Considering a Tummy Tuck? Choose Your Surgeon Wisely
The tummy tuck is a very common and popular plastic surgery procedure able to produce excellent results for those looking to firm and flatten the belly. However, it is still surgery and it carries certain risks. In order to maximize both your results and your health and wellbeing, it’s essential that you find a qualified, board certified plastic surgeon with the necessary experience and training to perform your surgery successful. But how do you distinguish a qualified physician from someone who is not qualified? Here are some tips to help you make the best choice.
Board Certification is Required
Any physician that you choose to work with should be a licensed medical doctor in your state of residence. Given that you are considering a plastic surgery procedure, the doctor should be board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Membership in a prestigious organization like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is a good sign as well. Board certification and membership in these organizations are important because they prove that the doctor has completed several years of training in the specialty and has passed thorough written and oral examinations.
It is not enough to know that a physician has attended medical school and holds a license because you need to make sure that they have received training for plastic surgery. The same holds true for any other type of specialty physician because they all need to have specialized training to practice any medical specialty. You can contact your state medical board to ensure that the doctor is licensed and inquire about any type of disciplinary actions. You can also contact the ABPS or American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) to inquire about a surgeon’s board certification status. The general public is allowed to make these types of inquiries free of charge and most doctors will gladly list their qualifications as well.
Inquire About Hospital Privileges
When it comes to plastic surgery, it is a good sign if a plastic surgeon has hospital privileges. While many surgeries are performed in outpatient centers or a surgeon’s office-based facility, hospital privileges are an indication that the surgeon has met the standards and requirements set by that hospital in order to use their facilities. Hospitals make sure that the physician provides a certain standard of care and they also do thorough background checks.
Check Their Background
Take some time to research your physician online. Many physicians have websites and you can also find more information about them there. Also, read reviews or comments from their previous patients if they are available online. Most plastic surgeons have before and after photos available for viewing. Some of them post these photos online or they might have a portfolio in the office. You should be able to take a look at their work and see the results of the type of surgery you are considering.
Understand Their Specialty
While a physician could be a board certified plastic surgeon, it does not make them an expert in all types of plastic surgery. For example, facial plastic surgery procedures such as the facelift and rhinoplasty are very different from body sculpting procedures such as the tummy tuck and breast augmentation. Most plastic surgeons specialize in certain types of procedures and you need to make sure that your doctor is qualified to perform the type of surgery that you are seeking. There are plastic surgeons that specialize in facial plastic surgery and there are also physicians that specialize in body procedures.
The most important thing you can do as a patient is to educate yourself and make the right choices. Choosing the right plastic surgeon is one of the best ways to ensure your health and safety. Most plastic surgeons are well trained and provide excellent care, but you will still need to perform a vetting process to make sure that they are qualified.
Renowned facial plastic surgeon Dr. Ran Rubinstein at Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists of Newburgh, New York. Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists is the only plastic surgery practice in the Hudson Valley area with an on-site joint commission certified surgical suite. Please call 845-863-1772 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rubinstein.
