Choosing the Right Surgeon

Once you have decided to undergo surgery or even a non-invasive procedure, the next step is to choose your surgeon.  It is important to choose a real plastic surgeon who has the training and skills to help you achieve your goals and the communications skills to assist you in making an informed decision.

Your first step should be to seek out a physician who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (www.abplsurg.org).  The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is the one of 24 boards approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties (www.abms.org) that certifies physicians in plastic surgery on the face and all areas of the body.  A physician must have completed a combination of at least 5 years of formal surgical and plastic surgical residency training (I did eight years!) and pass comprehensive written and oral examinations and have demonstrated that they are a safe, effective and ethical plastic surgeon.  Certification by the ABPS is a requirement for membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).  Don’t let anyone with lesser qualifications tell you this is just about “alphabet soup” and “turf battles”.  It’s about your face and/or your body and your safety.  It’s important.

Once you have found a qualified plastic surgeon, make sure he/she puts you at ease, answers your questions, offers alternatives where appropriate without pressuring you, clearly discusses risks and benefits of the surgery and leaves the final decision up to you.

To schedule a consultation with me, please give my office a call at 206 467-1101.