Facial plastic surgery is one of the most personalized cosmetic procedures out there – for both the patient and surgeon performing it. Making the decision to go fourth with surgery means that not only do you desire perfect results, you also want to ensure that the process is done safely and effectively from start to finish.
Because of this, it is imperative to carefully research and educate yourself in regards to finding the right plastic surgeon. The best-suited doctor will fully understand your goals and modify their technique accordingly to fit your facial features, rather than the other way around.
This can be attained during your free consultation. At this time, you’ll get a brief health assessment and meet with a doctor to discuss expectations and learn more about the procedures and likely outcomes for each.
Cosmetic Surgery of New York’s board-certified plastic surgeons each have extensive training, knowledge, and experience in all areas of aesthetic plastic surgery to offer you peace of mind and optimal results with every step of your cosmetic procedure.
As with any big decision, it’s important to be prepared with questions and information to ensure you get the best experience and results from surgery.
HERE’S A LIST OF 10 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS KNOW WHEN DISCUSSING OPTIONS WITH YOUR PLASTIC SURGEON:
1. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A “BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON”?
Board certified plastic surgeons are certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and trained specifically in plastic surgery with additional qualifications including college and medical school education, residency, and successfully passing a series of rigorous tests and evaluations. They operate only in accredited medical facilities, follow a strict code of ethics, and fulfill continuing plastic surgery education requirements such as updated patient safety techniques. Additionally, it’s important that a board certified plastic surgeon is a designated FACS (Fellow, American College of Surgeons), and recognized for passing and fulfilling the high standards established by the ACS.
2. HOW IS A COSMETIC SURGEON DIFFERENT THAN A BOARD-CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON?
The main difference between the two is that cosmetic surgeons can belong to any related medical specialty – such as general surgeon, gynecologist, dermatologist, family physician or internist – and have further decided to perform cosmetic procedures after pursuing their previous title. Additionally, cosmetic surgeons are not required to adhere to the same rigid set of guidelines and protocols as board certified surgeons. Their professional training can be anywhere from self-taught, a one-year cosmetic surgery fellowship, or a handful of individual courses.
3. HOW MANY SIMILAR PROCEDURES SHOULD MY PLASTIC SURGEON HAVE PERFORMED PRIOR TO MINE?
It’s very important to know the level of experience your doctor has in regards to your specific plastic surgery procedure. While there is no set number on the amount of surgeries, results are certainly more predictable and at-ease from a surgeon with years of experience with quantities of real-life knowledge and examples to back it up.
4. ARE THERE ANY ALTERNATIVES TO MY PLASTIC SURGERY THAT CAN BE CONSIDERED?
Sometimes – surgery is not the only answer and you may very well be able to achieve your desired results through non-surgical treatments. Cosmetic Surgery of New York welcomes you to ask us about the benefits and risks of these alternatives so you can make an informed decision.
5. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO PREPARE FOR MY SURGERY?
Surgeries can require an assortment of preparations specific to the procedure such as not smoking, losing weight, or following a specific diet that limits food and medication intake prior to surgery. Over the counter products have been previously shown to often have negative, sometimes serious side effects like bleeding and bruising, and medications like blood thinners a description drugs have also been known to pose threats. Because of these potential risks, it’s very important to always consult your doctor prior to any changing regimens taking place with your plastic surgery.
6. WHERE WILL THE SURGERY BE PERFORMED?
Most routine surgeries are safely and more comfortably done in an accredited office surgical facility. Accreditation by the AAAASF (American Association of Accredited Ambulatory Surgery Facilities) means that the facility has been inspected and meets 100% of their strict criteria. Many patients also have the option of surgery being performed in as an outpatient in a separate hospital.
7. WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF UNDERGOING SURGERY?
Each and every surgery has associated risks. It’s important to discuss with your doctor both the benefits of the procedure AND the risks of further complications and side effects (e.g. nausea, vomiting, pain, infection) before making a decision.
8. HOW WILL THESE RISKS, SIDE EFFECTS OR COMPLICATIONS (IF ANY) BE HANDLED?
During consultation, you and your doctor can discuss your personalized risks of experiencing the side effects and/or complications. You’ll also discuss helpful medications that can be prescribed in order to minimize these symptoms.
9. WHAT KIND OF RECOVERY PERIOD CAN I EXPECT?
Some surgeries take longer to recover from than others. At your consultation, discuss how long it will take to heal from the procedure along with how you may feel – physically and mentally – immediately following your surgery.
10. WHAT ARE THE COSTS LIKE?
An assortment of financing options are available to be discussed at your consultation. Be sure to inquire within about total costs when it comes to specific services (i.e. cosmetic surgery and liposuction) and associated factors(i.e. anesthesia, garments, medications and required laboratory tests.) Inquiring about the cost is also important to remedy any potential future complications in the rare event that one may occur.
