Choosing a cosmetic surgeon is a significant decision and requires thorough evaluation and research on the doctor's medical history and qualifications before making a final decision. Most cosmetic surgery procedures are covered by health insurance policies, but many will vary based on each provider's policies and the procedure. While it's recommended that patients discuss all potential surgical options with their primary physician, this doesn't mean that the doctor must necessarily accept the referral for any particular procedure.
Qualifications for a Plastic Surgeon
- Plastic surgeon training: The educational background of a plastic surgeon is not always identical for surgeons referred to as cosmetic doctors. When they choose to pursue the field of cosmetic medicine, they can complete a two-year degree at an accredited university or vocational school specializing in plastic surgery, including a clinical component.
One year of residency is required for the doctor to qualify for a full license, although the minimum requirement for a general practitioner who practices in a family practice setting is two years of general surgery training and one year of family practice. When considering a cosmetic specialist, be sure to ask for a list of certifications, as these are a good indicator of the doctor's skill and training in plastic surgery.
- Doctor's credentials: The doctor is responsible for reviewing all of the doctor's patient records for consistency and ensuring that all information has been updated to reflect current practices and standards. Most plastic surgeons have been trained to perform specific procedures in the United States and abroad, including some that can't be performed in other countries, so they can provide accurate and comprehensive answers to patients about which procedures are most often performed and the success rate for those procedures.
Some cosmetic surgeons work in a multistage system and accept patients from a variety of specialties and geographic areas.
- Medical training: A comprehensive list of medical credentials should include the years of study and training the doctor has received in plastic surgery, including both general and specialty-specific training. A general plastic surgeon can perform general procedures, including breast augmentations, rhinoplasties, and breast lifts.
In addition, some specialize in specific areas such as aesthetic plastic surgery and breast augmentation. Others have completed specialized training at colleges that prepare them for a specific career path, while others have obtained additional general training in plastic surgery through a traditional medical setting, either through a diploma program at a community college or through a college that has its own program of study.
Things To Consider Before A Plastic Surgery
- What kind of surgical procedures are available?
Before deciding on a plastic surgeon, be sure to consider the procedure, as well as the location, to be performed, the cost of the surgery, the doctor's experience in performing the procedure, and how many years of training and certification the doctor has had if any.
Many cosmetic procedures can be performed at a private office or hospital, but in many cases, the patient will need to travel to a general medical facility for their procedure, either in a hospital or an outpatient setting. Be aware of any preoperative testing and treatment that are done in a hospital, including anesthesiology, anesthesia, lab work, and other procedures that might require a hospital stay, before the surgery.
- Is the doctor licensed and insured?
While a doctor's credentials and skills are usually taken into consideration when choosing a doctor for cosmetic procedures, this doesn't mean that a primary care physician or surgeon in a larger clinic isn't qualified to perform the procedure if needed. It's important to check into their credentials as well, especially if the surgeon will be operating on patients who need extensive treatment.
Benefits of Working with a Cosmetic Doctor
Working with a cosmetic doctor can provide the opportunity to benefit professionally from the doctor's knowledge, education, and expertise and receive customized care for cosmetic surgery procedures. Not only will patients benefit from the doctor's ability to provide quality surgery, but they will also be able to trust their doctor when it comes to their overall health and well-being. Working with a professional doctor can help patients avoid the stress and trauma of having an invasive procedure performed and provides the reassurance that the patient is in safe hands.
In Summary
The benefits of cosmetic procedures and the importance of choosing a professional doctor are important to all patients. The best way to find a reputable cosmetic doctor is to ask for referrals and read reviews to make sure you are choosing a doctor that can deliver.
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