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Surgeon Checklist
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How do you
find a qualified plastic surgeon? Most people are not
aware that anyone with a medical degree can call himself or
herself a plastic or cosmetic surgeon, advertise those services
and perform them. Your first consideration should be to develop
a list of well-qualified plastic surgeons. Recommendations
from friends or your family physician are a good starting
point. Local hospitals can provide you with a list of board
certified plastic surgeons with approval to perform the procedures
you are considering. Board certification cannot guarantee
great results, but it can certainly increase the odds.
The next step
is to investigate your physician's credentials, such
as board certification. If a physician indicates that he is
board certified, make sure you question to which board he
is referring. The American Board
of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is the only board recognized
by the American Board of Medical
Specialties to certify plastic surgeons. A surgeon
who is ABPS certified has graduated from an accredited medical
school and completed at least five years of additional residency.
After this, the surgeon must practice plastic surgery for
two years and pass comprehensive written and oral exams. You
can verify this information through www.certifieddoctor.org.
After you
have narrowed your list of candidates, consider asking these
questions during the initial consultation:
- Do you do this procedure frequently
or only occasionally and when did you last perform this
procedure?
- What major hospitals and surgery centers
are you affiliated with in the area?
- Could the surgeon show you various before
and after photos of his other patients who had undergone
the procedure you are considering?
- Did he candidly discuss the potential
risks and complications associated with this procedure so
you could make an informed choice?
After your
consultation, think about this: Did the surgeon ask
about your motivation or appearance goals? Were all your questions
answered to your satisfaction? Did the surgeon welcome questions
about professional qualifications, experience and cost? Did
you feel comfortable talking with the surgeon about surgical
and non-surgical alternatives?
The physicians at ACPS have prepared
the following check list to help you select the best plastic
surgeon for your procedure.
The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery's
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Non-ACPS Surgeons
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Check List for Choosing a Plastic Surgeon
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ACPS
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To print and take with you on your consultations...
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SURGEON
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THE SURGEON'S CREDENTIALS
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| Specializes mainly
in aesthetic plastic surgery |
YES
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| Board certified
by the American Board of Plastic Surgery |
YES
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Member of:
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| American Society
of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) |
YES
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American Society
of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)
*Dr. Paul Fortes not yet a
member of ASAPS. |
YES
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| Fellow of the American
College of Surgeons (FACS) |
YES
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| Fellow of the International
College of Surgeons (FICS) |
YES
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Additional credentials
for continuing education from AMA, ASPS, ASAPS
*Dr. Paul Fortes not yet a
member of ASAPS. |
YES
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| Privileges at major
area hospitals to perform the procedure of interest |
YES
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| Participates in
continuing education for his/her specialty |
YES
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| Practice has an
affiliation of several aesthetic plastic surgeons
on site, offering daily opportunities for continuing
education among peers |
YES
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THE CONSULTATION
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| Before and after
photos |
YES
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| Computer imaging |
YES
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| Extensive pre-operative
and post-operative educational materials |
YES
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| Actual implants
and garments available to "try on" a new breast
size |
YES
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| Fee quoted includes
surgeon's fee, anesthesia, operating room, implants,
post-operative visits with doctor, home visit by
nurse |
YES
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| Extensive pre/post
operative printed information for patient review |
YES
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THE SURGERY
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| On-site fully accredited
surgery center |
YES
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| If there is an on-site
surgery center, check the following: |
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| Accredited by AAAASF,
Inc. (you can verify at www.aaaasf.org) |
YES
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| Licensed by the
State Department of Health |
YES
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| Licensed anesthesiologists
to administer general anesthesia |
YES
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| Staffed by experienced
individuals hand-picked by the surgeon |
YES
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| Overnight stay program
for patients needing longer recovery care |
YES
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PATIENT CARE
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| At-home
nurse visits by a skilled plastic surgery staff
member |
YES
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| Registered massage
therapist on site to relax muscles and speed recovery
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YES
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| Comprehensive skin
care program with doctor-referred products |
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| Experienced esthetician
providing skin care after facial surgery |
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Other Considerations in Choosing a Plastic Surgeon
Surgeon: _________________________
Date of Consultation: ________________
Procedure(s): ______________________
- Did the surgeon spend time with you
discussing your motivations and appearance goals?
- Is the surgeon experienced in performing
this type of surgery?
- How many?
- When was the last time?
- Did the surgeon answer all questions
in a language you could understand?
- Was the physician warm, caring and understanding?
- Were reception areas and exam rooms
clean and neat?
- Were office staff friendly, professional
and knowledgeable?
Finally…Ask yourself how you
felt after the initial consultation. The level of communication
with your physician and his staff, as well as the confidence
the surgeon inspires, are vital to the success of your surgery.
NOTES:
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