Before you decide on a surgeon and cosmetic surgery, ask these questions.
Are you board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
Do you participate in the Maintenance of Certification in Plastic Surgery Program* (MOC-PS®)
*For surgeons who were board-certified after 1995
What is the extent of our training in plastic surgery?
What year did you begin to practice plastic surgery exclusively?
What surgical procedures do you perform most frequently?
Approximately how many times have have you performed (the procedure)?
Where is the facility (or facilities) where you perform surgery and have hospital priviliges?
Please tell me about the facility: is it accredited by a state or nationally recognized agency, and where is it?
Is your medical license in good standing in the state where you practice?
Have you ever practiced in another state? If yes, which states?
Have you ever had your medical license suspended or revoked?
Are you on probation?
Are you being treated for drug or alcohol abuse?
Have you ever been disciplined by the Board of Medicine in the state where you are practicing, or anywhere else?
Have you settled any medical malpractice or negligence lawsuits?
Are you currently involved in any pending malpractice or negligence actions?
Do you think I'm a good candidate for the procedure I'm interested in having?
Please tell me about preparation for the procedure, risks and possible complications, recovery time, etc.
What steps can I take to prevent any complications from arising?
May I please view before and after photos of any of your prior patients who have had this procedure?
These are just a few questions. You might think of a few of your own.
Make sure your surgeon is experienced in the procedure you are considering.
Just because a surgeon is board certified in plastic surgery does NOT necessarily mean he or she is experienced in the procedure you are considering!
Please carefully check your surgeons credentials before considering any treatment.
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