Selecting a plastic surgeon

After reviewing this section, you may want to conduct additional independent research. To some people, training reputation, and word-of-mouth are preferred criteria for selecting a physician. Augment Breast also has a Plastic surgeon Locator help guide you in choosing a well-trained physician by location, procedure or name. A list of professional organizations is provided at the end of this page to assist you in verifying physician credentials.

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Once you have done all the research and determined that the physician you have chosen is competent and qualified, you may want to go ahead and make a consultation appointment. In addition to the questions you ask the physician, the most important thing to consider is the communication between you and the physician. Be sure that you are comfortable with the physician and that all your questions are being answered. A give-and-take dialogue can ensure that you and the physician have the same vision of what you want the end result to be. iEnhance has provided you with a list of questions within each Procedure Description. Together with the questions provided here you should get a fairly comprehensive picture of the physicians working style and credentials.

Does the physician have hospital privileges at a local or major hospital? You may also contact the hospital to verify the information.
What does this treatment recommendation mean? Any part of the treatment your physician has recommended that you don’t understand, don’t be afraid to ask for more information.
Why did you select this profession and what procedures do you prefer doing the most? If the physician doesn’t enjoy what he/she is doing, he/she may not do the best job. But when the physician loves what they do, they may do more research and have developed better techniques.
How much will it cost, and when and how are you expected to pay? Does the physician participate in your medical plan? How will he/she accept payment and when will it be due? IEhance provides an avenue for you to arrange financing for your treatment. Patient Financing
If you have talked things over with your physician and are still unsure about what to do, get a second opinion.Don’t ever be apprehensive to get a second opinion, "two heads are usually better than one".
Has the physician ever had malpractice insurance denied, suspended or revoked?
The answer should be "NO".

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http://www.surgery.org - American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Over 1,400 Board-certified plastic surgeons worldwide are members of this professional organization. Members of ASAPS must are experienced well respected surgeons sho must be extended an invitation to join.

http://www.lcme.org - Liaison Committee on Medical Education. This organization accredits medical schools in the US and Canada. Click on "Directory of Accredited Medical Education Programs" to verify the accreditation of your doctor’s medical school.

Other relevant links:

PlasticSurgery.com - A guide to plastic surgery. You can research a procedure, and then pick a certified plastic surgeon in your area

http://www.plasticsurgery.org - American Society of Plastic Surgery. 97% of all US Board-certified plastic surgeons belong to this professional organization.

http://www.SearchPointe.com - a Physician Credential Verification company. From the home page, click on "Doctor Search", enter the search parameters and click "Search Now". Within a few seconds, SearchPointe will provide a free report that gives you the doctor’s name, phone number, address, specialty, education, school and residency information. Then for a small fee, you can order a License and Sanction report on that doctor.

http://www.aafprs.org - American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. With over 2,600 members worldwide, this professional organization represents surgeons performing cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, head and neck. AAFPRS is a National Medical Specialty Society of the American Medical Assoc. (AMA) and holds official seats in the AMA House of Delegates and the American College of Surgeons. While the American Board of Plastic Surgery does not certify many of AAFPRS' surgeons, the majority is certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology, which includes training in facial plastic and reconstructive procedures. Other AAFPRS members are surgeons certified in ophthalmology, plastic surgery, and dermatology.

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