How To Choose A Cosmetic Surgeon

I have written about this subject before, but in the wake of the tragic death of Kanye West's mother following cosmetic surgery it bears repeating.
Basically there are 6 specialties of surgery which are eligible for board certification by The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. They are: Dermatologic Surgery, Facial Plastic Surgery, General Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Oral Maxillo-facial Surgery, and Oculoplastic Surgery. All of these must demonstrate advanced training before they qualify to sit for these board exams.
I will concentrate this blog on how a patient can choose a surgeon.

1. Interview the surgeon. What is his training in the field and what is his experience in the performing the surgery in question. How many procedures has he performed.
2. Investigate the surgeon's credentials. Is he board certified and is he recognized in the community. Use professional societies such as the physician's appropriate Board, state medical societies, the AMA, hospitals on which the physician has privileges.
3. Ask where the surgery will be performed. Outpatient surgery centers which are certified by national accrediting agencies are 3X safer than hospital centers. Only certified centers, however, have the same oversight for safety as hospitals.
4. Ask to see before and after photographs. If you don't like the photos you won't like your results either. And it is OK to ask the physician for the name of a patient who had the procedure in question. However, the patient should have somewhat the same age and body type as you because otherwise the comments won't apply to you.
5. Referrals from friends are a good introduction to a physician. However, they are only one person's experience. Interview the doctor. You will live with him for the next year.
6. When any doubt exists or just for good measure, interview 3 surgeons. If there are questions about the surgery it is unlikely that all 3 will recommend a bad choice.

As a group physicians are reliable, moral, dedicated people. Your health and appearance are important to us and we respect your need to make careful evaluations between physicians. I can be reached at 847-832-6700 or e-mail me at drlack@metropolitanmds.com.