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Finding A Plastic Surgeon

By Henry J. Fishman, M.D.
ConsumerAffairs.com

August 16, 2005

Dr. Henry Fishman • New This Week • Previous Topics • About Henry Fishman • Radio Features

So you’ve decided to have a tummy tuck or a face lift. How to find the right plastic surgeon? It’s not easy. Start by developing a list of names. Talk to friends or relatives who have had plastic surgery or talk to your primary doctor, or your local hospital.

You can call 1-800-635-0635 -- that's the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Their website is www.plasticsurgery.org/.

Be sure the surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, (ABPS) which is approved by the American Board of Medical Specialists (ABMS).

There are a number of other so-called boards with confusing names, so be sure you get the right one.

Finally, get the names of patients who have undergone the surgery you are considering and ask lots of questions -- like how many similar procedures the surgeon has done? What is the success rate and risk? What outcome can I expect and what kind of anesthetic will be used? What kind of scarring can I expect?

Be sure that you like the surgeon and that he or she answers your questions.

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