How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon
Author: Evan LangstedHere are some guidelines to follow when choosing a plastic surgeon:
- You should find a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This certification is an indication that your plastic surgeon has undergone the additional training in field of aesthetic plastic surgery. Certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery also indicates that your plastic surgeon has obtained his or her degree from a reputable medical institution and has completed five years of additional residency.
- All highly regarded plastic surgeons should have privileges to perform cosmetic surgery procedures at accredited hospitals.
- Be sure to request before and after photos of patients who have undergone the plastic surgery procedures that you are interested in. Do not be shy when asking your prospective surgeon questions about their technique, potential scarring, etc.
- When possible, talk to past patients about their work, and their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with it. Ask them if they had it to do over again, would they do it the same way?
- And one of the most important factors in selecting a plastic surgeon is your personal comfort level with him or her. You need to be comfortable asking detailed questions about your cosmetic surgery procedure so that you are able to make an educated final decision about your surgery.
- Never choose a plastic surgeon solely on the basis of cost. Lower cost can often translate into a lower quality job, and can require follow up surgeries that can add up to be much more than the original cost of a higher quality procedure. In addition, a cheap plastic surgery job can result in complications that may leave you permanently disfigured or badly scarred. Nor does a higher cost automatically translate into a better procedure.
Board certification can be confusing. Many plastic surgeons promote a hodgepodge of memberships in various societies and multiple board certifications. Know that all certifying boards require different amounts of surgical training and experience. You should try your best to be aware of these varying requirements.
Check the credentials
It is also a good idea to start by calling the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (toll-free at 1-888-4-PLASTIC, or 1-888-475-2784) to get a list of plastic surgeons in your area who perform a certain procedure and are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This will weed out all the underqualified plastic surgeons and give you a good place to start you search for best surgeon to meet your needs.
About the Author:If you are considering a breast enhancement, body contouring or another plastic surgery procedure, please visit the Web site of Pratt Plastic Surgery in Washington today to learn more.
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