The Columbus Society of Plastic Surgeons : Central Ohio Cosmetic surgery aesthetic reconstructive surgical breast implants liposuction nose job botox rhinoplasty facelift specialist doctor

Interest in plastic surgery has skyrocketed over the past decade. The number of cosmetic plastic surgeries increased 48% from 2000 to 2006. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that, in 2006 alone, Americans spent $11.5 billion on 11 million procedures.

As the demand for plastic surgery has increased, a growing number of doctors, and even non-physicians, have begun offering procedures traditionally done by plastic surgeons. In Ohio, you do not have to be a plastic surgeon to perform a facelift or breast augmentation, run a cosmetic laser or inject Botox® Cosmetic; any licensed doctor can offer these procedures, regardless of his or her level of plastic surgery training.

It is critical that to know about your doctor’s training, experience and certification so you can make an informed decision. In a recent ASPS survey, nearly 40% of cosmetic surgery patients admit they should have been more proactive in learning about their surgery; 28% did not check their doctor’s credentials before surgery, 37% did not check if their surgeon was certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and 54% did not check if their surgeon had completed an accredited residency training program in plastic surgery. The statistics highlight the confusion that can exist in choosing a surgeon to perform a cosmetic procedure. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the first step in educating yourself about any cosmetic, plastic or reconstructive procedure.

The decision whether to have plastic surgery is an important one and you should enter it with your eyes open. You should be sure to ask your doctor the right questions so that you can gather the right information.

Be Comfortable with your Doctor

First and foremost, you want a plastic surgeon you can trust and with whom you feel comfortable. Ideally, when you leave a consultation, you should have confidence in the surgeon’s skill and training, as well as his or her bedside manner. Your plastic surgeon should be your partner in your cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Learn about your doctor’s training and expertise in the particular procedure that interests you. You should make sure that your procedure was actually part of your doctor’s training – make sure that the training was part of an integrated course of study and not just a weekend course. The easiest way to determine whether your physician has had the extensive training you are looking for is to find a board certified plastic surgeon who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Why is the Right Board Certification Important

Although your surgeon may be board certified, it is important to take the next step and ask which board has certified that doctor. There are 24 boards recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (“ABMS”), including traditional medical specialties such as internal medicine, pediatrics and obstetrics and gynecology. The only board recognized by the ABMS for plastic surgery is the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This board certifies a doctor’s training in plastic surgery for the entire face and body.

Board certification in plastic surgery guarantees that your surgeon has graduated from an accredited medical school, completed at least five years of surgical training with a minimum of two years dedicated to plastic and reconstructive surgery. It also means that they have passed comprehensive written and oral examinations in plastic surgery.

According to the ABPS website (www.abplsurg.org), the board’s mission is “to promote safe, ethical, efficacious plastic surgery to the public by maintaining high standards for the education, examination, certification and maintenance of certification of plastic surgeons as specialists and subspecialties.” Certification by the ABPS assures you that your surgeon has undergone rigorous training and examination in plastic surgery.

What is the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and why does it matter if my doctor is a member?

To become a member of the ASPS, a surgeon must be certified by the ABPS and fulfill extensive continuing medical education requirements to ensure awareness of the latest techniques and information in plastic surgery. ASPS members adhere to a strict code of ethics and operate only in accredited facilities to ensure your safety. Membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgery indicates a dedication to the pursuit of excellence in plastic surgery. More information about what membership means is available through the ASPS website (www.plasticsurgery.org).

What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor Before Having a Procedure?

Whether you are having a surgical, injectable or laser procedure, there are some important answers you should get before undergoing the procedure.

The increase in the demand for plastic surgery does not change the fact that it is still surgery. It is common sense that you can reduce the risks of surgery by choosing a doctor who has been specifically and extensively trained to perform that procedure. The more proactive you are in learning about your physician, the more comfortable you will be with this very important decision.