Plastic Surgeon Reviews and Information

Cosmetic surgery is the new age name for what the medical profession calls aesthetic or plastic surgery. It is definitely a medical procedure and it starts with basic medicine knowledge. Plastic surgeons, like eighty-five percent of the licensed physicians in the US, are certified by at least one of the twenty-four boards that make up what’s known as the American Board of Medical Specialties.

In order to be accepted by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Board of Dermatology, the American Board of Ophthalmology or the American Board of Otolaryngology, a physician must complete training in order to be recognized. They must meet certain requirements. The board requires a minimum of five years resident training. Doctors are also required to pass an examination, have hospital privileges and have letters of recommendation. You want to know several things about your physician, but the first bit of information should be board certification. Even if he or she is certified by the ABMS board, a patient should make sure his certification is from the board that is relevant to the procedure you have in mind. One who is accepted by the AMBO for example is trained to perform eyelid surgery, so if you want a tummy tuck you might want to look for another doctor who is certified to do that procedure.

To check certifications you can call the ABMS or use the internet. Another important thing to remember is that they can assume the title of plastic surgeon even if they were trained in a specialty that is non-surgical. Anyone with a medical license can perform in their office without training, but they cannot perform in a hospital without this.

There are about 7,000 plastic surgeons in the United States, but there are only 2,200 members of ASAPS in the US. ASAPS is considered the authority. Membership to the society is by invitation only. Members must have experience in major procedures.

You can also call the Board of Medicine to check for malpractice judgments, revocations, suspensions, disciplinary actions and any other issues. Ask who will be administering the anesthesia and research inclusion in the American Board of Anesthesiology. You should also be aware of the complications that might result from any undertakings. Nothing is guaranteed 100% but there are things you can do and have a checklist to minimize any complications.

Plastic Surgery Patient

Plastic Surgery Information Checklist

• Make sure that augmentation of any kind is something you really want done
  
  
• You are perfect just the way you are but if it is important more info is better
  
  
• Ask all your friends and family about their experiences and any stories
  
  
• Can you afford the cost of any augmentation or things you may have done?
  
  
• Interview more than one plastic surgeon as this is about yourself and no one else
  
  
• Read up on credentials and explore the above mentioned boards to follow up
  
  
• Ask for patient pictures and referrals as this is completely acceptable to do
  
  
• Discuss risks with your surgeon before choosing to go through and are you ok with them
  
  
• Don't be embarrassed to negotiate a good deal on the cost of any work being done
  
  
• Work out a reasonable finance schedule and plastic surgery loans available
  
  
• Get details on the recovery period and follow up with your doctor regulary
  
  
• Are there any special preperation instructions to follow before a final decision

Picture Gallery of Outcomes and Med Professionals

Simple face inject

Multiple surgeons at work

Pic of a local surgery center

More involved preperation

Liposuction and tummy tucks before pics

Before and after face lift

Rhinoplasty recovery