Choosing aesthetic treatments like Botox and facial fillers or electing to undergo a major plastic surgery procedure like a breast lift or breast augmentation is an important decision for anyone.
Finding the right surgeon can be a challenge however. With costs for common plastic surgery procedures decreasing over time, many doctors not specifically trained or licensed in plastic surgery may be offering these services when they and their staff do not possess the necessary training and certification.
So how do you make sure the surgeon you speak with is fully versed, trained and licensed to handle plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures?
Verify American Board of Plastic Surgery certification first then learn about their experience and practice
One of the first things to look for is a surgeon’s certification with the American Board of Plastic Surgery, or ABPS, a training and accreditation organization. Without it, you cannot ensure the surgeon has the necessary training to safely perform your desired procedure.
And it’s important you independently verify this accreditation by visiting the ABPS website and doing a search. Don’t simply take the surgeon’s word for it.
Next, verify the amount of time the surgeon has been practicing medicine, specifically plastic surgery. Look for someone with a minimum of six years of surgical training and experience, with at least three of those years specifically targeted toward plastic and cosmetic surgery.
It also is important to take a look at their facilities and find out where they conduct their procedures. Are they done in-house or in a partnering hospital down the road? Either way, be sure the surgeon only operates in accredited medical facilities.
Also, be sure the plastic surgeon in question adheres to a strict code of ethics and fulfills continuing medical education requirements, including standards and innovations in patient safety. Continuing education, re-certification and honest introspection are qualities we want in medical providers.
Beyond accreditation, facilities and education, you need to be sure the surgeon is open to talking about your needs and concerns
Do they answer all of your questions in an honest and polite way? Do they offer alternatives when appropriate? Do they clearly state the risk of the procedure you’re inquiring about?
And ultimately, they need to leave the decision to you without exerting pressure to go forward. This is a very personal decision and it should be done for you and only you, not to satisfy someone else’s desires or to conform to some standard.
We ask that you take a moment and consider the experienced UF surgeons at the Florida Center for Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics. But no matter who you ultimately choose, be sure they are well qualified to safely handle your procedure.
If you are interested in scheduling a consultation, please call 352.265.8402.