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Considering Plastic Surgery?

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 16, 2008

Here are some tips for patients considering cosmetic surgery from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons:

Do your homework - Research the procedure, the benefits and the risks.

Have realistic expectations - Ask your plastic surgeon about the benefits and risks of your surgery; discuss your expectations and understand side effects and recovery time.

Be informed - Talk to patients who have had your procedure so you know what to expect.

Ask tough questions - Consult with your plastic surgeon and discuss your full medical history to determine the most appropriate treatment.

Choose an ASPS member surgeon - ASPS member surgeons are qualified, trained and properly certified. They adhere to a strict code of ethics, receive continuous education and operate only in accredited facilities.

SELECTING A SURGEON

The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery offers these tips to help patients make an educated choice when selecting a surgeon:

Understand board certifications - Look for a surgeon board-certified by boards affiliated with the American Board of Medical Specialists. Many members are certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, a board recognized by the ABMS, which certifies surgeons in facial plastic surgery. In addition to six years of residency training, many members of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery undertake specialized training in facial plastic surgery and a year of fellowship in facial plastic surgery.

Ask for referrals - When choosing a surgeon, start with word-of-mouth referrals. Ask friends who have undergone facial plastic surgery, consult a trusted family physician or call a respected hospital in the community and ask for the names of board certified facial plastic surgeons.

Verify credentials - While referrals may be helpful, it's still important to validate the training, skills and experience of the surgeon. Make sure the surgeon is a reputable member of an organization of surgeons who specialize in facial plastic surgery and has privileges to perform procedures at a local hospital or ambulatory center. The Directory of Medical Specialists, available in public libraries, can be used to check a surgeon's credentials. Also, there are several phone numbers for reference, such as:

AAFPRS Facial Plastic Surgery Information Service (1-800-332-FACE or www.facemd.org): provides a list of AAFPRS surgeons by region who are board certified to perform facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Federation of State Medical Boards (817-868-4000 or www.fsmb.org): to verify a doctor's medical license and check for disciplinary action.

American Board of Medical Specialties (1-866-275-2267 or www.abms.org): to confirm a doctor's certification in a recognized medical specialty.

Consult/Interview: Once a list of surgeons is narrowed down, visit the surgeons for initial consultation (may require a consultation fee). Be prepared with questions and write down the surgeon's answers. Ensure that the surgeon has documented education, training and experience in performing the procedures and has completed a formalized training program. Also, ask to speak with patients who have already undergone surgery and ask to see before-and-after photographs.

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