Questions You Should Ask Before Undergoing Plastic Surgery
The decision whether to undergo a cosmetic or plastic surgery procedure can often be a complicated one. With so many different factors to consider, patients sometimes find themselves overwhelmed, with no idea where they should begin. In the nearly fifty years since Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. was founded, we have had the opportunity to help thousands of men and women navigate this process, and in that time we have collected a list of the most important questions that you should ask before you undergo plastic surgery.
Is your surgeon board-certified in plastic surgery?
Becoming certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is a very rigorous process, requiring years of specialized training beyond medical school and residency and thousands of additional hours of hands-on surgical experience. While doctors in other specialties, like gynecology or anesthesiology for example, can complete a few brief training courses and call themselves a “cosmetic surgeon,” they lack the comprehensive specialized training to deal with unexpected difficulties or to advise you on how to achieve optimal results. All of the surgeons at Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. are board certified in plastic surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and some are even additionally certified by other ABMS member boards as well.
Where does your surgeon have hospital privileges?
In the rare event that complications arise during or after a plastic surgery procedure, ready access to emergency medical services and hospital facilities is absolutely essential. When a physician does not have privileges at a fully-accredited hospital, they may attempt to perform procedures under less than optimal conditions and potentially place the patient’s safety at risk. There are minimally-invasive facial rejuvenation procedures, such as cosmetic injectable treatments or laser skin resurfacing, which can be safely performed in an office setting, but making sure that your plastic surgeon has surgical privileges at an accredited, state-licensed, or Medicare-certified surgical facility will help ensure that any issues that might arise can be addressed in a timely manner and in a safe and appropriate setting.
Has your surgeon performed this procedure before?
Experience absolutely makes a difference when it comes to plastic surgery results, so you should always insist on seeing examples of your surgeons work, and specifically on seeing before and after plastic surgery pictures of previous patients who have undergone the same procedure you are considering. Although each patient is unique, seeing examples of prior work can help you determine whether your surgeon understands your goals and also whether your own expectations are reasonable. Read any on-line reviews from previous patients and find out whether your surgeon has published articles in peer-reviewed medical journals as well.
Finally, you should also choose a surgeon with whom you feel you have a genuine connection. Optimal plastic surgery results are almost always easier to achieve when the patient and doctor communicate openly and honestly, so finding a surgeon with whom you are comfortable can make a real difference. At Atlanta Plastic Surgery P.C., all of our board certified plastic surgeons have years of experience working with patients, and each has their own distinctive style and approach. If you would like to learn more about the options available at Atlanta Plastic Surgery, please contact Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. so that we can schedule an appointment. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest plastic surgery news.
