Best Cosmetic Surgery Begins with a Little Detective Work 

It really amazes me how much time a person will take choosing a a new pair of shoes or a new outfit and how little time he or she will spend researching the doctor to whom they will trust to perform their cosmetic surgery.

Less invasive aesthetic cosmetic methods that promise amazing benefits are certainly all the rage these days at the increasing number of “medical spas” in our country. Yet, each procedure, whether it be non-surgical or surgical, brings with it some physical and financial risks for the consumer.

Did you know that advances in technology combined with a multi-billion dollar market have brought with them a flood of new treatment options promising less pain and faster results and recovery time. However, many have not been scientifically proven effective.

Competition for your cosmetic bucks is intense, particularly in the current economy.

Who are the Actual Cosmetic Surgery and Plastic Surgery Professionals?

Potential cosmetic surgery patients should know that many more medical practitioners, pressured by the steady decrease in reimbursement, are deciding to supplement their income by dabbling in the cosmetic world without specialized training.

The American Board of Medical Specialties is a nonprofit organization formed in 1933 to regulate and oversee the certification of medical specialties. Before ABMS, any doctor could claim to be a specialist in any field. Today, ABMS certification requires rigorous training and examinations for medical specialists, to ensure the highest requirements of education, ethics and patient care.

Of the 24 specialties acknowledged by AMBS, only four have an emphasis in cosmetic care. These are: dermatology, plastic surgery, ophthalmology (with its subspecialty of oculoplastic surgery), and otolaryngology (ear-nose-throat), with its subspecialty of facial plastic surgery.

Other specialty organizations dedicated to the practice of cosmetic surgery have not acquired recognition by the American board of Medical Specialties. Certification by a specialty acknowledged by the American Board of Medical Specialties is essential for the physician to be able to practice in a certified hospital.

Choosing the Best Cosmetic Surgeon

Here are some factors I think are essential to deciding on a plastic surgeon:

  1. Board certification – This is required by hospitals and you should require it too. Also, deciding on a physician who holds hospital privileges and whose credentials are in good standing ensures continued care in a hospital setting, should it become necessary.
  2. Experience matters – Check the number of years in practice, number of cases done and track the surgeon’s results.
  3. Artistic talent – Aesthetic Cosmetic Surgery requires the skill of a surgeon, but the eye of an artist. So seek out recommendations from former patients; those who are satisfied won’t hesitate to make a positive recommendation.
  4. Before & After Photos – Ask to see before and after photos of patients of the physician who have had the procedure (facelift, tummy tuck, breast augmentation / enlargement or reduction, liposuction, Fraxel) you are considering. This can help you figure out if the surgeon will be able to help you realize the cosmetic surgery results you seek.
  5. Meet with the surgeon ahead of time – This is the time to discuss your goals and find out how the surgeon hopes to achieve them. A good doctor will reassure you when you’re making good choices and discourage you if you’re not.

The bottom line: don’t let advertising or special pricing drive decisions that impact your look and your health. For more information on a assortment of cosmetic surgery topics, take a look at my Oklahoma plastic surgery website at www.plasticsurgeon-oklahoma.com