Email a Friend
Print Article
Choosing a Cosmetic Surgeon: Do Your Homework
Despite the impressive results that cosmetic surgeons have proven they can deliver, poor quality cosmetic surgery still exists. While it is a challenge, even for me, to spot well-done natural-appearing cosmetic surgery, it is easy to spot the "unnatural" work. Whether I am walking down Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, Michigan Avenue in Chicago, or Fifth Avenue in New York, I have noticed those overdone, too-scooped, too-short, nostril-flaring nose jobs. Or the stretched, over-tightened, over-pulled "I must have walked through a wind tunnel" facelift. Instinctively, I wince. I am sorry for those patients and that an opportunity for success and happiness was missed. In the right hands, our specialty could have done better -- and does - so every day.
Some people have been frightened away from cosmetic surgery, having seen these botched jobs. That is understandable. Unfortunately, other prospective patients have deferred consulting about a cosmetic procedure because of the rumors or first-hand accounts shared by friends or family members of avoidable pain and suffering.
These negatives suggest that there may even be a common factor responsible for the poor results and the often inappropriate unfounded fears and skepticism. I think an answer to this dilemma is that prospective patients may have a lack of adequate, correct and authoritative information.
More and better information is needed. The richest information always comes from "an insider," or an expert, from a source working daily in the trenches of the specialty. And that is what I am going to provide for you.
One of the biggest problems is that often the wrong surgeons are doing cosmetic surgery. You need to avoid those. Some are literally "amateurs." Others, want to do every possible procedure but rarely master any of them. Reminds me of the old saying "Jack of all trades, master of none". Not bad people, just not up to doing the job. They need to rise up the ranks.
Here is my short list of the four credentials you should look for:
If your surgeon fulfills these four criteria, you can be comfortable that you are in the right shop.
Related Topics: Technorati Tags: cosmetic surgery, facelift, health and wellness
Some people have been frightened away from cosmetic surgery, having seen these botched jobs. That is understandable. Unfortunately, other prospective patients have deferred consulting about a cosmetic procedure because of the rumors or first-hand accounts shared by friends or family members of avoidable pain and suffering.
These negatives suggest that there may even be a common factor responsible for the poor results and the often inappropriate unfounded fears and skepticism. I think an answer to this dilemma is that prospective patients may have a lack of adequate, correct and authoritative information.
More and better information is needed. The richest information always comes from "an insider," or an expert, from a source working daily in the trenches of the specialty. And that is what I am going to provide for you.
One of the biggest problems is that often the wrong surgeons are doing cosmetic surgery. You need to avoid those. Some are literally "amateurs." Others, want to do every possible procedure but rarely master any of them. Reminds me of the old saying "Jack of all trades, master of none". Not bad people, just not up to doing the job. They need to rise up the ranks.
Here is my short list of the four credentials you should look for:
- Board certified in one of the four specialties that legitimately and routinely perform cosmetic surgery: Dermatology, Ophthalmology, Head and Neck Surgery, and Plastic Surgery.
- Fellowship-trained in cosmetic surgery, after completion of the residency, and presumably after becoming board certified. Fellowships are cosmetic surgery's finishing school.
- Practices only cosmetic surgery. No reconstructive plastic surgery. No Emergency Room work, accidents, reconstruction after cancer, repair of birth defects, treatment of burns or hand surgery. 100% cosmetic surgery.
- Teaches at a medical school and has contributed to medical journals on the subject of cosmetic surgery. Thus deeply involved; a pro.
If your surgeon fulfills these four criteria, you can be comfortable that you are in the right shop.
Related Topics: Technorati Tags: cosmetic surgery, facelift, health and wellness
5 Comments:
How about Therapeutic Gastroenterologist ,Stroke specialist,Cardiologist?Could you please have some one write articles on those specialities?
I am glad when a real specialist give this advices about cosmetic surgery. Thank you .I am watching so many shows about people been mutilated by doctors who they might not have cosmetic surgery specialty.This days cosmetic surgery is not only a vanity.
Even if you follow the criteria for a "qualified surgeon", how do you go about finding one without spending a fortune in office visis alone?
How does one go about verifying a doctors credntials for the following?
Being board certified in one of the four specialties (Dermatology, Ophthalmology, Head and Neck Surgery, and Plastic Surgery).
Their fellowship after completing their residency.
Practices only cosmetic surgery and no other.
Teaches at a medical school and has contributed to cosmetic surgery medical journals.
Many people still afraid of cosmetic surgery. And many people still find the subject is such a scary one and will never go for it (even though they want the surgery to enhance their looks).
Well, if they learn and do their homework, they'll find that cosmetic surgery is pretty safe, of course if you choose the right surgeon.
Post a Comment