When it comes to having plastic surgery, there is nothing as important as choosing a qualified, trained and experienced plastic surgeon to perform the procedure. There are many stories – some really horrifying – of botched plastic surgeries, the results of which are often irreversible and leave the victim scarred for life. In many cases, it is found that the individual has not done any proper research to find the right plastic surgeon.
Concerns in Choosing an Experienced Plastic Surgeon
One disturbing trend is that cosmetic surgery is attracting non-professionals simply because it is a lucrative profession. The New York Times reported the case of a 59 year-old woman who got a tummy tuck and face-lift from a board-certified surgeon with disastrous results. She had looked for the ‘board-certified’ tag – what she did not know was that his area of specialization was not plastic surgery and that he was a board-certified ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon! She then had to find a ‘real’ plastic surgeon to undo the damage.
Though ENTs or otolaryngologists – Head & Neck surgeons – are trained and board-certified to perform plastic surgery of the face, head and neck, they should not do tummy tucks or breast augmentation. In this case, the woman would have made the right choice if she had consulted a plastic surgeon trained and skilled in “neck-up” procedures, including those of the face, ear, nose, and throat areas. Just because the ENT is board-certified and trained, it does not mean that he will have the skill of a plastic surgeon who has years of experience in facelift surgery.
Declining insurance reimbursements are said to one of the reasons why physicians are venturing into unauthorized territory. Most plastic surgery procedures are regarded as non-essential or elective and people pay out-of-pocket. The demand for cosmetic surgery has increased exponentially over the years. There are many factors encouraging this trend: easy access, new minimally invasive technologies, improved results with minimal side effects, and of course, the universal desire to look younger and more attractive and boost self-esteem.
Individuals should be diligent and cautious when researching an individual surgeon’s experience and credentials when making their choice.
Some points to note when you are doing your research
- Don’t be led away by a plastic surgeon who says he got his training at a weekend seminar. For instance, only a surgeon who has undergone extensive training in the Smartlipo Triplex laser liposuction procedure and performs these procedures on a regular basis can provide the desired results for body contouring using this innovative technology.
- Make sure the surgeon is operating in an AAAASF-accredited facility. There are stories of unqualified professionals performing aesthetic surgery in tanning salons and med spas. They would be unprepared to handle a medical emergency. In an accredited plastic surgery practice, adherence to standards of patient safety and comfort is ensured.
Research, visit, and interview the plastic surgeon. Make sure you get satisfactory answers to your questions and that you are informed of all the risks and benefits of the procedure.