How to Choose the Right Plastic Surgeon
If you are considering plastic surgery, no doubt safety and reliability are among your primary concerns. Not all cosmetic surgeons are created equal, and there are a number of things you should consider when choosing the doctor to perform your procedure. Use these tips to help you decide how to choose the right plastic surgeon for you.
Find a Board-Certified Surgeon
In the United States, make sure to choose a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Board-certified surgeons not only have to pass a rigorous written examination, but also have valuable on-the-job experience in their chosen specialty.
Check His or Her Record
Check the medical board of the state in which your plastic surgeon is registered to find information about his or her medical record. The board lists pending and past malpractice cases, as well as any disciplinary actions.
Ask About Hospital Privileges
A surgeon that doesn’t have recovery privileges for patients at a local hospital has a huge red flag against him or her. Even if your particular procedure only requires outpatient care, ask about hospital privileges as part of your background check into the surgeon’s history.
Schedule a Consultation
Most plastic surgeons offer free consultations for potential patients. Come ready with plenty of questions to ask, both about the procedure you want done and the surgeon’s experience. Don’t let him or her use this time to pressure you into getting additional work done, however.
Ask About Experience with a Given Procedure
Ask about the number of times your surgeon has done the procedure you want to have. Just because they have logged a lot of hours in surgery doesn’t meant they have experience with every cosmetic procedure available.
Contact Dr. Cohn today to discuss your options.