Years ago when a person considered scheduling an appointment with a plastic surgeon, it was guarded like a Top Secret event, the information only shared with the closest of family and maybe a few friends. After the surgery was complete, the results were explained away as effects of feeling "rested" after a long needed vacation.
Today if someone is thinking about having plastic surgery,
whether it involves having work done on the breasts, body or face, a search online can provide answers to questions on cost, process, recovery and photos of before and after the procedure. While the best and most necessary answers will be provided by a plastic surgeon, it can be informative, interesting, beneficial and comforting to read testimonials from actual people who have personally gone through the process themselves.
To read how other people feel concerning whether or not the risk of surgery was worth the end result, the level of discomfort endured during the recovery process and most importantly, whether they would do it again knowing what they do now, is priceless. Would they recommend their doctor to a family member or friend?
After researching posts, blogs and scrolling through websites with information about the plastic surgery being considered, a search should begin for a reputable, well regarded surgeon. The surgeon who may be entrusted with the task of performing the desired procedure should hold a membership with one or more of these affiliates:
-American Board of Plastic Surgeons
-American Society of Plastic Surgeons
-American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
-The American Board of Plastic Surgery
-Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (Canada)
A membership is an agreement that a surgeon will ONLY perform operations in an accredited medical facility and they will adhere to a strict code of ethics. Members must agree to continue their education in order to stay apprised of new technology and innovations in patient safety. Surgeons are held to high standards in both training and research, as well as how they operate their practice.
The ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons) was founded in 1931 and is presently the largest organization of board certified plastic surgeons in the world, and they provide an online consumer referral service for anyone seeking a plastic surgeon in their area.
While a level of confidence can be felt selecting a doctor from the ASPS referral service, a patient should still inquire about:
-What risks are involved in this particular surgery?
-How many years of experience does this doctor have as a plastic surgeon (specifically)?
-Do they have hospital privileges AND will the procedure be done in a hospital or at their clinic?
-Do they have photos of before and after of this specific operation?
With so much information available on the Internet when referencing plastic surgery and surgeons, with patients so freely and openly sharing their personal journey through the process, and Societies and Boards offering referral services, a person should be able to gather enough information to feel confident about their decision of whether or not plastic surgery is right for them.
