How to Choose a Cosmetic Surgeon
You may be wondering what your reflection might look like after a tummy tuck, a breast augmentation, liposuction, or a facelift. Why not find out?
If you are considering the many benefits of cosmetic surgery, talking to a cosmetic surgeon is a great place to start. So, how do you find the surgeon that’s right for you? You can choose a few local practices with help from the Internet, friends and family, or a referral from your regular physician.
The Importance of Board Certification
As you are calling around to practices, make sure to get specific information on the physician’s experience and qualifications. Unfortunately, there are a lot of “cosmetic surgeons” out there with little training. Make sure the surgeon is board-certified (or board-eligible) by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This lets you know he or she received formal training in plastic and reconstructive surgery and met the following requirements:
- graduated from an accredited medical school
- completed a residency of at least five years, having (usually) three years of experience in general surgery
- passed comprehensive written and oral examinations
Read more about Board Certification.
More Tips for Finding the Right Fit
Remember that there is no obligation to schedule after a call or consultation — you can take as long as you need to make a decision and ask important questions. Here are a few ideas to help you make the choice.
- Do you offer a variety of cosmetic surgery services, including surgical and nonsurgical solutions?
- Do you have a variety of before and after photos available for your potential patients to view?
- Do you have low surgical complication rate?
- How much experience does the physician have with the services I’m interested in?
- How do you stay on top of the latest news and events?
- Do you offer affordable financing to help me fit treatment into my budget?
One more tip for choosing your cosmetic surgeon: Take advantage of the free consultation offered by many plastic surgery practices. That way, you can meet the doctor and staff, evaluate the facility, and gauge the level of individual attention.
To talk to a skilled cosmetic surgeon who offers incredible results and a high level of personal service, contact Dr. Nirav Savalia at Finesse Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery in Orange County.
—Lindsey Kesel, Cosmetic Surgery Consultant
April 11 2008 10:38 pm | cosmetic surgery
