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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to choose a board certified surgeon? Board certification is important because it ensures that a surgeon has completed special training in his/her areas of expertise, met the rigorous standards required by their respective boards, as well as completed special examinations. Depending on the type of cosmetic surgery you are going to have, your surgeon should be certified by one of two boards: the American Board of Plastic Surgery - for full body plastic surgery procedures - and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - for facial plastic surgery procedures. All surgeons at the Meridian Plastic Surgery Center are board certified in their areas of expertise. In addition to your surgeon, be sure that your anesthesiologist is also board certified. Why is it important to choose an accredited surgery facility if not going to a hospital? Accredited facilities must abide by certain rules and regulations to ensure patient safety. The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care sets standards for, measures performance of, and accredits more than 1800 ambulatory care facilities across the country. Accreditation from this organization has become a symbol that a facility is committed to providing the highest level of quality health care possible. Be sure the surgery center meets all the safety and quality standards of a hospital and is licensed by the State Board of Health. Medicare and Medicaid certification are also required if the facility is going to accept those types of insurance to pay for procedures. What questions should I ask before choosing my surgeon? Ask your surgeon what board certifications they hold. Depending on the type of cosmetic surgery you are going to have, your surgeon should be certified by one of two boards: the American Board of Plastic Surgery - for full body plastic surgery procedures - and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - for facial plastic surgery procedures. Ask how many times per year the surgeon performs the particular procedure you plan to have. Ask the surgeon what outcomes he/she expects from your surgery. Ask your surgeon about any specific risk factors with your particular situation. Choose a surgeon who performs your procedure regularly. Ask to see several sets of before and after photographs of the particular type of surgery you are considering that your surgeon performed, and review these closely. Take a notebook to your appointment and take notes during your discussion. Should I get a second opinion? If you are not completely comfortable and in agreement with your surgeon’s recommendations, or you just want the peace of mind from talking to another surgeon, you should seek a second opinion before making a decision. This will enable you to compare both surgeons’ recommendations. Be sure to ask each surgeon the same questions so that you are comparing the situations equally. Beware of any surgeon who discourages you from getting a second opinion or makes special offers that “are only good if you decide today”. How do I know if cosmetic surgery is right for me? Scheduling a consultation with your cosmetic surgeon is the most important step to determine this. Ask questions and tell your surgeon about any concerns you have. Be sure he/she is aware of any health problems or concerns you have. Ask your surgeon what outcomes he/she expects from your procedure and what the recovery time will be. Ask your surgeon if there are any special risk factors for you personally. What is the general recovery time for cosmetic surgery? Recovery time varies with each different procedure and each individual patient. This should be discussed with the surgeon during your initial consultation. What are the most common cosmetic surgery procedures performed? According to data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the top cosmetic procedures are: breast augmentation, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), facelift, liposuction, and nose reshaping (rhinoplasty). What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery? Cosmetic surgery reshapes normal structures of the body in order to improve the patient's appearance. Reconstructive surgery is performed on structures of the body that are abnormal, caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease. It is generally performed to improve function, but may also be done to approximate a normal appearance. |
