Plastic Surgery: Q&A

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Plastic Surgeon Areas of Expertise?

If a Plastic Surgeon offers several procedures, how do you know which ones they are most proficient at? Would it be the ones they are doing most? Would a large amount of before and after pictures give you a clue by the volume? How can you get real information on the quality of work? Any advice?

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11 Doctor Answers | Asked by Belledajour in Schaumburg, IL USA

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Make sure all your questions are answered and you feel comfortable with the surgeon

This is a good question. First of all, check on the qualifications of the surgeon. They should be board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Although there are other "boards" they do not carry the same rigorous checking that American Board of Plastic Surgery does. Next, make sure that the physician has an affiliation with a local hospital and can do the procedure that you want at the hospital. The hospital also checks into their qualifications and usually makes sure... more

Plastic surgeon areas of expertise

A plastic surgeon who specializes in a particular area will often have interest in the area beyond just performing that procedure. Often that means he or she will publish papers on the topic in plastic surgery journals, speak at national meetings, etc. None of these are a substitute, of course, for lots of before and after pictures. It is also important to relate to the doctor and feel that your needs are being listened to and addressed with a focused plan during the consultation.... more

Experience, qualifications, photos, and word of mouth all help

This is a great question and one that many patients ponder. In general, the things to look for are: Training -- make sure they trained at a fully-accredited plastic surgery program. You would be amazed how many doctors claim to be cosmetic surgeons without any formal training. Verify their Board Certification Status -- Ask them directly if they are Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. If there is any doubt, you can always find this information out online as well... more

Plastic Surgery Expertise is a guarantee of success

In my own practice, approximately 95% of my patients are from patient referrals from previous patients and friends. In truth, this is the best way to choose a plastic surgeon and is far superior to advertisements in choosing a plastic surgeon. For those patients who do not have a referral from a friend, the best way to evaluate a physician is by using your best judgement and your hunch. The quality of a physician's website, office, examination room, staff, credentials, awards, reviews,... more

How to tell if you have a good Surgeon

Thanks for the good question! First and foremost, make sure you are considering a board certified plastic surgeon. A member of the Amercian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) demonstrated that he/she has been board certified AND met addtional requirements of experience and ethics in oreder to become a member. Additonal memberships such as the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) shows the member is in a higher "tier" of plastic surgeons. Only 30% of plastic... more

You cannot ever be completely sure

If you were referred, then someone was happy with the results. However, it could be hit or miss. If the doctor is board certified in plastic surgery and trained in a good plastic surgery program in the US then at least you know that he/she IS a plastic surgeon. To find that out, call the board of Plastic surgery located in Chicago. If the doctor is young and just out of his/her training they have 5 years to get their boards so do not be upset if they do not have them yet. Ask the nurses in... more

A good question

How do you know if a plastic surgeon has expertise in a particular procedure? First of all, be sure they are a real Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Then ask your friends and Gynecologist for recommendations. Next, visit the doctor and ask specifically if your procedure of interest is performed frequently in their office. Photos are extremely important and there should be a good volume of them including ones that have a starting point somewhat like your own. Ask to speak with a couple... more

Get referrals and check references

I believe my colleages have answered this in excellent detail but I would add one additional comment. Think about how you would go about finding any professional for a different service? I usually rely on referrrals from trusted friends, family, and other professionals. Clearly I understand that you may be reluctant to discuss this personal surgery with other friends. However, think about discussing this with your family doctor, your gynecologist, your neighbor who happens to be a nurse. If... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Some plastic surgeons are technicians and others are true artists

Belledujuor, Not all plastic surgeons are made the same. Some are essentially technicians and others are true artists. Also, not all plastic surgeons have the same level of training. Most procedures build on basic fundamental skills which can be applied to many different areas of the body. However, if the surgeon does not have a strong hold on the fundamental skills, then they are limited to only that area that they have had the most exposure to performing. So, just because a plastic... more

A qualified plastic surgeon can do many surgical procedures well

Board certified Plastic surgeons with good training should be able to perform multiple procedures with very good results. The key to choosing a plastic surgeon is: Background information on plastic surgery training and fellowships (A hand fellowship means that the surgeon has additional training in this subspecialty) Board certification: Being a diplomate of (or certified by) the American Board of Plastic Surgery indicates a certain track record. It indicates a minimum training of 6... more

Questions to ask plastic surgeon

Most surgeons offer procedures that they do well, and do often. However, often is a relative term. Think about it, if a surgeon does 300-500 major procedures a year, if he says he does 200-300 of only one operation let's say a breast augmentation, then he is not doing much else? Or he may be doing some other operations 5 or 10 times a year, but that could be over a career of 50-100 at least for a 10-year career and even more if longer. This is certainly enough to be comfortable and... more

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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