What should you know about the safety of outpatient plastic surgery?
When considering plastic surgery, it’s natural to focus more on the expected result than on the surgical process. However, to be fully informed, it’s important to learn about the safety of the procedure as well as the expected outcome. Although thousands of people have plastic surgery every year without complications, no surgical procedure is risk-free. To maximize safety, ensure that:
• Your physician is an ASPS Member Surgeon – which ensures at least five years of surgical training – with a minimum of two years specifically in plastic surgery, and is by the American Board of Plastic Surgery;
• The facility where your surgery will be performed conforms to strict safety standards – ASPS Member Surgeons only operate in accredited facilities;
• Your surgeon is informed of any drugs you are taking and your full medical history, especially if you have had any circulation disorders, heart or lung ailments or problems with blood clots;
• The surgical facility will use skilled, licensed personnel to administer and monitor your anesthesia and your recovery immediately following the procedure
• Extra safety measures are taken if you are having a more extensive liposuction procedure.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), an organization of plastic surgeons who are dedicated to the highest standards of patient care, has prepared this document to help you get the safety information you need. It contains recommendations developed by the society’s expert task forces, whose members have consulted the most recent research available. If you have questions about these guidelines or any specific concerns not covered in this document, talk with your plastic surgeon. Only ASPS members are entitled to display the logo above.
How can I be sure that my surgeon has adequate training?
Good credentials can’t guarantee a successful outcome; however, they can significantly increase the likelihood of it. Patients are advised to find a doctor who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties to certify a surgeon in plastic surgery of the face and of the entire body. Certification by the ABPS is ’the gold standard’ for plastic surgeons because it signifies that the surgeon has had formal training in an accredited plastic surgery residency program. If your surgeon is ABPS-certified, you can be assured that your doctor:
• Has completed at least five years of surgical residency training after medical school, including at least two years in plastic surgery
• Has passed comprehensive cosmetic and reconstructive surgery exams
• Is qualified to perform cosmetic and reconstructive procedures – everything from liposuction and facelifts to intricate wound repair.
To verify a surgeon’s certification status, contact the American Board of Plastic Surgery at 215-587-9322 or visit the board’s web site at www.abplsurg.org or the American Board of Medical Specialties at www.abms.org or by phoning 1-800-776-2378
*This article was taken from http://www.plasticsurgery.org/patients_consumers/ps_faqs/FAQ-What-You-Should-Know- About-the-Safety-of-Outpatient-Plastic-Surgery.cfm
Dr. Kim is a plastic surgeon providing his expertise to the Beverly Hills area. For more information please visit Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery.