A TRUSTED RESOURCE FOR PLASTIC SURGERY
HOW TO FIND A SURGEON
Choosing a surgeon is one of the most important first steps when deciding to have plastic surgery. There are a multitude of surgeons advertising their services on the internet, TV and in the magazines today. How can anyone possibly choose one? Fortunately, there are some valuable tips available to help you find the best surgeon to fit your needs.
1
MAKE SURE THE SURGEON IS BOARD CERTIFIED SPECIFICALLY IN PLASTIC SURGERY.
Once you have read about the procedure and have some understanding of what it involves, it is time to research surgeons. It is critical that the surgeons you research are Board Certified SPECIFICALLY in Plastic Surgery. Believe it or not, this is not as obvious as it sounds. Unfortunately, there are many surgeons (and non surgeons) who call themselves cosmetic surgeons or plastic surgeons who have never trained in plastic surgery.
There is no such specialty as "Cosmetic Surgery" and no such specialist as a "Cosmetic Surgeon." These are generic terms which can be used by anyone. Many doctors who call themselves "Cosmetic Surgeons" are actually doctors who completed training in Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dermatology, Ear, Nose And Throat Surgery (Otolaryngology) and Internal Medicine. None of these doctors have received the intensive and advanced training required to be a Plastic Surgeon. They may be Board Certified in their specialty, but that does not mean they are Board Certified in Plastic Surgery.
Make sure to confirm that the surgeon is Board Certified SPECIFICALLY in Plastic Surgery. The LASPS is an excellent resource to find a qualified Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in Los Angeles. Our members must be Board Certified Plastic Surgeons and must pass a rigorous screening process before they are accepted. Choosing a member of the LASPS will make sure you are choosing a surgeon you can trust.
2
REVIEW THE SURGEON'S WEBSITE
Once you have narrowed down your list of potential surgeons to a few Board Certified Plastic Surgeons, it is time to review their websites. You should read about the surgeon to learn about their education and training. It is also helpful to learn more about that particular surgeon's approach to surgery. You can obtain a lot of information by reviewing the surgeon's Before and After photos. Make sure that you like the quality of the results being shown. All of this information will be very valuable to use during your consultation. The photos on our website have been contributed by LASPS members. Take a moment to review the photos here to see if there are results similar to your desires. There are also links to all members' websites located on this site.
3
CALL THE OFFICE
Now that you have found a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon you like, it is time to call to schedule a consultation. Your experience during the phone call can provide a lot of useful information. Make sure the staff is helpful and courteous. If you undergo a procedure, you will form a long term relationship with the office so making sure you feel comfortable with the staff is important. You can also use the opportunity to learn about pricing and scheduling. This will be helpful as you plan for your surgery and recovery.
Following these steps will ensure that you are well on your way to finding the perfect surgeon for your needs. Making sure that surgeon is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and feeling comfortable with the surgeon and his staff are very important steps to prepare you for a great experience. If you have adiditional questions or concerns, you can always call the LASPS office for more assistance.