I’m a board certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon with over 7 years experience performing a variety of cosmetic procedures. I’m a proud member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, Chicago Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Medical Association. In that time, I’ve learned that picking a surgeon has become a matter of much confusion. That is the reason I made this list of patient questions. After reading this, I think you will be able to easily select a qualified plastic surgeon to perform any cosmetic procedure. Most of all, you will be able to make an informed decision.
Here are the 7 critical questions you must ask:
Question # 1 What, if any, board certifications does the doctor have?
Typically you will want a doctor who is board certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Be careful. There are many other doctors out there that are board certified in something similar or even claiming to be triple board certified. A call to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or ASPS at 1-888-4-PLASTIC (ie. 1-888-475-2784) can tell you which doctors are legitimate plastic surgeons with outstanding qualifications. You can also visit the ASPS web site at www.plasticsurgery.org. The ASPS is the only one of the 24 boards approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties that certifies physicians in plastic surgery of the face and all areas of
Question # 2 How long has the doctor been performing this procedure?
Experience does help. And you will want to pick a doctor who has performed the procedure more than a handful of times.
Question # 3 Can you look at typical “before” and “after” photos?
Choosing a doctor on experience and qualifications is important but it’s more important to see their results. One good way is to look at a “before and after” book full of pictures.
Question # 4 Can you speak with an actual patient who had this procedure done?
Happy patients are the key to a successful procedure. If you can speak with actual patients, then you’ll find out about any pain or discomfort they went through. How long was the recovery process? An actual patient can give you their real-life experience and help you decide.
Question # 5 If the procedure is to be done in an outpatient center or an office, is the facility Medicare certified and state licensed?
If a facility is certified by both of these organizations, it means there is strict adherence to safety, operational, management and sterilization protocols. Along these lines, ask your surgeon if a hospital has granted them privileges to perform the operation they want to perform in their office. Maybe there is a reason they only do this surgery in their office. Maybe they do not have privileges to perform that type of surgery at a hospital. You should ask. By the way, who performs the anesthesia? Does the doctor give his own sedation? Is the patient put to sleep by a nurse anesthetist? Or is a board certified anesthesiologist present at all times?
Many doctors are able to offer a cheaper price because they skimp on something – make sure you are in safe hands. Make sure a board certified anesthesiologist is always there. I perform all of my procedures with one present. They pay attention to your heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation. I perform your surgery knowing you are in safe hands.
Question # 6 Does the office offer financing?
Can you pay by credit card? Which cards are accepted? Is there any kind of other finance arrangements directly with the office? What about payment plans? Since most people cannot afford to pay for many cosmetic procedures in one lump sum, this may be an important question to consider.
Question # 7 Who will perform the surgery and all of the postoperative care?
Will the same doctor who consulted with you actually perform your procedure or will part of the surgery be delegated to a surgeon-in-training? Then what about your postoperative care?
After performing any plastic surgery, I see all of my patients the day after their surgery. Then, I see them again in 4 days, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and every year after that. Why do I keep telling my patients to come back? It’s quite simple - I love spending time with my patients and love seeing their progress after their procedure. Remember, I will not abandon you once I’ve received your payment and performed your operation. This is the most common complaint I hear from patients who have had procedures performed elsewhere. I will not rest until you are happy and completely satisfied with your results.
Knowing the answers to these 7 important questions will help you decide which surgeon you should favor with your decision.
During your consult with Dr. Speron, the patient will discuss their desired goals on an individual level. Then they will further discuss the course of treatment and potential complications at the appointment time. Please check out the wealth of information on our site by clicking here.
Make sure you chose a board certified plastic surgeon. A call to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or ASPS at 1-888-4-PLASTIC (ie. 1-888-475-2784) can tell you which doctors are legitimate plastic surgeons with outstanding qualifications. You can also visit the ASPS web site at www.plasticsurgery.org. The ASPS is the only one of the 24 boards approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties that certifies physicians in plastic surgery of the face and all areas of the body.
To help you in making your decision, please click here to check out the 7 critical questions to ask any plastic surgeon before letting them touch you!
By far, the most important factor in the success of your procedure is the surgeon you choose. So please choose wisely...
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