Mass General Hospital plastic surgery residency program in Boston Mass for a brachioplasty/arm lift

Question

Had consult today @ MGH Boston Ma PS residency program met (Chief residence) Dr Jeff Lee & Dr Thomas Cochran ( Board certified attending surgeon) was told that Dr Cochran would be doing surgery together with Dr Lee and he would be with him entire surgery, Dr Cochran has 53 years experience in PS , but they had no pics to show me , should I be worried about having PS through a residency program , I have apt in 2 wks to ask many more questions.... What should I ask?? Thank u

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Although I understand that plastic surgeons, including myself, need to train somewhere, I would suggest that you do not make yourself a “subject” for arm lifting surgery. Ultimately, you should keep the final goal in mind;  achieving the results you wish with surgery as safely and complication free as possible.
 I would suggest, instead that you slowly save up for this elective procedure. When the time is right from the physical, emotional, psychosocial, and financial standpoints, find the best plastic surgeon you can  to perform the procedure for you.When it comes to choosing a plastic surgeon I generally advise that patients start with the American Society of Plastic Surgery  to obtain a list of well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons.
Then, I would suggest you visit a few surgeons whose practices  concentrate on aesthetic surgery. Ask  to see lots of examples of their work and preferably speak/see patients who have had similar procedures done.
You will find,  while doing your due diligence,  that there are many different “specialties” who will offer their services to you;  again, I strongly recommend you concentrate on surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  
Make your decisions carefully when it comes to selection of your plastic surgeon;  although no surgeon is perfect and every plastic surgeon has complications that require revisionary surgery,    revisionary surgery rates may vary from one surgeon to another. Also, remember that if revisionary surgery does become necessary,  it may be more expensive in many ways. Therefore, do not to make your decisions based on financial considerations primarily.
I hope this, and the attached link/video, helps.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

All Plastic Surgery training programs offer cheaper rates on cosmetic surgery done by the residents than those in the community to entice people looking for cheaper rates.  MGH has a good and reputable plastic surgery program but the resident surgeon may have 2 years' experience operating as a Plastic surgeon. As a result, it is unlikely the results would be bad and it is unlikely the results would be outstanding because the latter require sophistication that comes after years of operating, reflection, self improvement and operating.If you are looking for a bargain, this is probably a good deal. A better and safer one than being done abroad or by a non plastic surgeon in his/her clinic in the US. However, you are likely to get more personalized service and a better result by having your surgery with an EXPERIENCED board certified Plastic surgeon. It will cost more but the odds of a better results are better.Good Luck.Peter A Aldea, MD

Mass General Hospital plastic surgery residency program in Boston Mass for a brachioplasty/arm lift

Answers (2)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Arm Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Mass General Hospital plastic surgery residency program in Boston Mass for a brachioplasty/arm lift

Answers (2)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Arm Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.