Thinking About Plastic Surgery?

CBS News’ 48 hours did an investigative report, last year, that still holds true. It reiterated the safety guidelines set forth by The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) offers these safety guidelines for anyone considering cosmetic surgery.

Credentials: The surgeon you select should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). It may be a surprise to you to learn that any doctor, even from a non-surgical specialty, can legally perform surgery. Certification by the ABPS guarantees that the doctor you have chosen has at least five years of surgical training that must include two years of training specifically in plastic surgery.

Patients who are having a cosmetic procedure should choose a doctor who is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). Such doctors have had extensive cosmetic surgical experience and have met ASAPS requirements for continuing cosmetic surgery education.

Hospital privileges: Although many cosmetic plastic surgery procedures can safely be performed outside a hospital, in an in-office surgical facility, regardless of where your surgery will be performed, the doctor you choose should have privileges to procedure specific procedures in an acute care hospital.

Facilities: Studies have proven that accredited in-office facilities have a safety record as good as hospitals, but, in choosing a surgeon you should be certain that the non-hospital setting is accredited by a nationally or state-recognized accrediting agency, or be state licensed or Medicare certified.

Health: A good surgeon will not perform surgery on a patient who is not in good physical condition. It behooves the doctor to discuss your general health with you and you should be open and honest about any drugs you are taking or conditions you may have. The medical history that you complete should include prescription, non-prescription and herbal medications or treatments to avoid the possibility that one or more of these substances can interfere with blood clotting or interact with medications used during surgery, increasing surgical risk.

Patient education: A reputable surgeon will always take the time, before surgery to educate you about all aspects of the planned surgery. If you have questions, you should feel free to ask your doctor and be comfortable with his or her responses. Your postoperative care should be thoroughly discussed with your doctor.

Risks: Cosmetic surgery is, as a rule, extremely safe. Even in the hands of surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and even when you get the highest level of care, every surgery has associated risks. You should discuss these with your doctor and make certain you understand the ramifications of your procedure.

Postoperative and at-home care: The period immediately following your surgery is when you are particularly vulnerable. You should be monitored by qualified medical personnel and discharged from the surgical facility only after your surgeon has given you the go ahead.