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:

1. Board certified in one of the four specialties that legitimately and routinely perform cosmetic surgery: Dermatology, Ophthalmology, Head and Neck Surgery, and Plastic Surgery.


2. Fellowship-trained in cosmetic surgery, after completion of the residency, and presumably after becoming board certified. Fellowships are cosmetic surgery's finishing school.


3. 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.


4. 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:

• WebMD Video: Preview Your Cosmetic Surgery
• WebMD Video: What to Look for in a Plastic Surgeon

Technorati Tags: cosmetic surgery, facelift, health and wellness

Welcome to the Cosmetic Surgery Blog!

Hello, I'm Dr. Robert Kotler, cosmetic facial surgeon in Beverly Hills, California. I've been in private practice here for 30 years. Prior to that, I served as a Major in the Medical Corps of the U.S. Army, where I was the Chief of Head and Neck Surgery at a major military teaching hospital and on the teaching staff of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. I am a board certified specialist, dealing only with the face and neck.

I have been a Consultant for the Medical Board of California as well as to the City and County of Los Angeles. I've written one major textbook for the medical profession on my technique of chemical wrinkle removal, and have written three books and have been a contributor to 12 more for the public. Secrets of a Beverly Hills Cosmetic Surgeon, The Experts Guide to Safe Successful Surgery and most recently The Essential Cosmetic Surgery Companion; Don't Consult a Cosmetic Surgeon Without This Book! are both category best-sellers. The Companion book is a unique take-to-the-consultation workbook. It includes all the important questions to ask about each procedure, anesthesia and recovery.

You may have seen me on the first two seasons of E! network's hit TV cosmetic surgery reality program, DR. 90210. I've been OPRAH's guest as well as other talk show hosts such as Regis Philbin, Paula Zahn, Deborah Norville and Neil Cavuto. My books have been written up in The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles and Town & County magazines. As a spokesperson for cosmetic surgery, I regularly appear on radio and television, including ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN and Fox News.

I am pleased to work with WebMD because I enjoy teaching. I'm on the faculty at the UCLA School of Medicine and also teach at USC. As a consumer advocate, I welcome this opportunity to share my experience and advice with you.

Thinking About Cosmetic Surgery?

If you are considering cosmetic surgery, are you wondering what to expect? Are you wondering what you would look like? Do you think you want it but are a bit frightened by the prospect? Are you not sure it is for you because you have not yet researched it? Do you need some help? Do you want some concise, to-the-point information? Would you like to have an expert, an advisor, a consultant at your side to coach you and demystify the process of deciding "go" or "no go"?

If so, I will gladly be at your side. Remember that cosmetic surgery is not for everyone. It may or may not be appropriate for you, but you will make that decision only after you are well-informed. I hope that my blog will be an important element in your education to make the decision process easier.

I'd also like to mention that when referring to doctors, patients and others, I shall use "he". This is not to imply that female doctors do not exist; of course they do. It can be cumbersome to constantly use "he or she". No sexism, just word economy.

I look forward to discussing topics with you including computer imaging, why celebrities look so bad after cosmetic surgery, how to select a cosmetic surgeon and much more.

Robert Kotler, MD, FACS