How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon

More than two million plastic surgery operations are performed each year. Whether the patient wants a little nip and tuck, nose job, or wants to drop five dress sizes, plastic surgery should never be taken lightly. It is surgery, and professionals are always preferable to the chain-store style of clinics.

There are always potential complications. Attending a clinic that is owned by a famous surgeon, who will pass you off to an associate, can leave you in danger. The fact is, some people spend more time choosing the carpeting for their home, or even what movie they will go to see, than they will spend looking for a surgeon.

In areas where plastic surgery is common, research is easy. Just ask everyone you know from your doctor to your hairdresser. Eventually, one name will start to pop up repeatedly.

One thing to find out is whether the doctor has hospital privileges. This tells a lot about the medical industry’s opinion of the surgeon. It can also reduce the risk of complications becoming chronic if anything does go wrong.

It has become common for plastic surgery to be done outside of the hospital. This reduces the peer-pressure that surgeons must undergo, it also increases the chances of a doctor who ‘failed’ in other medical fields choosing plastic surgery because it is easier to get into.

Today’s world of commercialized medicine makes it more difficult to find a good surgeon. It is very easy to pick out which surgeon or clinic has the best advertising agency, but this tells you nothing of the care you will experience at the clinic.

It is also important to decide what experience you want. For many, plastic surgery is an experience, like a vacation. They want plush carpets and expensive paintings in the waiting rooms. They want a spa type atmosphere. Other people want an, in-out, type of experience at bottom prices.

There are good and bad plastic surgeons at both ends of the spectrum. Any doctor can put board certified in an ad. However, their certification may not clearly indicate what specialty they're board certified in. In some cases, they may not be certified in the type of plastic surgery they perform. You can check what specialty a US surgeon is board-certified in at http://www.CERTIFIEDDOCTOR.ORG

The American Board of Medical Specialties is the only board recognized by the American Medical Association. Do not accept as ‘serious’ any other certification board.

Once you’ve narrowed down the doctors you are going to look at, it is time to start the consultation route. This is where bargain hunters make mistakes. Doctors charge for consulting, so the more doctors you check out, the more it will cost.

Even though this may seem like a waste of time, it is vital. It is important to find a doctor who will spend time with you. You don’t want a doctor who walks in, takes a quick look, and walks out.

You want a doctor who puts their hands on you and shows you what will change. Some doctors use a new computer imaging gimmick, and that is what it is, a gimmick. The computer programs are not sophisticated enough to take into account age, skin type, elasticity, how the body will swell, effects of bruising. Many patients who trust the computer image are left disappointed.

Surgery is a life choice, take your time, research well, and walk into the office with a realistic understanding of what will – and will not – change in your body.



Ethan Miller advises on improving your heath and reducing pain from his web site at http://www.asthmaroom.com He invites you to get his FREE health guide http://www. babyshowerstar.com