How to choose a Plastic Surgeon

First you need to identify the issues that concern you. Sometimes is difficult to figure out what causes us to look older or appear tired.

Once you have an idea about the areas of your face or body that need rejuvenation you can start looking for a plastic surgeon who is an expert in that area and may be right for you.

Ask a friend:

It is always best to start your search through referrals from people who are familiar with the surgeons work. This is by far the most important aspect of the search.

Good cosmetic surgeons have a good reputation in the community. One must be careful that although a surgeon may be good at doing facelifts or Breast augmentation it does not mean he is automatically good at performing Rhinoplasty.

Go in for consultation:

This allows you to meet not only the surgeon but also the staff. The staff is a representation of the surgeon and will be taking care of you before and after the surgery. You can tell a lot about the surgeon by the way the staff takes treats you.

During the consultation you can ask for before and after photographs . Make sure all your questions are answered. It is best to get the details of the procedures and the risks involved during your first consultation. Most patients are so worried about the risks that they cannot fully concentrate on the surgeons explanation. It is best to ask all the hard questions first so that you can get past it to better things such as the results.

Talk to prior patients:

Surgeons with good outcomes usually have a number of patients that have volunteered to speak to other patients. These patients have already gone through the procedure and are a great source of information.

What about qualifications:

Qualifications include the training and experience that the surgeon has obtained to allow him to perform certain procedures. For example, to perform a face lift the surgeon must have the necessary training in facial plastic surgery, and have performed the procedure in his practice with great results. Board certification means that the surgeon has satisfied certain requirements that are standard in that discipline.

Claims of certification can be confusing. "Turf battles" sometime lead one group to claim superiority over others. In truth, however, oftentimes boards overlap. You may have a choice of good surgeons certified by more than one board, depending on the procedure you have in mind.

Here's a roster:

The American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery focuses solely on facial plastic surgery. It requires that a surgeon have previously achieved basic certification in either otolaryngology/head-and-neck surgery or general plastic surgery. The surgeon must also successfully complete a two-day examination and submit a hundred patient cases for peer review. Surgeons certified by that board are "double-boarded." They have two certifications: a basic certification in either head-and-neck surgery or general plastic surgery and an advanced certification focused on facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.

The American Board of Plastic Surgery addresses general plastic and reconstructive surgery of the entire body, including areas outside the face, such as hands, abdomens and breasts.

Some board-certified ophthalmologists and dermatologists also perform some facial plastic surgery within the scope of their specialties.

Where will the surgery take place?

Many surgeons perform cosmetic surgery in their nearby ambulatory surgery centers designed specifically for facial plastic surgery. Some patients prefer this, because it can provide comfort, convenience and specialized focus on the patient. Look for a facility accredited by an independent national organization. Other surgeons operate only in the hospital. The cost and convenience of the facility can vary. You should make sure you are comfortable with the planned facility.

Make sure you understand the financial arrangements. Most cosmetic surgery is not covered by insurance. You will probably have to pay for at least part of the surgery in advance. Make sure you understand whether you will owe any amount if you decide to cancel the surgery. Watch out for high-pressure sales pitches. You want a surgeon more interested in your health than in your money.

In summary:

Your surgeon needs to be nice, well trained and caring with competent staff in a nice and certified facility. He must be excellent at the required procedure with superior results that are supported by his prior patients.

Integrity is the required characteristic.



Amir Moradi, M.D.
Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon