Plastic Surgery Articles

Important Considerations When Choosing a Surgeon for Plastic Surgery

By Dr. Simeon Wall, Sr., Dr. Simeon Wall, Jr., and Dr. Holly Casey Wall of The Wall Center for Plastic Surgery

At The Wall Center for Plastic Surgery in Louisiana, our patients are always astonished when we tell them that there is no regulatory board specifying who can perform plastic surgery - but it’s absolutely true! In spite of a catchy ad or irresistibly low fee, it’s important to understand what to look for when choosing a surgeon for your plastic surgery. A tough economy and health care changes have driven many physicians from their chosen area of practice, only to open up shop as “cosmetic surgeons” in order to make ends meet. While this move may keep these doctors in business, it can be disastrous for many patients.

As board-certified plastic surgeons, each of us has seen countless people over the years who were disfigured by unqualified physicians, sometimes being left with irreparable deformities. Unfortunately, the number of these tragic cases is on the rise. Our founder, Louisiana plastic surgeon Dr. Simeon Wall, Sr., who has been performing plastic surgery for over 30 years, has seen a significant increase in disreputable cosmetic surgeons. Today it’s more important than ever for consumers and potential patients to use caution when entrusting their appearance and wellbeing to a physician.

Choose a Plastic Surgeon

Although many patients who visit The Wall Center in Louisiana for breast enhancement, a face lift, or other plastic surgery procedure are not aware of the difference, the terms “cosmetic surgeon” and “plastic surgeon” are not interchangeable. Simeon Wall, Jr., MD, FACS, notes that anyone who has finished medical school can legally claim to be a “cosmetic surgeon” if they choose to perform surgery to enhance a patient’s appearance – so this title means nothing. A plastic surgeon must have completed a minimum 2-year residency in plastic surgery, which includes training in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

Look for Certification by the “Right” Board

Dr. Holly Wall has found that patients are also confused by the term “board certified,” and rightly so. Any type of doctor who is board certified in any area of medicine (such as gynecology, vascular surgery, emergency medicine, or family practice) can claim to be “board certified.” Any cosmetic surgeon can take a 1-day course and then start operating on people, claiming to be a “board-certified cosmetic surgeon.” When they see the term “board certified,” patients need to dig deeper and make sure their surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).

Only “real” plastic surgeons can call themselves “board-certified plastic surgeons.” The American Board of Plastic Surgery is a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and is the only board recognized by the ABMS to certify plastic surgeons. Being certified by the ABPS, as are all 3 of The Wall Center surgeons, is the certification that holds the highest value. It means that a surgeon has completed 3 to 7 years of general surgery training and 2 to 3 years of plastic surgery training. He or she has practiced plastic surgery for a minimum of 2 years, has passed a rigorous examination process, and maintained their qualifications with the ABPS.

Better Still

At The Wall Center we are among a select few board-certified plastic surgeons who take the additional step of proving their competence and dedication to the practice of cosmetic surgery by becoming members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). ASAPS member surgeons are board-certified plastic surgeons who have satisfied the highest demands of the specialty of cosmetic/aesthetic surgery in order to claim membership.

Important Questions to Ask a Potential Surgeon

With an understanding of why it’s important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon, take the time to ask your potential surgeon some important questions, including:

• Can you perform surgery in a local, accredited hospital, as well as your office? Many of these so-called cosmetic surgeons don’t have hospital privileges to perform cosmetic surgery, which is usually a tip-off that their training is inadequate. Hospital privileges are granted by a body of the physician’s peers, based on a surgeon’s training and competency. If the surgeon you are considering does not have hospital privileges to perform plastic surgery, it may be because the hospital has a problem with your surgeon’s qualifications.
• What is the name of the board that certified you? If it’s any board besides the American Board of Plastic Surgery, it’s likely a bogus board that is not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
• How many of these procedures have you performed? Surgeons who have performed a procedure many times have experience with unique physical attributes of many patients and have the competence to deal with a variety of difficulties that can naturally occur during surgery.

In the end, let the buyer beware. Make sure your surgeon is “the real deal” – board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of ASAPS.

Contact a board certified Shreveport plastic surgeon at The Wall Center for Plastic Surgery today.

Written by: The Wall Center