When a patient enters a plastic surgeon’s office, it is perfectly acceptable for a patient to inquire about the doctor’s qualifications and experience. It is recommended that a patient ask a surgeon how many times they have performed a specific procedure and if s/he has before and after photos available from previous patients. It is even acceptable to ask to contact previous patients to inquire about their experiences with the surgeon. A good surgeon encourages patients to become educated about their desired procedure. Michael Ledbetter, an Ohio plastic surgeon states, “A qualified surgeon will happily answer all the questions put to him by an inquiring patient.”
It is also important to ensure that a plastic surgeon has sufficient experience performing the specific procedure you desire. While referrals from friends and family can be extremely valuable, a surgeon who does a bang up breast implant procedure for your sister is not going to automatically be the best surgeon to perform liposuction. A surgeon must have adequate experience conducting your desired procedure.
This is one of the many benefits of choosing a board certified cosmetic surgeon. To become board certified, a surgeon needs to complete at least one year of hands-on experience at the side of an older and more experienced surgeon. It is still wise to inquire about a surgeon’s experience with the procedure you desire.
The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery recommends that a patient also ask where the surgeon will perform the procedure. All cosmetic procedures should be performed in a doctor’s office, hospital, or surgery center. Patients may also check to see if a surgeon’s chosen facility has received AAAHC or JCAHO accreditation which guarantees that certain safety standards have been met.
It is also crucial for patients not to choose a surgeon based on the low comparative cost of the procedure. Dr. Angelo Cuzalina, a cosmetic surgeon and assistant professor at the University of Oklahoma and Alabama, says “Among my revision patients, the biggest mistake I see is considering surgeons only by the lowest price.” He adds, “If you get pressure about a low, low price being good for today only, a huge red warning flag should go up.
Dr. Cuzalina points out cut-rate practitioners often conduct unsafe medical procedures. Many will monitor anesthesia and perform the surgery, tasks which should be handled by an anesthesiologist and a surgeon, respectively. Many low cost surgeons also work long hours, which can pose additional risks to patient’s health and the quality of their surgical results.
Choosing a well-trained certified practitioner ensures that you are using a surgeon who is equipped to handle unexpected complications. The best way to achieve optimal desired results is to research your desired procedure and take the time to find an experienced and qualified cosmetic surgeon.