In a world where image is everything, more patients are going under the knife to realize their perfect looks. You see it everywhere: from television and the news to everyday life, plastic surgery is the answer to your most daunting self-esteem issues. Couple this effect to be perfect with a less-than-promising economy, and you have a recipe for horror plastic surgery stories that are noted as "cheap," "fast," and the most inaccurate of descriptors, "safe." According to new statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the overall number of cosmetic procedures has increased by 162 percent since the collection of the statistics first began. Over 10.2 million surgical and non-surgical procedures were performed in the United States in 2008, according to the ASAPS statistics. No doubt that a woman or a man has every right to do what it takes to feel good about their body and their looks, it is important to understand the dangers of plastic surgery when provided by someone who offers a quick and cheap solution when there should not be one. When looking for a plastic surgeon, avoid the pitfalls that will result in you looking more like a Picasso than a da Vinci.
Look for a Board Certified Surgeon
The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the only cosmetic surgery board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. This should be the first question you ask when choosing a plastic surgeon. A backing from the Board of Plastic Surgery ensures your doctor has certain criteria and standards he or she must uphold.
Has Your Surgeon Undergone Disciplinary Measures?
Your doctor’s license status can be found through Florida’s licensing boards online. Go to the Federation State Medical Boards website (fsmb.org) to find the Florida doctor you’re looking for. Be sure to review the website prior to your consultation then prepare some questions you may have based on your findings.
Does the doctor have privileges to perform the procedure at a hospital?
Normally, you can find this information online on doctor’s licenses depending on the state. Even if the surgeon is doing the procedure at the hospital, privileges mean the doctor can treat you in a hospital should complications arise.
Is the facility where the surgery is taking place accredited?
Ensure that your surgery center is accredited by one of the following:
- The American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF)
- The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC)
- Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)
Trust the Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery Center to ensure the quality and competency of your plastic surgeon. We provide a complete and thorough consultation, so you feel comfortable with the entire process. Through our certification, we abide by all medical standards and policies.
