Posted October 10, 2021 in Cosmetic Surgery
Kronowitz Plastic Surgery thinks it’s important to Ask Questions to get a better Idea from your doctor of what your procedure and recovery will entail, and what results you can expect. Do your research by Visiting Websites of surgical societies, boards of surgery, and hospitals to check the qualifications of your surgeon is imperative!
Are you a plastic surgeon, facial plastic surgeon or cosmetic surgeon – there is a difference?
Plastic surgeons need to pass both special oral and written board examinationsto be board certified plastic surgeons. Look for a plastic surgeon who is an active member of The Aesthetic Society (ASAPS) and/or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) – these societies keep their doctors up to date and hold members to strict guidelines and standards. Facial plastic surgeons are otolaryngologist’s (ENT’s) who perform face-focused surgical and nonsurgical procedures for the face and neck, or Cosmetic surgeons may have limited or no plastic surgery training. A major red flag is any board with the word “cosmetic” in it.
Are you a board certified – important point?
Plastic surgeons need to pass both special oral and written board examinationsto be board certified plastic surgeons. Look for a plastic surgeon who is an active member of The Aesthetic Society (ASAPS) and/or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) – these societies keep their doctors up to date and hold members to strict guidelines and standards. Facial plastic surgeons should be board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology (ABOto) and American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFRS). A major red flag is if the doctor belongs to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery or any board with the word “cosmetic” in it.
What and where was your education and training?
Plastic Surgeons after medical school, is followed by two- or five-year surgical residency in general surgery and an additional two to three years of plastic surgery training residency. Facial plastic surgeons after medical school, is followed by one-year of general surgery training and four-years of otolaryngology (ENT) surgery training. Many facial plastic surgeons also complete 1 year of plastic surgery training for the face and neck. Cosmetic surgeons who refer to themselves as cometic surgeons rather than plastic surgeons do not hold recognized board certifications A major red flag is if the doctor belongs to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.
What surgical societies are you an active member?
Look for a plastic surgeon who is an active member of The Aesthetic Society (ASAPS) and/or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) – these societies keep their doctors up to date and hold members to strict guidelines and standards. Facial plastic surgeons should be board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology (ABOto) and American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFRS). A major red flag is if the doctor belongs to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery or any board with the word “cosmetic” in it.
Do you perform surgery in certified surgical facility/hospital or In-office, non-certified operating room?
Most certified surgical facilities and/or hospitals will not allow nonqualified surgeons to perform procedures at their facilities or to perform procedures for they are not qualified. Surgery performed in-office may be a red flag, however many qualified, board certified surgeons perform surgery within their offices that often have certified operating rooms.
Which hospitals do you have privileges?
Hospitals will not grant privileges to nonqualified surgeons. This can also be important if you were to require hospital care either during or after your procedure.
How Many Procedures, Like Mine, Have You Performed?
Although awkward, this will tell you how much experience your doctor has with your chosen procedure(s) and familiarity with procedure(s).
How Can I Ensure Better Results and Quicker Recovery?
What medications, social habits, drinking, smoking, weight loss or other, will you need to stop prior to surgery that may interfere with anesthesia or recovery
What Are Risks Associated with This Procedure(s)?
Ask about common risks associated with your procedure and if you should expect any post-procedure pain, bruising, bleeding, or swelling.
What Is the Procedure Like?
Ask how many treatments you will need, if there will be incisions or stitches, what level of pain or discomfort you should expect, and the qualifications of the person performing anesthesia.
What Is the Recovery Like?
Ask if you will need help at home, what pain medications you should take to help minimize discomfort and what daily tasks you should avoid after your procedure.
How Long Will It Take Before I Start to See Results?
Ask about follow-up appointments, how your results should progress over time, when you can expect to see your results.
When can I go back to work, gym and when I can I resume wearing makeup and using skin care products?
Ask about resuming daily activities, driving, heavy lifting, sitting, or standing all day, and what clothing products should you avoid until fully recovered.