How can I find a qualified plastic surgeon?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:With some cosmetic procedures, it seems as if everybody and their mother's gardener thinks they can do them. And that's a recipe for disaster.
You should use the same investigating tactics to find the best plastic surgeon that you'd use to find a great surgeon for any surgery. Namely, you want to find the specialist who deals in your particular surgery and has all the credentials and accolades you're looking for. Start by asking your primary care doctor for leads, and then make sure you check out each plastic surgeon thoroughly before making a final choice. Here are a few factors that you need to consider:- Is the surgeon board certified? Your surgeon must be board-certified in plastic surgery, and it helps if he or she is a diplomate in the Plastic Surgical Society.
- How many times per year does the doctor perform this specific surgery you're interested in having done? Make sure that the surgeon performs the minimum number of surgeries per year to qualify as proficient in that particular surgery. Liposuction surgeons, for example, should perform at least 100 liposuctions per year.
- How good is her "brag book"? Check a surgeon's Web site to see his or her results, and ask for the "brag book" of sample cases like yours. (In fact, the before and after photos in a plastic surgeon's brag book are one of the most important factors when choosing a surgeon.) Some plastic surgeons specialize in extreme weight loss patients, and can show pictures with disappearing bat wings and shots with and without skin aprons. But remember that no one shows off images of complications or poor results, so ask to see at least a dozen pictures.
- Is the facility where you'll have the surgery accredited by the Joint Commission? That goes whether you're going to have the procedure done in a hospital, an in-office doctor's operating room, or aisle 4 of the supermarket. Search for the facility at www.jcaho.org and see if it's accredited; that's the only way to know if it meets the high standards for service and cleanliness that the Joint Commission (the public's safety champion) checks for.
- Do they throw a lot of hype at you? Just because a plastic surgeon is offering the "latest" or "newest" or "most cutting edge" procedure doesn't mean you should be first in line. The plastic-surgery field is full of fraud—and you don't want to be an unwitting lab rat. Make sure the tool, technique, or procedure has scientific backing.
With some cosmetic procedures, it seems as if everybody and their mother's gardener thinks they can do them. And that's a recipe for disaster. You should use the same investigating tactics to find the best plastic surgeon that you'd use to find a... More -
Dr. John Connolly answered:Finding a well-qualified plastic surgeon can be a challenge. It also depends on the specific procedure you are considering. Many dermatologists are trained in a sub-specialty called Facial, Plastic, Cosmetic surgery and they do cosmetic surgery of the face and neck. Some plastic surgeons may not do any cosmetic surgery and instead focus their practice on reconstructive and burn surgery. However, when seeking out a plastic surgeon, most people are doing so because they are considering cosmetic surgery.
First, always make certain the doctor is board certified and has a clean disciplinary history. If possible check out the doctor’s malpractice history as well. This information is available in many states but the amount of information and ease of getting it varies. Usually the state department of health is a good place to start. Links to each state’s department can be found here: http://www.castleconnolly.com/ddi/index.cfm
You also should visit the physician’s website and review before and after photos. In addition, talk to former patients as well as observe the “finished product” (i.e. the results). Lastly, visit the doctor for a consultation – most charge a modest fee – not only to discuss what you want in cosmetic treatment and how the doctor would approach the surgery but for you to get a sense of whether or not you like and trust the doctor.
Finding a well-qualified plastic surgeon can be a challenge. It also depends on the specific procedure you are considering. Many dermatologists are trained in a sub-specialty called Facial, Plastic, Cosmetic surgery and they do cosmetic surgery of... More -
Dr. Stuart Linder answered:Finding a qualified plastic surgeon is as easy as a click of the mouse on the Internet to the site of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Board certified plastic surgeons will be listed on the site of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Finding a doctor in your city or state that is qualified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is your first step.
1. Your surgeon must be a diplomat of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Surgeon. Those are the minimal requirements when considering plastic surgery of the body.
2. Meet with multiple plastic surgeons to find the doctor that you are most comfortable with. Make sure that that doctor is a specialist in the specific procedure that you are hoping to have performed. For example, if you desire a breast augmentation, make sure that the surgeon places breast implants weekly throughout the year.
3. Look at hundreds, if not thousands of before and after photographs of the doctor's work.
4. Make sure that the physician that will be putting you to sleep is a board certified anesthesiologist. This is extremely important as emergency situations require experts in the field of anesthesia.
5. The operating room should be in an ambulatory facility that is accredited. For example, Medicare and/or state certified.
All of these components will increase your possibility of having an excellent result and reduce your risk of complications.Finding a qualified plastic surgeon is as easy as a click of the mouse on the Internet to the site of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Board certified plastic surgeons will be listed on the site of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.... More -
Dr. Michael Niccole answered:A qualified plastic surgeon should be board-certified, have extensive training, offer consultations, and have quality photography and imaging tools. Watch plastic surgeon Michael Niccole, MD, give tips on finding the right plastic surgeon for you.
A qualified plastic surgeon should be board-certified, have extensive training, offer consultations, and have quality photography and imaging tools. Watch plastic surgeon Michael Niccole, MD, give tips on finding the right plastic surgeon for you. More
