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Choosing a doctor for your cosmetic procedure A plastic surgeon receives special training in the reconstruction of facial and body defects due to birth disorders, trauma and disease. Many plastic surgeons also become adept at cosmetic procedures. When selecting your surgeon, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons offer these tips. Ask for referrals. People you know may be able to recommend a doctor. But keep in mind that a physician who is highly skilled in one procedure, may not be so skillful at another. Check the doctor's credentials. Is the doctor board-certified and is that specialty area appropriate to the procedure you are considering? Don't hesitate to verify the physician's medical license or to look into his or her certifications or memberships in professional societies. Each state has a medical board that can confirm your doctor's license. The board may also be able to tell you about any complaints lodged against the doctor or any disciplinary action taken. Inquire about the doctor's experience. It's good to ask how often the doctor has performed the procedure you're considering and whether the doctor has before-and-after photos that demonstrate his or her work. (Realize, however, that photos from someone else's procedures do not guarantee the results you'll achieve.) Consider all of your options. Remember, it's OK to talk to more than one doctor about what you're hoping to achieve. Different physicians may suggest different techniques, and those techniques may come with different risks, benefits, recovery time and results. Get answers to your questions. Be clear about where the doctor will perform your surgery, what risks are involved, how much it will cost, what recovery time will be involved and what results you can expect. Be comfortable with your doctor. It's important that you have a good rapport with your doctor and his or her staff. The doctor should be willing to answer your questions; offer alternatives, when appropriate, without pressuring you; and ask for your reactions to recommendations. |
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