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Plastic Surgery and Choosing a Plastic Surgeon

What is Plastic Surgery?

plastischechirurgie-linz involves surgical reconstruction of different areas of the body. You may be interested in plastic surgery due to birth defects, disease, burns or for other and more personal cosmetic reasons. A plastic surgeon is a well-defined surgical specialist. The best in the field have completed up to 11 years of combined educational requirements, residency requirements, internship and approved residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery, plus an additional 2 years in actual practice before being board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, the Gold standard in the plastic surgery field. This is the public's assurance that they are dealing with one of the best plastic surgeons available.

Plastic surgery can help improve the way you look and enhance your original features. Whether you are looking to have plastic surgery because of birth defects or for personal reasons, the results can boost your self confidence, build your self esteem and provide you with an entirely different outlook on life. There are many options that can improve your life and correct disfigurements or enhance your appearance. Some of the more commonly popular plastic surgery procedures are Breast Augmentation, Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck), Liposuction for Body Lifts, Arm Lifts, etc., facial surgeries such as Face Lifts and Rhinoplasty, as well as nonsurgical procedures like Botox injections.

Additionally some of the newer technologies are allowing us to do intricate female surgeries such as correcting vaginal relaxation using Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation procedures. This was typically a surgery only available through conventional methods until recently. By utilizing laser technology and laser surgical techniques, a plastic surgeon trained and certified in these techniques can eliminate the risks inherent with invasive conventional surgical methods, meaning less blood loss as lasers are self-cauterizing, less risk of infection and complications, virtually no hospital time and much quicker recovery times.

Choosing A Plastic or Cosmetic Surgeon

Here are some questions to help you choose a high quality plastic or cosmetic surgeon.

1. Are you Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons?

This should be the very first question you ask. There is much public confusion about certification and there are many different certifications available, for instance, state certification. However, to ensure you are getting the highest qualified plastic surgeon available, certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons is the designation you are seeking. They are the only board for instance, that can certify in both plastic and reconstructive surgery.

2. Find out who will be assisting your plastic surgeon during your procedure:

There are many people needed as a support team for your surgery to go smoothly and limit the chances of any complications. Typically, your support team will include trained nursing staff, an anesthesiologist, recovery room nursing staff, and any other technicians or support needed for your particular procedure. Find out what and who they are and their qualifications.

3. Where will my surgery be performed?

While some plastic surgery procedures may be performed in the cosmetic surgeon's office, most require hospitalization or a surgical care center. Be sure and ask about the facilities where you will be having surgery and if those facilities are accredited or certified by the appropriate agencies.

4. What are the potential risks or side effects of my plastic surgery procedure?

Every surgery carries the potential of risk, for instance excessive blood loss, infection, or other complications that may be unforeseen or that can occur. Though very rare with modern day plastic surgery techniques, they can occur, and when they happen it can mean you require additional surgery that will place an added financial risk or burden on you. Find out what these risks are. Dr. Vu, for instance, is the only Portland plastic surgeon that has been approved by CosmetAssure. CosmetAssure is basically complications insurance, and provides Dr. Vu's patients with an additional layer of financial protection should that rare complication occur. A cosmetic surgeon approved for CosmetAssure carries the highest credentials, a spotless surgical record and possesses the highest surgical skills.

5. How long is the Recovery Time for my procedure?

Find out, every procedure varies, but knowing ahead of time will help you plan for time off work or arrange for any additional home service help you may need.

7. What type of Anesthesia should you choose?

Anesthesia is always one of the larger risks of any type of surgery and there are basically 3 types. A local anesthesia which is very low risk and primarily only used during low risk, low invasive office procedures, an IV sedation, referred to as "twilight sleep" and general anesthesia. The choice is typically left up to the patient for the latter 2, but you need to know the risks associated with each, and the cosmetic surgeon can make a recommendation to you depending upon any additional personal risks you have, such as smoking, medications you're currently taking, etc. Be sure and cover this topic thoroughly.

8. What do past patients have to say about this particular plastic surgeon?

The fastest way to know about a plastic surgeon is by reputation, and the thing that builds (or ruins) a plastic surgeon's reputation faster than anything is the testimonials or recommendations from existing patients. Your cosmetic surgeon should either have a good sampling of testimonials on their website, or be able to show them to you if you ask. If the plastic surgeon you are contemplating using hasn't received cards and letters of thanks, odds are you won't be sending them one either. If at all possible, find out if prior patients are happy with their surgery results, as well as the personality of the attending plastic surgeon themselves.

