How to research a plastic surgeon

findingme · May 13, 2008

I was finally approved and want to make sure the ps is a good one. How do I research this?

BRANDYK · May 13, 2008

I started by looking on this board to see what doctors were recommended. Obesityhelp.com also has a plastic surgery section that has an area where the doctors are rated. What area do you live in?

Dr. Schulman · May 13, 2008

I was finally approved and want to make sure the ps is a good one. How do I research this?

This has been covered on here before, but it can never be repeated too often because it is so important. When choosing a plastic surgeon for body contouring, make sure he/she has the following qualifications:

1. Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (do not be fooled by people who state that they are "board certified cosmetic surgeons" - this is not the same and requires nothing more than a membership fee)

2. Members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons - this is the major plastic surgery society and requires that all its members are board certified, meet ethical and moral standards, and maintain continuing education through lectures and conferences. Check you doctor's status in the ASPS directory.

3. Your surgeon should be experienced with surgery on those who have had bariatric surgery. Body contouring after weight loss is a very subspecialized area of plastic surgeries. Just becasue your surgeons has performed many tummy tucks, odes not mean that they are experienced with performing tummy tucks on people who have lost 100 pounds - it is not the same.

4. Make sure your surgeon is performing your procedure in an accreditated facility. If it is beign performed outside a hospital (such as an ambulatory surgery center or his/her office, make sure they have admitting privledges at a nearby hospital, just in case of a complication.

5. Ask your surgeon how many procedures they have performed and ask to see pictures of the results. An experienced surgeon will be able to show you several examples, even of bad results!

This is an important decision and you need to be safe. You deserve someone who is experienced and who will not compromise your safety. Obviously cost is always a factor, but don't use it as the only criteria.