How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon at Home or Abroad
There are many cosmetic surgeons to choose from in the United States, and with the rise of medical tourism, some patients are even looking beyond the borders for plastic surgeons.
This means that there are literally thousands of doctors and clinics to choose from. While many are professional, qualified, and reputable, it can be difficult to separate the unscrupulous or inexperienced from the highly-trained and well-respected.
However, there are a couple ways that patients can ensure that they are working with an adept and ethical plastic surgeon.
Do Your Research
The first, most important and easiest step is to check for licenses and certifications. In the United States, and almost every other part of the world, doctors cannot practice plastic surgery without a license. As a patient, it’s your right to ask to see this license and verify it online or by calling the medical licensing board.
But just because a doctor is licensed doesn’t mean that he is a specialist in plastic surgery. For example, a doctor can be licensed as a dermatologist or allergist and can legally perform a liposuction or breast augmentation. In order to determine if a doctor has relevant experience and education for your procedure, check to see if they are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). For overseas doctors, check to see if they are a member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). These two certifications are widely accepted as the most respected among plastic surgery associations and can be verified online.
The last step is a bit more difficult, but is equally as vital as ensuring licenses and certifications. Before you go “under the knife,” schedule several pre-op consultations with your surgeon. Make sure that you have an open and clear channel of communication, that he or she is attentive to your needs, and that you feel comfortable entrusting your body with them. The importance of this step should not be overlooked, especially if you are visiting a facility in another country.
Whether you are seeing a doctor in San Sebastian or San Diego, plastic surgery should not be approached lightly. This is your body at stake, so take extra care and time to ensure that you are visiting a doctor you can trust.
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