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Checklist
for Choosing a Surgeon
How do you find a qualified plastic surgeon? Most people
are not aware that anyone with
a medical degree can call himself or herself
a plastic or cosmetic surgeon, advertise those
services and perform them. Your
first consideration should be to develop a list of wellqualified
plastic surgeons.
Recommendations from friends or your family physician are a
good starting point.
Local hospitals can provide you with a list of board certified plastic
surgeons
with approval to perform the procedures you are considering. Board
certification
cannot guarantee great results, but it can certainly increase the odds.
The
next step is to investigate your physician's credentials, such as board certification.
If
a physician indicates that he is board certified, make sure you question
to which board he
is referring. The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)
is the only board recognized
by the American Board of Medical Specialties to
certify plastic surgeons. A surgeon who
is ABPS certified has graduated from
an accredited medical school and completed at least
five years of additional
residency. After this, the surgeon must practice plastic surgery for
two years
and pass comprehensive written and oral exams. You can verify this
information
through www.certifieddoctor.org.
After you have narrowed your list of candidates,
consider asking these questions during
the initial consultation: Do you do
this procedure frequently or only occasionally and
when did you last perform
this procedure? What major hospitals and surgery centers are
you affiliated
with in the area? Could the surgeon show you various before and after
photos
of his other patients who had undergone the procedure you are considering? Did
he
candidly discuss the potential risks and complications associated with this procedure
so
you could make an informed choice?
After your consultation, think about this:
Did the surgeon ask about your motivation or
appearance goals? Were all your
questions answered to your satisfaction? Did the
surgeon welcome questions
about professional qualifications, experience and cost? Did
you feel comfortable
talking with the surgeon about surgical and non-surgical
alternatives? The
physicians at ACPS have prepared the following check list to help you
select
the best plastic surgeon for your procedure.
The Aesthetic Center for Plastic
Surgery's
Check List for Choosing a Plastic Surgeon ACPS
Non-ACPS
Surgeons
To
print and take with you on your consultations... SURGEON #2 #3 #4
THE SURGEON'S
CREDENTIALS
Specializes mainly in aesthetic plastic surgery YES
Board certified
by the American Board of Plastic Surgery YES
Member of:
American Society
of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) YES
American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
(ASAPS) YES
Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) YES
Fellow
of the International College of Surgeons (FICS) YES
Additional credentials
for continuing education from AMA, ASPS,
ASAPS YES
Privileges at major area
hospitals to perform the procedure of interest YES
Participates in continuing
education for his/her specialty YES
Practice has an affiliation of several
aesthetic plastic surgeons on site,
offering daily opportunities for continuing
education among peers YES
THE CONSULTATION
Before and after photos YES
Computer
imaging YES
Extensive pre-operative and post-operative educational materials
YES
Actual implants and garments available to "try on" a new breast
size YES
Fee quoted includes surgeon's fee, anesthesia, operating room,
implants,
post-operative visits with doctor, home visit by nurse YES
Extensive pre/post
operative printed information for patient review YES
THE SURGERY
On-site
fully accredited surgery center YES
If there is an on-site surgery center,
check the following:
Accredited by AAAASF, Inc. (you can verify at www.aaaasf.org)
YES
Licensed by the State Department of Health YES
Licensed anesthesiologists
to administer general anesthesia YES
Staffed by experienced individuals hand-picked
by the surgeon YES
Overnight stay program for patients needing longer recovery
care YES
PATIENT CARE
Complimentary at-home nurse visits by a skilled plastic
surgery staff
member YES
Registered massage therapists on site to relax
muscles and speed
recovery YES
Comprehensive skin care program with doctor-referred
products YES
Experienced esthetician providing skin care after facial surgery
YES
Other Considerations in Choosing a Plastic Surgeon
Surgeon: _________________________
Date
of Consultation: ________________
Procedure(s): ______________________
1.
Did the surgeon spend time with you discussing your motivations and appearance
goals?
2.
Is the surgeon experienced in performing this type of surgery?
How many? When
was the last time?
3. Did the surgeon answer all questions in a language you
could understand?
4. Was the physician warm, caring and understanding?
5.
Were reception areas and exam rooms clean and neat?
6. Were office staff friendly,
professional and knowledgeable?
Finally…Ask yourself how you felt after the
initial consultation. The level of
communication with your physician and his
staff, as well as the confidence the
surgeon inspires, are vital to the success
of your surgery.
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