How to choose a plastic surgeon
Important Message: When considering plastic surgery, cosmetic or reconstructive, there is no substitute for an ASPS Member Surgeon.
»More about: Dr. Greg Liebscher, ASPS Member Surgeon
»More about procedures for: Breasts • Body • Facial
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Why Is an ASPS Member Surgeon the Best Choice for Me?
Members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons:
- are certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery® or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada®.
- have at least six years or surgical training and experience, with at least three years in plastic surgery.
- operate only in accredited medical facilities.
- adhere to a strict code of ethics.
- fulfill continuing medical education requirements, including standards and innovations in patient safety
- are your partners in cosmetic plastic surgery and reconstructive plastic surgery.
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Form and Function
Plastic surgery is about a lot more than vanity. In reconstructive cases, ASPS Member Surgeons help people get their lives back and feel more comfortable with themselves. ASPS Member Surgeons are trained in the following reconstructive procedures: burn; wound and trauma repair; tumor removal and cancer reconstruction; correction of birth defects and acquired deformities; hand surgery; maxillofacial and craniofacial surgery; and microsurgical reconstruction.
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Looking Good, Feeling Great
The popularity of plastic surgery is soaring and more and more doctors are trying to meet the demand for this specialty that has become an integral part of mainstream medicine. Any licensed physician can call himself or herself a cosmetic surgeon, so the importance of finding a properly trained and certified provider is paramount.
Choosing a doctor who’s a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons® (ASPS) is the first step. Founded in 1931, ASPS is the largest plastic surgery organization in the world. ASPS Member Surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery®, which is the only board dedicated to plastic surgery of the face and entire body. Unlike other specialty organizations, ASPS requires each member surgeon to have a minimum of six years of surgical training, with at least three years of those years specifically in plastic surgery.
Breast enhancement, body contouring, liposuction, facial contouring and nose surgery are among the most popular procedures performed by ASPS Member Surgeons. Plastic surgery procedures like breast reduction and breast reconstruction can improve quality of life by positively impacting self-image and self-esteem. ASPS Member Surgeons also use reconstructive procedures to restore a more natural look and function in cases where the patient has been compromised by disease, accident or disfigurement. Regardless of the reason or motivation for undergoing plastic surgery, ASPS Member Surgeons are your partners in looking and feeling great.
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Did You Know?
Plastic surgery can slow the aging process and improve the visible signs of aging. ASPS Member Surgeons are trained in cosmetic procedures of the face and all areas of the body to help you look naturally younger.
Among the procedures used to turn back the effects of time:
- surgical rejuvenation of the aging face
- injectable therapies
- laser and light-based rejuvenation
- breast lifts and body lifts
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What Can I Expect?
Before you have plastic surgery, you meet with your ASPS Member Surgeon® for a consultation. During the consultation, you will want to discuss your goals. Your surgeon will examine you and advise the best procedure to achieve your desired goals
Your Plastic Surgeon Should:
- should answer all of your questions thoroughly and clearly.
- ask about your thoughts to recommended treatment
- offer alternatives, where appropriate, without pressuring you to consider unneeded or additional procedures.
- welcome questions about your procedure and his or her professional qualifications, experience, costs and payment policies.
- make clear the risks of surgery and possible outcomes.
- give you information about the procedure you want.
- leave the final decision to you.
Step 1: Questions to Ask When Choosing a Plastic Surgeon
- Are you an ASPS Member Surgeon? (If he or she answers “yes,” you can rest assured that your surgeon is board-certified in plastic surgery, has hospital privileges and only performs surgery in accredited facilities.)
- Are you board-certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada?
- Do you have hospital privileges to perform this procedure? If so, at which hospitals?
- Is the surgical facility accredited?
- How many procedures of this type have you performed?
Step 2: Questions to Ask Your ASPS Member Surgeon
It’s important to talk to your ASPS Member Surgeon about your goals and your treatment. Feel confident asking about your doctor’s credentials, experience, outcomes or safety record. It is your body, your safety and your life.
- Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
- What will be expected of me to get optimal results?
- What are the risks involved with my procedure?
- How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?
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»More about: Dr. Greg Liebscher, ASPS Member Surgeon
»More about procedures for: Breasts • Body • Facial
[Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons®]
