Amidst all of the Hype: How To Choose a Plastic Surgeon

Main Category: Cosmetic Medicine / Plastic Surgery
Article Date: 23 Feb 2005 - 17:00 PDT


The world of advertising and public relations has brought physicians' names to the public on a continuing basis. Ten years ago if a doctor called himself a plastic surgeon, the patient knew precisely what that term meant. Recently, doctors in various sub-specialties such as dermatologists, gynecologists, ophthalmologists, and even dentists are performing plastic surgery procedures. This can leave prospective patients utterly confused about how to find the best and most qualified surgeons. Dr. Steve Fallek, a board certified cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon with practices in NYC and NJ, wonders how "is a prospective patient to know who is a diligent, excellent, caring physician and who is a charlatan?" Dr. Fallek wants to disseminate information the public can use and heed as caution when selecting a plastic surgeon in a country now brimming with doctors who call themselves "plastic surgeons."

Finding a plastic surgeon

The first step to choosing a plastic surgeon is to develop a list of names. There are several sources, some being better than others. According to Dr. Fallek, "word of mouth is a great place to start the search as one will always boast of the creative handiwork of a flawless facelift." Confer with friends who have undergone plastic surgery for the names of their surgeons, or ask your family physician. Hospitals are also a great source; ask for the names of plastic surgeons on staff. Also, The Plastic Surgery Information Service of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) offers a search for plastic surgeons by name, state, or zip code by calling toll free, 1-800-635-0635, or visiting their web page, http://www.plasticsurgery.org/lookup/search.cfm.

Doing your homework

Once you have composed a good list of plastic surgeons, you should check their credentials, as this will make you an informed consumer. More important than where a surgeon went to school is the type of training they have received. You want to be sure that the surgeon completed an accredited residency program specifically in plastic surgery. The American Medical Association (AMA) lists where and what type of training a physician has undergone: http://dbapps.amaassn.org/iwcf/iwcfmgr206/aps?18817608/. A physician performing plastic surgery should also be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Although board certification is not the only measure of professional competence, it indicates that the doctor has completed the necessary education and experience to bear this distinction. Beware of those physicians who are "board certified," but not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). "For example, The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery is not approved by the ABMS and neither are a host of other so-called 'boards,'" advises Dr. Fallek, who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which is the only plastic surgery board approved by the ABMS at this time.

The Consultation

The initial consultation with a doctor is another key step in assessing if you have found the right plastic surgeon for you. It is important to develop a good rapport with the surgeon. "You don't have to like your surgeon as a friend, but do you think s/he has you, the patient at heart at his first consideration?" asks Dr. Fallek. During the consultation, the doctor will evaluate you as a candidate for surgery. But, this is also a chance for you to evaluate the surgeon. The surgeon should answer all of your questions and address each of your concerns. Remember, this is your chance to express any doubts and ask questions about the procedure. Also, Dr. Fallek advises you to ask for the names of patients who have undergone the surgery you are considering, and for permission to speak with them about their experiences. Below are some more good questions to consider asking the surgeon:

• How long is the estimated operating time?
• What is the expected recovery time?
• Where will the surgery be performed- in a surgical center or hospital?
• What kind of anesthesia will be used?
• Will postoperative medication be necessary?
• Will there be any noticeable scarring?
• What realistic results can I expect?
• Will the doctor be performing the procedure from first cut to last stitch?
• What are the risks associated with this procedure?

For more information please visit http://www.fallekplasticsurgery.com

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