Choose a Qualified Plastic Surgeon

By Ayman R. Hakki, MD

Luxxery

. https://www.luxxery.com/

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Choose a Qualified Plastic Surgeon

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) toll free number (1-800-635-0635) is highly recommended as a starting place for locating plastic surgeons in your area. The ASPS recommends that plastic surgery is not a choice that should be made lightly, therefore, the surgeon that you choose should be well trained, qualified, and experienced in plastic surgery – not just surgery.

If you know of a plastic surgeon, the ASPS can verify if the plastic surgeon is board certified in plastic surgery. They can also send you a list of names of plastic surgeons in your area.

Once you have a list of recommended plastic surgeons, ask your private physician if they know the plastic surgeons and are familiar with his or her work. If a plastic surgeon’s name comes up several times during your research that is a name you would definitely want to consider.

Next, check the credentials of the plastic surgeons on your list. They should have completed an accredited residency program specifically in plastic surgery. This comprehensive background gives a solid foundation to the plastic surgeon’s skills and separates their skills from other surgeons.

For example, other surgeons may have trained in an unrelated specialty and then later switched, learning plastic surgery procedures through workshops, fellowships or videotapes. Although these are acceptable methods of continuing education, they cannot replace an accredited residency program.

It is important that the plastic surgeon be board certified in plastic surgery. The plastic surgeon’s certification should be recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons (ABPS) means that the physician has graduated from an accredited medical school; completed three or more years of residency training in general surgery; and completed two or more years of approved residency training in plastic surgery.

They must also pass the exhaustive written and oral examination, and be judged to meet high ethical standards of the ABPS. Please do not confuse a medical society with board certification.

There are a variety of medical societies, but as with board certification, some are more meaningful than others. The American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons requires its members to be certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgeons (ABCS) and be reviewed by their peers.

The last step is the consultation with the plastic surgeon. Meeting one or more plastic surgeons gives you the opportunity to compare their work, fees, qualifications and their personalities.

The plastic surgeon should make you feel comfortable during your first meeting. The plastic surgeon should encourage questions and offer photographs of prior patients who have had similar surgery.

The final decision will be yours and you should feel confident in the surgeon that you have selected. If you have checked the credentials of the plastic surgeon and are happy with your initial consultation, chances are you will be happy with the outcome of the surgery.