Choosing A Facial Cosmetic Surgeon

If you are planning to have cosmetic facial surgery, it is important to chose the right surgeon.  The right surgeon can reduce your risk for complications during and after surgery.  Always make certain that you surgeon is board certified in cosmetic facial surgery.  As with any medical professional, chose a doctor who makes you feel comfortable and with whom you can establish a level of trust.  You should be able to discuss your expectations and concerns openly with your surgeon.  Medical qualifications are important, but it is vital that you be able to communicate with your surgeon.

Board Certification and Training

In some states in the United States, doctors can claim a specialty in which they are not board certified.  It is important that your facial cosmetic surgeon be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

When consulting with a cosmetic surgeon, you should ask about his fellowship training.  The fellowship provides training in a specific area.  A surgeon who has completed a fellowship in Head and Neck Surgery, will be a specialist in facial plastic surgery.  Find out what medical societies your surgeon is a member of  and if he has had training with any high profile surgeons.  Some surgeons may hold professorships at medical universities in the area.  This is an indication of a high degree of training.

Many facial cosmetic surgeons will have this information available on their Web site.  You can review the information about a particular surgeon before making you first appointment.

General Plastic Surgery

Surgeons who practice general plastic surgery work on many areas of the body.  The face is an especially complex structure and surgeons who work in this area must have an thorough understanding of the anatomy involved.  There is some degree of art involved in facial plastic surgery, and a general plastic surgeon may not be able to provide the results you desire.  Altering the structure of the face takes a knowledge and skill that can take many years to develop.  Surgeons who perform  facial surgery exclusively, such as face lifts, brow lifts or eyelid surgery are best qualified for your facial cosmetic procedure.

General plastic surgeons are qualified to perform facial surgery, but also work on other areas of the body.  They may perform breast augmentations and reductions, liposuction, and other procedures.  Facial plastic surgeons have a knowledge of not only the anatomy of the face, but of the aesthetics.  Facial procedures performed by facial plastic surgeons are less likely to have surgical complications.  The experience of facial surgeons makes them better equipped to treat complications in the event they occur.  For the best outcome, you should chose the most qualified surgeon.

Viewing Past Results

Although the relationship between patient and doctor is confidential, many patients who are pleased with their results will allow the doctor to use their before and after photos as an example of the doctor's work.  Patients may also write testimonials and these, along with the photos may be published on the surgeon's Web site. It is wise to study these photos to determine if the surgeon achieved a natural appearance with minimal scarring.

Some former patients may agree to meet prospective patients.  It is best if you can be  matched with a former patient of  the same gender and similar age who has had the procedure or procedures you are contemplating.  Discuss with the patient their experience and satisfaction with their surgery.  You may also wish to talk about the recovery process and discomfort associated with the surgery.

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