Checking Up On Your Plastic Surgeon

Before you commit to any surgical operation, it’s important to know exactly who you’re dealing with. In the case of most cosmetic procedures, patients are typically afforded the opportunity to choose the physician who will perform the operation, thus providing ample time to research a background. In this article, we will outline a few steps available to potential patients in evaluating the record of your plastic surgeon.

Step 1 – Begin by checking on the board certification. It’s important to find a doctor who is knowledgeable and committed to providing superior service. Surgeons who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery have put in the time and effort to be recognized by the medical community as a true professional. To become certified, physicians must complete roughly 8 years of post medical school training alongside strict adherence to the boards standards and requirements. Choosing a certified surgeon is a wonderful way to narrow down your list of potential candidates.

Step 2 – Once you’ve found a few prospects, look up and contact your state licensing board. This organization will be able to inform you whether your surgeon holds a current medical license, and the specialties in which they are able to practice.

Step 3 – In addition, you will also want to contact the medical board for your designated state. By asking a few questions, you will be able to tell if and when any disciplinary action has been taken against your physician. Ask whether they have every had a revoked or suspended license.

Step 4 – Contact the county courthouse in the area where the practice is. This way, you will be able to tell if there are any current or pending cases against the physician. Look through any and all cases for specific information and evaluate the circumstances. Lawsuits are not always filed for medical reasons.

Step 5 – Go ahead and schedule yourself a consultation with the physician in question. Bring a list of questions, concerns, and discussion topics you feel are worth addressing and pay attention to how they handle the meeting. Are they polite, and able to answer your questions? What’s the office staff like? Is the environment one which you find comfortable?

Once you’ve been though each of these steps, you should have a fairly good idea of where you stand. Take the time to evaluate your options and make your decision based on what feels right to you.