When it comes to choosing a qualified plastic surgeon, Bravo’s hit TV series “Real Housewives of New York City” knows the proper questions a prospective patient should ask…we applaud one of the housewives, Ramona Singer, for emphasizing in a recent episode the importance of choosing a board certified plastic surgeon that has appropriate hospital privileges.
In the episode entitled “Stay on Message,” one of the housewives (Sonja Morgan) takes her friend (Ramona Singer) to her plastic surgery consultation to help her ask the right questions to the surgeon about her liposuction procedure.
During the consultation, Ramona asks the surgeon if he had operating privileges at a hospital, what year was he board certified and was he a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).
In a press release, the ASAPS applauds these questions featured in the show and urge anyone interested in plastic surgery to ask these questions when they meet with a prospective surgeon.
Here are just a few of the items ASAPS suggest you ask a prospective plastic surgeon about. Doing so will ensure you are working with an experienced surgeon who will be able to complete your procedure safely.
Check Board-Certification
Independently verify whether the surgeon is certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This will provide a good indication of his or her training in a particular medical or surgical specialty.
Check ASAPS Membership
Being a member of the ASAPS indicates the surgeon is well qualified and has significant experience in the fields of plastic and cosmetic surgery…ASAPS membership is by invitation only.
Check Facility Accreditation
Cosmetic surgery procedures can be safely performed in a hospital, surgicenter or an office-based surgical facility. Most office based facilities are not accredited but do have safety records comparable to a hospital. Another advantage of ASAPS members…they only perform procedures in an accredited hospital, state licensed or Medicare certified facility.
Check Reliable Sources
When investigating a surgeon, ask around your community. Your primary care doctor is a good place to start…so is family and friends who may know someone who has dealt with that surgeon. Verify their board certification on your own and research procedures before going in for a consultation.
Verifying this information is critical to ensuring you are not caught using a surgeon that’s not qualified in plastic surgery and/or has substandard facilities. Plastic surgeries gone wrong can be both financially and mentally devastating.
Like Ramona, protect yourself and/or a loved one when looking for plastic surgery services.