It is important to know the Doctor’s credentials and specialized training, since all kinds of Doctors can legally perform cosmetic surgery-not just plastic surgeons. After a Doctor has earned a general medical degree, he or she may ultimately practice any specialty they wish, even though they may have had no any advanced training. When Doctors take advanced training, they are required to pass both written and oral exams and therefore are awarded the right to call themselves “board-certified” surgeons. You cannot however call yourself a plastic surgeon without completing rigorous training in a plastic surgery residency program. The more experience your Doctor has with your procedure, the better. Ask your Doctor about hospital affiliations and privileges. Board Certified surgeons have privileges at reputable hospitals while lesser surgeon practicing outside of their area of training usually do not. Choose a surgeon you feel comfortable with… and always ask and look for credentials:
- Where and when did you get your medical certification?
- Are you board certified?
- In what specialty are you actually certified in?
- Do you routinely perform the procedure I want?
- What surgical technique will be used?
- How long will the procedure take?
- How much pain is involved? What are the risks and complications of the procedure?
- Is anesthesia administered by a board certified anesthesiologist who remains during the entire time during my surgery?
- At which hospital(s) do you have privileges to perform the procedure I’m considering?
- How long is my recovery after the surgery?
- Will I need someone to help me after surgery when I’m home?
- What medications will I need to take after surgery?
- What post-operative care will I require?
- Do you have before and after photos of your patients?
- Are your Google reviews up to date?
- Is financing available?
Remember, no question is too small, too silly or not important… so ask anything you wish and keep yourself educated and informed.