The Consultation: The Key to Finding The Right Surgeon

Plastic surgery is a life-changing process and one of the most important steps to a successful procedure is choosing the right surgeon. Before committing to a particular professional and a particular procedure, you will have a consultation with the plastic surgeon in order to see if you are a good fit for the procedure you’re interested in and to see if you are comfortable with the physician. During these consultations, you have a great opportunity to ask all sorts of questions, both about the procedure and the doctor.

What to Ask About Your Plastic Surgeon?

When trying to select a plastic surgeon there are several key pieces of information you need to learn about each one. First, you should ask if your professional is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Although there are other boards, the ABPS is the only one that is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.

Being board certified means that the surgeon has had specific training and practice hours in the plastic surgery specialty. You may also want to find out if the doctor is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. This is a sure sign that the surgeon is Board Certified by the ABPS and also that the doctor is keeping current in her field with continuing education courses.

Another important question is whether the surgeon has hospital privileges even if they mainly operate in an outpatient facility or personal office. Hospital privileges mean that the doctor competency has been reviewed and accepted by an accredited hospital in the area. If your doctor has received specific training, conducted research or has publications in the area you are interested in, it indicates that he is an expert in that particular procedure and will be a good choice for you.

What to Ask About the Surgery Procedure?

After you grill the doctor about her qualifications, you should take plenty of time to have all your questions answered. You might start by asking the doctor to describe the procedure in detail if he has not already done so.

You should also find out how long you will have to stay in the clinic or hospital, what kind of anesthesia will be used, if you will need a friend to take you home, and how long the recovery period will be and what it will be like. You will certainly need to know if you will need to take more than a few days off from work.

Your plastic surgeon should also tell you about the possible risks associated with your desired procedure. Sometimes your personal characteristics may put you at higher risk of certain complications, so be sure to explain any medical conditions to the doctor during your consultation. While plastic surgery is a safe field in general, there is always the possibility of something going wrong and you need to be aware of what might happen.

Cost is definitely you should discuss at your consultation. The physician or her assistants will be able to help you determine if your plastic surgery will be covered by your insurance. This is often the case with things like rhinoplasty and corrective procedures.

If your surgery is not covered, you will need to find out the total price tag of anesthesia, doctor and facility fees. Your surgeon may be able to help you find ways to get financing and make your surgery more affordable.

By: A Aaronson

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The hardest part of plastic surgery is finding the right surgeon. Houston plastic surgery is run by a board-certified surgeon who sets high standards for himself and believes in open, honest communication with his patients. Schedule a consultation with him at www.basuplasticsurgery.com

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