Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery provides patients with options to choose from which can restore, repair or rejuvenate the skin and appearance. The decision to undergo any type of cosmetic surgery is a very personal one that should be given a lot of thought.

Choosing a Surgeon

It is very important to take the time and research cosmetic surgeons in your area before choosing one to work with. Credentials and experience play a major role in a cosmetic surgeon's capability to perform your elected procedure safely and to your satisfaction.

When choosing a cosmetic surgeon, here are some things to look for:

· American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Member

· Board certified

· Medical and surgical training, including plastic surgery training

· Works in accredited facilities

· Continues education and training in new advances and standards of practice

The Right Procedure

There are many different cosmetic surgery procedures, as well as combinations of procedures. Which is right for you depends on your needs and desired results. Before undergoing any cosmetic surgery procedure, you will schedule an initial consultation with your prospective cosmetic surgeon.

This consultation will basically be a meet and greet during which you and the doctor can get to know each other. This is also the time to give the doctor detailed information about your medical history, your reasons for wanting cosmetic surgery, and what areas of your body you feel need corrective procedures performed on them.

It is very important for you and your cosmetic surgeon that you are completely honest and very communicative throughout your cosmetic surgery experience. Your surgeon must know you and your history in order to provide you with the correct advice and medical care. Communication is also the key in obtaining the results you desire once your procedure has been completed. If your surgeon is not clear on what you are looking for, you may be disappointed in the final outcome.

Questions to Ask

Before undergoing any cosmetic surgery procedure, you will be given the opportunity to ask lots of questions of your cosmetic surgeon and the staff at the clinic you are working with. Be prepared and take along a list of questions that you should have answers to before making any final decisions. Some questions you should be sure to ask are:

· Are you a certified cosmetic surgeon?

· Are you a member of the ASPS

· Where were you trained and how many years of training do you have?

· Do you have specific training in cosmetic surgery? How much?

· Is your facility or the one you perform surgeries in certified and accredited?

· What procedures do you recommend for my needs?

· Am I a good candidate for the procedure I am considering?

· What can I do to help obtain optimal results from my procedure?

· Where and how will my procedure be performed?

· What are the risks and recovery time involved? How are complications dealt with?

· How much will my procedure cost and will insurance cover any of it?

· Do you have before and after photos of similar procedures you have performed on other patients?

The Bottom Line

If you are considering undergoing any type of cosmetic surgery procedure, you owe it to yourself to be completely informed about your procedure and your doctor. Any legitimate cosmetic surgeon will not only be happy to answer any questions you have thoroughly and honestly, but they will respect you for taking the initiative to know everything there is to know about the process beforehand.