face and neck procedures. Why? Because this reflects their interest. Other cosmetic surgeons focus exlusively on body contouring procedures. Fewer and fewer plastic surgeons offer all services they initially trained for (reconstructive and cosmetic surgery of the hands, face, neck and body). This trend of sub-specialisation will only continue. I believe that performing a specific artistic procedure over and over again AND assessing critically the... more

Frank P. Fechner, MD
Worcester Facial Plastic Surgeon

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Plastic Surgeon for both face and body procedures

This is a GREAT question. There are no great answers though. Most boarded plstic surgeons do like one area of cosmetic surgery over others. A well experienced plastic surgeon should be able to preform both of these operations. Discuss your options with these docs. Also I have done the facial work while another colleague does the breast work and visa versa. Research your choices. Regards.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

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Can a Plastic Surgeon Be Great at Both Face and Body Procedures?