How to Choose a Cosmetic Surgeon

With the explosive growth of cosmetic surgery over the past ten years, it has become increasingly difficult to tell who is qualified to perform what procedure. As a consumer, selecting a qualified surgeon has become more complicated as the lines between specialties have blurred. There has been a dramatic increase in the competition among doctors for elective cosmetic surgery patients which has been fueled by the declining reimbursements for insured procedures. This has led to a huge influx of unqualified practitioners from other medical specialties and also non-medical personnel to compete for the cosmetic surgery patient. How is a consumer to choose?

I would suggest the potential patient seek out the answers to two questions.

1. Is the doctor board certified in plastic surgery?

There are many certifying boards. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the only recognized board for training and certification in all aspects of plastic and cosmetic surgery.

2. Does the physician have privileges to perform the procedure you are interested in at your local hospital?

This is important as many physicians may perform a procedure in their office or surgery center, but are not certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and therefore not qualified to be granted privileges at your local hospital. Most hospitals will meticulously review a physician’s training and require board certification before granting privileges to perform various procedures.

What is a Mommy Makeover?

Recently a new buzzword has been making the rounds in the plastic surgery news--- A Mommy Makeover. Simply stated this is a catch phrase for treatment of a particular group of women. These women are seeking plastic surgery to address the natural changes that occur with age and pregnancy. Many women desire figure rejuvenation after multiple pregnancies. These include improvement in breast size and shape, removal of excess skin and stretch marks of the abdomen and fatty deposits of the hips and thighs. Mothers who desire a return of their more youthful figures are wonderful candidates for combined procedures such asmini tummy tuck and breast augmentation with selected liposuction of small areas. Frequently this transformation can be accomplished as an outpatient.

an attachment to the breast tissue. A portion of breast tissue in the inferior portion is then moved to the superior breast to correct ptosis and provide superior fullness. This tissue is maintained in its new position by a loop of chest wall muscle that acts as an anchor to provide a permanent long-term fullness.