The Best Steps to Finding a Plastic Surgeon

While cosmetic surgeries are becoming higher in demand, it’s more important than ever to do researchin order to locate the best plastic surgeon. Medical training and experience means everything when choosing a doctor.

It can be quite overwhelming sifting through plastic surgeon websites, trying to ascertain which doctor is best.  And going this route is not enough to determine if a plastic surgeon is qualified and has the experience needed in performing cosmetic or reconstructive procedures.

Here are some very important and helpful guidelines to follow in finding the right plastic surgeon.

Board Certification

Locating a board certified surgeon is the first important step in searching for the right doctor. There may be instances where a doctor claims to be certified, when in fact, they are not. 

Consumers need to do their due diligence in verifying if a plastic surgeon is board certified. A prestigious organization, such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is an excellent group. 

Yes, there are other certifying boards, but they require different levels of surgical training and experience.  In essence, not all certified boards are the same. 

American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Finding a doctor who is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons is another indicator of expertise and training. 

Their website can be found at www.plasticsurgery.org and also offers a complimentary search engine tool.  This search narrows in on a surgeon’s qualifications and training.  Both United States and Canadian surgeons can be found in the search engine and all are board certified with one or both of the following:

·         American Board of Plastic Surgery®

·         The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada®

The surgeons found on this site are active members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons; and, the tool offers the ability to search for a surgeon in a certain geographical location.

American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgeons may specialize in cosmetic, reconstruction or both.  Reconstructive surgery includes procedures such as breast reconstruction, breast reduction, hand surgery, and skin cancer.

For surgeons who specialize in reconstruction, a certification from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery is very notable. This organization enforces extra membership requirements including board certification, training, education, and specific expertise. 

To verify a surgeon’s credentials visit www.surgery.org.

Accredited Facility

Members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons operate in accredited facilities. This is imperative because surgeons who operate with a facility which is accredited by the “American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities” are medically prepared with the following:

·         Proper staff members

·         Proper medical equipment

·         The ability to manage any complications which may occur during surgery

Accredited facilities give patients more peace of mind.  

Check-Off List

Finding the right plastic surgeon takes time and research. With that said, here is a checklist to ensure all steps are complete:

• Research earned certifications, including a regarded board-certification
• Double check on active memberships and accolades
• Make certain the surgeon operates out of an accredited facility
• Double check that the surgeon’s hospital privileges is covered by your health insurance
• Ask for professional references from other doctors
• If specialty experience is needed, research that the surgeon has these qualifications
• During the consultation appointment, interview the surgeon for their rapport and expertise in the industry

Another thing to consider during the consultation is requesting to see “before and after patient photos” of a particular surgical procedure.A reputable surgeon will be pleased to show these photos and explain the surgical procedure in more detail.