The Three Most Important Questions to Ask When Considering Cosmetic Surgery

 
1. WHAT IS YOUR BOARD CERTIFICATION?

Although any physician can learn how to do a surgical procedure, formal residency training in surgery is the best way for a surgeon to learn “surgery”. The most important skill in surgery is surgical judgment, which is developed over years of formal training and experience. Surgical judgment separates the surgeon from the technician and may make the difference between good results and an unsatisfactory outcome. Today, there are partially trained surgeons, non-surgeons and dentists performing cosmetic surgery in private offices since there is no hospital credentialing requirements. The American Board of Plastic surgery requires broad surgical training in general and plastic surgery. ABPS is the only board that certifies plastic surgeons in all areas of the body. See Promises and Pitfalls: The Importance of Medical Credentials.
 

2. WHERE WILL SURGERY BE PERFORMED?

Since office surgery has become very prevalent, it is important to thoroughly investigate the facility to be used. Many states require accreditation of office surgical facilities, but whether required or not, it critical to use an accredited facility.

Accreditation requires a facility to meet NATIONAL SAFETY STANDARDS. The importance of accreditation is underscored by the fact that The American Society of Plastic Surgeons requires its members to operate in only accredited facilities (see Promises and Pitfalls: Office Surgery).
 

3. WHAT IS YOUR FINANCIAL POLICY REGARDING THE TREATMENT OF COMPLICATIONS OR PROBLEMS RELATED TO THIS SURGERY? (or, What does the quoted cost of surgery include?)

The patient’s responsibility can range from FULL COST of original procedure to only the cost of the surgical facility and anesthesia. Secondary procedures MAY BE NECESSARY IN ANY SURGERY, so it is prudent to anticipate this unlikely, but possible expense. Certainly a policy that requires the patient to pay full fees for secondary procedures, reduces the likelihood of having corrective surgery for a complication. However, though this may reduce the surgeon’s rate of reoperation, it also results in a high number of disappointed and dissatisfied patients. (See Promises and Pitfalls: Financing of Cosmetic Surgery).
 

More of our information on how to choose a doctor and how doctors advertise is on these pages:

• Promises and Pitfalls: Before and After Pictures: Seeing is Believing... Or is It?
• Promises and Pitfalls: "Best Doctors" Lists - What They Really Represent
• Promises and Pitfalls: Free Cosmetic Surgery Consultations
• Promises and Pitfalls: How to Analyze an Advertisement: Consumer Beware!
• Promises and Pitfalls: The Marketing of Cosmetic Surgery: Beauty for Sale
• Promises and Pitfalls: Testimonials: "Thank you, Doctor Wonderful!"

 
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