Finding the best plastic surgeon

Cosmetic procedures are now performed by a variety of people. Patients are often shocked to find that their cosmetic surgeon who operated on their breasts was actually primarily trained as an oral surgeon, dermatologist, or even emergency room physician.

Because cosmetic surgery is unregulated there really aren't state or federal laws in place to protect patients to the degree one would expect. This may change in the future.

Make sure they have been trained appropriately by visiting websites like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, etc.

Prior to arranging an initial consultation, you can check a surgeon's website or make a quick phone call.

If you are searching for substance over style - it is possible to have a flashy, professional looking website where there is no substance in the practice. Conversely, you can have a messy website with substance.

Also, the person initially answering a practice's website will have varying degrees of experience. Make sure you are speaking with the office manager or patient coordinator, or you may get a false impression.

Some of the elements you are looking for:

• Credentials - Is the surgeon a board certified plastic surgeon? There are a number of other specialties performing cosmetic medicine (with varying degrees of success) so you want to ensure that the physician is credentialled in the field that you want.

• Is the surgeon a Member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, a Fellow of American College of Surgeons, or a Fellow of International College of Surgeons? If so, this may indicate how the surgeon is perceived in the field.

• Where does the surgeon perform the procedure? It should be certified by a national organization such as AAAASF. What level of anesthesia can be performed a tthe facility?

• Who performs the anesthesia? Anesthesia is best performed by MD Anesthesiologists.

• Is the surgeon proficient in the surgery? A more established practice may have more surgeries that they perform regularly than a surgeon just starting out.

• I wouldn't ask for fees over the phone. Different practices structure fees differently so you will not get a good comparison.

• Does the surgeon offer a free consultation? After a few minutes with a surgeon, you will know if his personality and philosophy fit your needs. Meet with 3 board certifified plastic surgeons to get a good idea of the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Finding the best plastic surgeon for a specific procedure can be a difficult task. If a patient is looking to have a face-lift, seek out a board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Look at the physician’s credentials, resume, and previous results; also ask to see before-and-after pictures of multiple patients who have facial structures similar to your own. It is important that the surgeon performing your face-lift have a great deal of experience with this operation.

It is also important to have an excellent rapport with your physician, and both of you should have a good understanding of one another. Equally important is to have a board-certified physician anesthesiologist as well as a certified ambulatory surgery center.