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How to Have a SAFE Plastic Surgery Procedure

I came up with a mnemonic for SAFE PLASTIC SURGERY. Today I will cover the "SAFE" part of the phrase.

S: Summarize the changes you want to see in yourself. Make a detailed list, or even diagrams, of which feature(s) you do not like or wish to improve. Photographs of features can be used to communicate your ideas with your surgeon. However, keep in mind that photographs are only reference points. Features you might find attractive on someone else might not look natural on you. Try to be as specific as possible when listing the changes you would like to see.

A: Assess your readiness for surgery. Questions to ask yourself are: "Am I really ready? Am I emotionally, physically and financially prepared for surgery? Do I have adequate time set aside for proper recovery?"

It is best to have relative stability in your life before undergoing plastic surgery. If you have serious concerns such as a recent loss of a loved one, divorce, or unplanned job or career changes, it may not be the right time to contemplate plastic surgery. The following is a list of points that will help you decide whether you are ready to undergo plastic surgery:

1. "I want to look good and feel better about myself." Some people feel and look better after buying new clothes or a new car, having sex, or eating a great meal. I do recommend that if the desired improvements can be obtained through diet and exercise, this should be attempted first.

2. "Someone else is complaining about my appearance." This is not a good reason to have plastic surgery. "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" (Hungerford). What one person sees as a physical characteristic in need of improvement may appear as your best feature to another.

3. "I am depressed." This is not a good reason to contemplate plastic surgery. As mentioned earlier, emotional stability is the key to having successful surgery.

4. "I need it to save my job, marriage or relationship." While one's job or marriage might be well worth saving, undergoing surgery is definitely not the answer. If you believe your job or marriage is in jeopardy, try to get to the core of the problem. Make a point of speaking with your boss, husband, or wife. You might find that once things are resolved or are resolving you may no longer want to have plastic surgery.

5. "I can see a problem." This may be a good reason to undergo surgery. However, I advise caution as it could lead to an ongoing desire for more surgery simply because you think you see a problem.

6. "I expect improvement but not perfection." This is a good starting point for anyone considering plastic surgery. There is nothing wrong with wanting to improve what you already have.

7. "I have support from my family and friends." Having support from friends and family is important when undergoing any surgical procedure. Keep in mind that seeking support is different from wanting approval.

8. "I am financially stable." Cosmetic surgery is a luxury. It is not worth having plastic surgery only to be left in debt. Not only do you need to financially plan for the surgery, but you also need to plan for the possibility, unlikely as it might be, of complications, which may add to recovery time as well as to financial responsibilities.

9. "Do I have the time?" When assessing their recovery, most patients consider simply the length of the actual operation. I am constantly reminding patients that surgery includes consultation, preoperative preparation, the operation itself and the recovery period. Physical recovery alone can last anywhere from one to three weeks and, in some cases, longer. Emotional and psychological adjustment may take at least four to six weeks.

Use these ideas as guidelines when considering plastic surgery. Feel free to add to this list.

F: Find the right plastic surgeon. I cannot stress this enough: There are many highly qualified doctors currently in practice; there are many inferior doctors practicing as well. Numerous sources are available to help you find a good plastic surgeon. Avoid relying on the Yellow Pages or similar advertising. Instead, obtain a referral from a family doctor who knows surgeon with the right qualifications and reputation. A friend, co-worker or relative who has had the same procedure you are contemplating can be a good reference, especially if they are pleased with their result. A referral from your local or national plastic surgery society is another source, as well as a referral from a local hospital or medical association.

The American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASPRS) has a free nationwide referral service that is available to anyone who is interested. You can call (800) 766-4955, or write to ASPRS, 444 East Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005-4664. In California, you can call the California Society of Plastic Surgeons.

E: Evaluating the surgeon. Cosmetic surgery is still surgery, and once in a great while things can go wrong. If this happens, a qualified surgeon can, and usually does, keep you out of serious trouble. During and after a surgical procedure, a qualified surgeon can identify and treat problems before they become serious. This is why it is important to take the time to properly evaluate prospective surgeons. Check qualifications and credentials completely. Call or visit your local medical library and consult The Directory of Medical Specialists, which lists board-certified surgeons by state and details each surgeon's education, training, and memberships in professional organizations. ASPRS is an excellent source to utilize. To be a member, ASPRS surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed undergraduate and medical school, as well as an approved general surgery program of at least three years, and an approved plastic surgery residency of two to three years. Board certification is achieved after completion of a written and an oral examination. Look for the ASPRS emblem when selecting your plastic surgeon.