Choosing the Right Surgeon - Board Certification and Beyond

Choosing Your Surgeon - Board Certification and Beyond

Board certification is a critical prerequisite in evaluating any surgeon, but it is not the only one! If you are seriously considering surgery, especially elective cosmetic surgery, there are several other important factors to consider, including:

What is the surgeon’s actual surgical experience?
Does he/she specialize in the procedure(s) in which you are interested? How many procedures of this kind has he/she performed. Ask to see  numerous photographs of his/her patients. Ask to meet patients and/or to speak with them.

Is the surgeon respected by his/her peers?
Does the surgeon have any faculty appointments and/or has the surgeon published articles in peer-reviewed medical journals? Is the surgeon on staff at a nearby hospital? Has the surgeon been invited to teach other physicians at surgical conferences?

What is the quality of the surgical environment?
Are procedures performed in a certified outpatient surgical center where the staff knows you and are dedicated to your personalized care? Is a certified anesthetist or anesthesiologist regularly present?

What is the quality of the post-surgical care?
Determine in advance how often you will see your physician following your procedure. The more often you are seen by your physician and his/her staff, the greater degree of security you will have in your recovery and the greater the chances for ultimate success.

Are you comfortable with the personal rapport you have with your surgeon?
Your relationship with your surgeon determines a great deal about how comfortable you will feel about your decision, before, during and after your procedure. Making sure you are able to express your needs and desires before your procedure and knowing your surgeon understands you before your procedure makes it more likely you will achieve your goals.

Do you share the same sense of aesthetics as your surgeon?
Remember, a surgical procedure may be performed technically correct and still not achieve what you consider to be an aesthetically pleasing result. It is important for you and your surgeon to have a meeting of the minds before your procedure regarding how you both define realistic success.