Plastic Surgery – Where To Begin
If you are considering having a plastic surgery procedure, but are overwhelmed by where to begin, then know that choosing the right plastic surgeon and asking the right questions is imperative. A little known fact is that anyone with a medical degree and a valid license to practice can call themselves a plastic surgeon. Do you really want someone who specializes in ears, noses and throats to perform your hand surgery or breast reconstruction? Research is key for a happy and satisfying cosmetic surgery experience.
So how do you make sure the doctor you are interested in is really a plastic surgeon and not just a doctor performing plastic surgeries? Check whether he or she has a plastic surgeon’s certification and experience. You can check with the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) online at www.abplsurg.org to verify their status. It should be a warning sign to look somewhere else if your surgeon is not a member.
What type of training do plastic surgeons certified through ABPS have? How does their training differ from that of non-members? At the bare minimum, they must have completed a 2 or 3 year training program in cosmetic plastic surgery from an approved medical institution. Board certified plastic surgeons are qualified to perform plastic, reconstructive, cosmetic or aesthetic surgery.
After you have chosen a surgeon you are happy with, the next step in the process is your first office visit. You will more than likely be asked to complete a medical history questionnaire for your surgeon to review. It is very important that you take up most of this first visit asking him or her questions you may have about the procedure you want to have done. There are some important standard questions you should consider asking your doctor during your first plastic surgery consultation.
This is a comprehensive list of questions to ask your surgeon. How often have you performed this type of plastic surgery procedure? Where will my surgery be performed? Are there any medical tests that need to be performed prior to the procedure, and are they included in the pricing? Approximately how long will my surgery take? What kind of anesthesia will be used? Are there any potential side effects, and if so, how have you dealt with them? What type of pain should I expect and what medications are used to treat it? Are the benefits of this procedure permanent? How long after surgery can I return to work? When can I resume normal activities like exercise, sex, etc.? How many check-ups will I have with the doctor after surgery?
There are some procedures for which you might consider a non-American Board of plastic surgery surgeon. They generally are procedures that an ophthalmologist can perform, such as eyelid surgery. The biggest question to ask is about complications and what the procedure is if they do arise. Are there emergency resources at the ready? Cosmetic, plastic surgery is a serious medical procedure. It is wise to research your prospective plastic surgeon’s credentials and patient feedback before committing to a course of action.
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