Several factors can impact the likelihood of having both a successful and comfortable experience.
Facility and Surgeon Certification
The decision to undergo plastic surgery is an important one. Several factors can impact the likelihood of having both a successful and comfortable experience. These key issues typically revolve around the surgeon performing the procedure and the facility where that procedure takes place. Researching these issues when evaluating a surgeon and surgical facility can prove invaluable in having a pleasant plastic surgery experience.
We recommend that plastic surgery procedures be performed by those board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. (ABPS) In order to be ABPS certified, an individual must have successfully completed undergraduate college, medical school, a minimum of three years of a general surgery residency and a plastic surgery residency. Following this training, the candidate must pass a written and oral plastic surgery examination and practice plastic surgery for at least two years to obtain board certification. There are several other legitimate sounding “boards” which can lead consumers to think a physician is an accredited plastic surgeon when in fact he or she is not. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the only board approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties for certification of plastic surgery. In medicine there are not laws that confine a physician to practice the type of medicine or surgery in which he specifically trained. Therefore, it is technically legal for an individual with a medical license but little to no training in plastic surgery to advertise as a cosmetic surgeon and perform plastic surgery procedures. This however does not necessarily equate to medical competence. ABPS certification provides recognition for those who underwent legitimate plastic surgery education and training.
Board certified plastic surgeons may become members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This is a highly respected organization in plastic and reconstructive surgery. On-going continuing medical education is a requirement of membership. Membership in this professional society thereby ensures that the surgeon is exposed to current trends and techniques in the field.
Equally important to the surgeon you choose is the facility where your procedure is performed. Accreditation for office based operating rooms certifies that a facility meets nationally recognized standards that optimize safety and quality patient care. One of the most recognized accreditations is that by the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities. (AAAASF) This organization looks to factors such as emergency readiness, equipment and cleanliness in deeming a facility safe for surgical procedures.
It is also important to know who will be administering your anesthesia. Like surgeons, anesthesiologists are physicians who undergo rigorous training and must pass certain examinations to obtain board certification. Having a board certified anesthesiologist can ensure that individuals with the proper training, education and experience will be administering your anesthesia and monitoring you throughout your procedure.
After checking the appropriate credentials, meeting the surgeon and their staff members is invaluable. Meeting a physician and having them spend time with you is important in establishing confidence in their capabilities and trust in them as a physician and an individual. You ultimately need to be comfortable with those taking care of you and in discussing what your expectations are. A qualified and reputable surgeon will gladly discuss a procedure, answer your questions and discuss alternatives and side effects.
