How to Tell if I Got a Good Plastic Surgeon?

How can you make sure you have found a very good plastic surgeon? I want a Breast reduction and Tummy Tuck but I'm afraid it will end up a disaster. I want to make sure that I've found someone very good because I can only afford to do this once and I couldn't afford to have a botched job fixed.

Asked 34 months ago by kwood in usa

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plastic surgeon plastic surgery

Selecting a Plastic Surgeon

When choosing a plastic surgeon it is imperative to select a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Often, plastic surgeons who perform a great deal of aesthetic or cosmetic surgery will also be members of ASAPS. Although many capable aesthetic surgeons are not ASAPS members, searching for a plastic surgeon who is a member of ASAPS is an indication that a surgeon has significant interest in aesthetic plastic surgery. Selecting a plastic surgeon should always... more

Doctor's Website

Michael Law, MD

Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Finding a competent plastic surgeon

For breast reduction and tummy tuck, patients should consider board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery first. They should then go to the website and confirm that their physician is indeed board certified in plastic surgery. Next, they should read the CV, the resume of the doctor. His qualifications will be in this document. His schooling, residencies, publications, university affiliations (i.e. are they a Professor at a major university in addition to being in private... more

Brent Moelleken, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Make sure of a good plastic surgeon

There are several things that you can do to make sure you have chosen the right surgeon. Check board certification. Make sure that you feel comfortable with the doctor and the staff. Look at pre and post op photos. Talk to friends or patients to see if they were happy.

Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Making sure you have a very good Plastic Surgeon

Your questions is good and common - no one wants a lemon in a car, spouse or a professional. The best way to decrease the risk of a poor choice is information, education and introspection. Basics: 1. See several Plastic surgeons. You will learn more and have more to compare. 2. For each compare their education (College, Medical School, Surgery, Plastic surgery training- better schools and programs are much harder to get in and suggest academic excellence) their certifications (MUST be... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Picking a breast reduction surgeon.

Hi. I wrote an article for RealSelf with tips for picking a plastic surgeon (for breast reduction or any cosmetic procedure). You can look at it on my profile. Hope it is helpful.

George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

You can find a surgeon right for you.

Choosing a plastic surgeon can seem like a very difficult process, however the selection starts right after the first impression. Before you schedule any appointment you should make sure the surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. It is also helpful to view the practice website to help you understand the flavor and texture of the office you wish to visit. also you will be able to confirm that your surgeon is affiliated with a highly rated hospital in the area. You may... more

Peter E. Johnson, MD

Des Plaines Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Do your homework bit be prepared; complications occur even in the best of hands

You have a couple of different issues here: Finding a good plastic surgeon Wanting a perfect result the first time around. While the first is an important decision and one that has been answered, the second reveals aspects of your situation which may not make you a suitable candidate for surgery, Generally, no one (paitent or surgeon) goes into surgery thinking that they want to do a "botched job" as you put it. We are professionals that have taken alot of time in our training... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

A most difficult question

Nothing is guaranteed. A good result from a fantastic surgeon is not guaranteed. One important thing is to trust a doctor with knowledge of that doctor, not just blind trust. A good place to start is with your internist or gynecologist. They are not going to ruintheir reputation by referring to "bad" surgeons. Gynecologist also have a good feel because all women have gyncologists and all problems fromcosmetic surgery are eventually seen by gynecologist. I believe that one... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Pick a hospital and ask the OR nurses

Obviously, Check credentials: Board Certifed? Years of experience? Societies joined? But those won't tell you whether the surgeon does good surgery. The best thing to do is to select a good hospital in your area and ask the nurses who work in the OR. They know what's what and who's who.

G. Gregory Gallico III, MD

Boston Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Not much different than any other profession...

Hi there- Start with the basics... If you were looking for a good lawyer, architect, OR plastic surgeon, you would want to know where they went to school, right? A medical school's reputation will not always mean that their graduates are good doctors, and there are great physicians and surgeons from lesser known medical schools, but the better schools do usually get the best students. Find out where they trained. Not all plastic surgery training programs are equal either- generally (but again, n more

Armando Soto, MD

Orlando Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

You really can't, easily

I would look at his web site and see if you like the results. Speak with former patients. Know any nurses at the hospital he works in? Know any other doctors to ask? However, even the best doctor occasionally gets a complication, even when everything is done correctly, so in the end, there is no guarantee. sek

Scott E. Kasden, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Do your homweork

Hello Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is the first requirement you should look for. Beyond that, meet with at least 2 such surgeons and view as many before/after photos as you can. Ask to speak to patients who have had your procedures. Ask your family doctor for recommendations and listen to what people in your area say about those plastic surgeons. Publications and university affiliations mean less. Publishing a lot does not mean that one is an accomplished,... more

Francisco Canales, MD

Santa Rosa Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Check out the physicians credentials

It is important to do some upfront work to make it more likely that you have a qualified surgeon and excellent outcome. First, make sure the surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. You want the skill of a doctor with more than six years of surgical training and experience, with at least three years specifically in plastic surgery. This training and experience make them qualified to perform your procedure. Check whether the physician is a member of the American... more

Glen Brooks, MD

Springfield Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Board Certifacation is key

Although there is never a guarantee of a favorable outcome from ones surgery, you dramatically increase your chances of being happy by following a few simple rules. Make sure your surgeon is a board certified plastic surgeon, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Ask how many of these particular procedures he/she has performed in private practice. Always ask to see their before and after photos. Ask to speak to a patient of theirs that has had the same procedures. BE... more