How to Choose a Surgeon

When you make a decision to have plastic surgery, it is important that you choose a surgeon who is well qualified and experienced. However, it may be difficult to determine whether a surgeon has the skills and ability to perform your surgery and achieve the best results possible. Therefore, here is some information you should look for when choosing your plastic surgeon:

Board Certified in Plastic Surgery

Any doctor can perform cosmetic surgery, but a doctor board certified in plastic surgery will have the training and experience necessary to perform the safest and most effective procedure. Just because a doctor claims to be board certified does not mean he or she is board certified in plastic surgery. Therefore, make sure your surgeon is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This is the only board certification for plastic surgery recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.

Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the largest plastic surgery specialty organization in the world composed of board-certified plastic surgeons who perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Look for the ASPS logo on your surgeon’s website and at his or her office.

Member of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) is an organization exclusively devoted to advancing the art and science of cosmetic plastic surgery. The ASAPS logo depicts the Egyptian Queen Nefertiti, who symbolizes ageless beauty, and membership in this organization represents the highest achievement in cosmetic plastic surgery. Look for this distinctive logo on your surgeon’s website and at his or her office.

Experienced in Performing the Procedure You Want

It is important that your surgeon has significant experience performing the type of surgical procedure you want to undergo. Some plastic surgeons specialize in facial plastic surgery, some in breast surgeries, and others in body contouring procedures. Make sure to ask your surgeon what areas of plastic surgery he or she specializes in. Also, be sure to look at your surgeon’s before and after photos of past patients who have undergone the same type of procedure you want; this will help you to visualize the type of results you may expect to receive from this procedure.

Comfort With the Surgeon

Once you find a board-certified plastic surgeon who is a member of the ASPS and ASAPS, it is important that you feel comfortable with the surgeon and his or her office staff. Therefore, after your consultation, ask yourself the following questions:

Q.  Did the surgeon’s office look clean and professional?

Q.  Did the surgeon’s staff act professionally?

Q.  Did the surgeon listen to me and understand my desires?

Q.  Was the surgeon willing to answer all of my questions?

Q.  Did the surgeon or his staff pressure me to add any unnecessary procedures?

Q.  Did I feel comfortable with the surgeon and his staff?

Q.  Did the surgeon show me before and after photographs?

If your answer to any of the above questions is “NO,” that is a warning sign for you to keep looking. However, if all your answers to the questions above are “YES,” you can feel confident that your surgeon will be able to provide you with the results you desire.

I am a board-certified plastic surgeon and am a member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). To schedule your consultation at my Scottsdale, Arizona practice, please call (480) 890-0600 or fill out the online contact form today.