|
Vote For Specialization
Hire a surgeon who concentrates exclusively on cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries for the neck and face. This physician has:
Years of specialized training
Expertise in facial tissue and structure
The latest techniques and technology
Extensive experience in exactly the surgery that will best help you.
Check Accreditations
Here’s a long name worth knowing... The American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) is the only board that certifies surgeons exclusively in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. For more information, click on www.abfprs.org. This organization provides a list of board-certified doctors in your area through its sister organization: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Call 1-800-332-FACE or click on www.AAFPRS.org.
Ask if the surgeon’s facility is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, a not-for-profit organization that inspects ambulatory health organizations. The survey team, composed of doctors and health administrators, ensures patients receive the safest, highest-quality care. Click on www.aaahc.org.
Schedule An Initial Consultation
It will help you decide which - if any - surgery you want and whether you’re comfortable with the surgeon. Don’t feel pressured during this visit; just gather information. In fact, take this list of questions with you:
Is the surgeon board-certified?
Which procedures will best produce the look I want?
How much improvement can I reasonably expect?
How often does the surgeon perform this procedure?
What happens during the procedure?
Where will it be performed?
What anesthetic is used? Who administers anesthesia?
After surgery, what’s the discomfort level?
How soon will I be back in public?
What complications are possible? Do I have health issues that pose risks?
What’s the cost? When is payment due?
May I see before-and-after photos of patients, specifically for the procedure I am considering? How about references? (A note of caution: Results vary by procedure, skin, bone structure, healing capacity, and health).
Does the surgeon pay attention to detail? (After all, it’s your face).
You’ll probably have a “before” picture taken at this consultation. It helps the physician better plan the procedure and is a great post-op reference for you.
Get Sneak Previews
Also at the initial consultation.... software can give you a sneak preview of how you’ll look after procedures involving bone or cartilage, such as the chin or nose. It’s harder for computers to accurately predict results from procedures involving mostly skin tissue. Your surgeon can best advise you on these results – often using before-and-after photos from other clients with similar skin characteristics.
If you still have unanswered questions and are not completely satisfied after the initial consultation, keep looking until you establish a good rapport with a surgeon you trust.
|
