Selecting a Surgeon

•  Licensure as a physician and surgeon in the state in which you are considering having your cosmetic

   surgery procedure. 

Fellowship Training

A Fellowship in Plastic Surgery is an elite qualification that only a small percentage of surgeons preforming plastic surgery can claim.  A surgeon who has had additional fellowship training in plastic surgery has completed specialized training in a particular area of interest (Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Craniofacial Plastic Surgery, Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate, Breast Surgery and Breast Reconstruction, Microsurgery, Hand Surgery, etc,), usually under the tutelage of a talented, well-known and respected surgeon or group of surgeons in the field.  Acceptance into a fellowship is very competitive.  These fellowships typically last from several months to 2 years.  Fellowship training further emphasizes the surgeon's interest, commitment and experience in a particular area of plastic surgery and enhances his/her credentials.  

Board Certification / Board Eligibility 

It is important to inquire as to whether your surgeon is board certified or board eligible. Keep in mind that while passing an exam and obtaining board certification is a prestigious credential, it is in no way a guarantee that your surgeon possesses the artistic ability and meticulous surgical skills required to perform a particular cosmetic surgery procedure.  Although important, Board Certification should not  be your sole criteria for choosing a surgeon. The fact that a surgeon is not board certified should not mean that you automatically overlook someone who may be otherwise a very qualified surgeon. If your surgeon is not board certified, ask the specific reason why and whether they are in the process of becoming Board Certified. What is more important, is that your surgeon has had the requisite training, qualifications and expertise to perform the particular cosmetic surgery procedure that you are interested in and that they are practicing within the scope of their training and experience.  

Society Membership  

Society Membership in any one of a number of cosmetic surgery societies is strictly voluntary and not manditory.  Some surgeons choose not to be a member.  Membership in these various societies is in no way an assurance that your surgeon possesses the required surgical skills and expertise required for the particular procedure you are interested in. 

Guidelines for Selecting a Surgeon 

•  Prior to your consultation, it is a good idea to search the internet for information                                          about the surgeon you are considering.  Although you may have read an article in a                                      magazine that Dr. "such-and-such" is the "best," information on the internet or on                                        internet "blogs" may tell a  different story.  Surgeons pay a high price for a good                                          publicist and for catchy advertisements which may be misleading.  Running a check                                    through Health Grades or contacting the local medical board can oftentimes uncover                                    information on the surgeon regarding previous complaints, pending malpractice cases                                  and/or settled lawsuits. 

•  Your best referral is from a former patient.  Prior to your consultaiton, ask to speak 

   directly with one of the surgeon's former patients who has had the same procedure 

   you are interested in.  Other excellent referral sources include medical personnel who 

   may work with and / or  know the surgeon.      

•  When you arrive for your consultation, evaluate the following:  How were you intially 

   greeted?  Was the Receptionist pleasant? Did you have to wait to see the surgeon?                                    Was the surgeon "presentable" when you met with them? 

•  In order to derive mazimum benefit from your consultation, have a list of questions

    with you at the time of your consultation.  Knowing which questions to ask and how to

    ask follow-up questions is the first step.  Place your initial emphasis on asking

    questions about the surgeon's training, qualifications, certifications and experience.

    Then ask about the particular cosmetic procedure that you are interested in, including 

    risks, benefits and alternatives. 

•  Follow up these general questions with a request to see pre / post-op photographs of 

    the procedure you are interested in.  The surgeon should have a "before and after" 

    album for you to view. 

•  Request to see testimonials from patients who have had a favourable experience with 

   this particular surgeon.  Make certain it was for the same procedure you are interested

   in.  These testimonials can often be found on the surgeon's website. 

•  It is also important to ask where your surgery will take place.  If your surgery is going 

    to be performed in your surgeon's office, make sure that your surgeon's facility is 

    accredited.  There are three accrediting bodies:  The American Association for 

    Ambulatory Plastic Surgery Facilities (AAAAPS);  The Accreditation Association 

    for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC); and The Joint Commission on Accreditation of

    Healthcare Organization (JCAHA).

•  It is important that you ask whether your surgeon has admitting privileges at a 

    nearby hospital.  Privileges at a local hospital are granted to a physician only after that                                 facility has certified the training and experience of the physician.  This provides an 

    additional screening mechanism that your surgeon is adequately trainined and 

    credentialed.  In the majority of cases,  your surgery will take place in an office setting 

    or ambulatory surgery center.  However, in the event of an untoward emergency or

    complication, you may need to be transferred to a local hospital for further treatment or

    care.  In this situation, hospital provileges by your surgeon are critical.  

•  Equally as important, is to inquire about who your Anesthesia Provider will be.  Not all 

   plastic surgeons use certified anesthesiologists as their anesthesia providers.  Some

   will use non-certified anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists.  There is a marked

   difference.  Anesthesiologists are fully licensed doctors who have chosen to specialize

   in the area of anesthesia, who have completed a 4-year anesthesia residency following

   medical school.  In contrast, licensed nurse anesthetists obtain a bachelor's degree in 

   nursing and then complete a two to three year nurse anesthetist training program, 

   including a mandatory year of expereince as a critical care nurse.  While nurse 

   anesthetists may have successfully admnistered anesthesia hundreds or thousands of 

   times, it is important to realize that they are not doctors.  In addition to administering 

   anesthesia, anesthesia providers must be prepared to deal with complex physiological  

   issues and anticipate untoward reactions in the event of an emergency. 

•  One of the most important considerations in selecting the right surgeon is whether 

   there is a positive connection between you and the surgeon.  In addition to 

   your decision based on training and qualifications, patients are seeking a surgeon with 

   whom they can communicate clearly and develope a trusting relationship;  One the 

   patient believes can provide the highest quality surgical result.  

•  Following your  consultation, it is important to ask yourself:  Did the surgeon spend an

   adequate amount of time with me?  Did you feel that you had an open and honest 

   discussion with your surgeon?  Did he / she answer all of your questions in easy to 

   understand language?  Did you fully understand all of the risks, benefits, alternatives 

   and complications of the procedure you are interested in?  Answering positively to 

   these questions is a good start in selecting the right surgeon for you. 

Lastly, don't rush the process of selecting a surgeon.  Most cosmetic procedures are elective, so take your time.  Meet with a number of qualified surgeons.  If you narrow your choices down to a few, request to meet with those few for a second consultation or as many times as necessary for you to feel comfortable with your decision.   In the end, it is a personal decision...take your time. Ultimately, you should feel comfortable not only with the surgeon you choose, but with your decision to undergo cosmetic surgery, as well.