How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon
By Miguel Yanez | Published on March 12, 2010 | 0 Comments
If you’re thinking of undergoing plastic surgery, finding the right doctor to produce the best possible results is your number one priority.
Dr. Miguel Yanez, M.D. is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon at Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology’s Hickory and Gastonia, North Carolina locations, and he thinks that the first step in choosing a plastic surgeon should involve checking his necessary credentials – a process that is easier said than done. According to Dr. Yanez, it’s actually not enough to simply glance at the credentials posted on your potential surgeon’s office walls. Many agencies provide physicians with certificates that do not necessarily mean anything because such entities are not actually recognized by any larger and more authoritative organizations.
So what types of credentials should you keep an eye out for? Dr. Yanez insists that patients need to look for certifications from the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This is a trustworthy group that maintains a website where patients can verify their potential surgeons’ standings. Another dependable organization that can be helpful to patients is the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, which also offers online patient support via an up-to-date website. Finally, those in need of a reliable plastic surgeon should check with the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, either by phone or online. All three of these organizations have been put in place for a reason – to ensure patients that the physicians handling their cosmetic procedures have received at least a minimal level of specialized training, which generally includes a residency in plastic surgery at a program that is accredited by the American Board of Medical Specialties. In addition, some of these organizations require that their members adhere to a dedicated code of ethics. Specifically, plastic surgeons such as Dr. Yanez who perform procedures in their offices or at outpatient facilities must also retain additional privileges to admit patients at local area hospitals on an as-needed basis. Furthermore, plastic surgeons working under this code can only operate in facilities that have been certified by the state, Medicare, or another credentialing body that is widely recognized.
According to Dr. Yanez, the code of ethics that he and his colleagues are expected to follow is designed to protect patients and put their needs first. Unfortunately, doctors that aren’t bound to this code won’t necessarily hold themselves to the same standards of care (despite the fact that they most certainly should). For this reason, when you “interview” your plastic surgeon, it’s important to pay attention to his credentials and to also ask questions at the same time.
Of course, another good tactic to use when searching for a plastic surgeon is to listen to personal recommendations. If you have a friend, family member, or coworker who recently underwent plastic surgery and came away highly satisfied with the results, then ask that person who she used and about his experience. You might also ask your primary care physician to recommend a plastic surgeon in the area who has a reputation for doing good work under safe conditions.
Finally, as you go through the process of meeting with plastic surgeons and doing your research, don’t be afraid to ask for some physical evidence of their respective capabilities. A good plastic surgeon will be able to show you a series of before and after photographs of their past patients so that you can get a good sense of his work. After all, it’s one thing for a doctor to claim to be good at what he does, but it’s another thing to see it with your own eyes.
Remember, the right doctor can make or break your plastic surgery experience, so be sure to take your time and think things through when evaluating your options. Although your surgical procedure might be elective, it is still surgery nonetheless, so you’ll need to make certain that your doctor is more than adequately qualified and trained to manage your care from start to finish. By asking the right questions and doing your homework, you’ll be able to navigate the process and choose a surgeon who can safely turn your aesthetic dreams into your new physical reality.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
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*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.