The 6 Be’s Of Plastic Surgery

By Jerome Edelstein, MD

Before deciding to go ahead with any plastic surgery procedure, it’s important to be prepared.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) recommends that all prospective patients consider each of the following factors carefully:Be Informed
Patients should educate themselves on the treatment they wish to receive. It’s a good idea to research the procedure itself as well as the benefits and risks with which it’s associated.

Be Real

It’s important to read up on the benefits and risks of your prospective surgery. Be sure to discuss these with your Plastic Surgeon so that both of you fully understand your expectations for treatment as well as any potential side effects and the recovery time involved. A realistic outlook on the benefits and drawbacks of surgery is essential. Drawbacks include the related cosmetic surgery risks and downtime.

Be Honest

It may not be comfortable to do so, but it’s extremely important to discuss your full medical history with your plastic surgeon. Sharing as many relevant details as possible and asking a thorough list of questions during your consultation helps you get the answers you’re looking for and enables your Plastic Surgeon to determine the most effective form of treatment for your needs.

Be Safer By Choosing a Board Certified and ASPS Member Surgeon

ASPS Member Surgeons have been properly trained, Board Certified and are guaranteed to be qualified to perform your procedure. They only operate in accredited surgical facilities, receive continuous education in their field and adhere to a strict code of ethics. Choosing an ASPS Member Surgeon helps you to ensure that your health is in capable hands for your safety and well-being.

Board Certified physicians have also learned to engage in shared decision-making, a process that is often called informed consent. Informed consent is based on providing as much information as possible to the patient so that she/he fully understands the risks, benefits and possible consequences of the surgery in question. This includes discussing surgical details, the probability of experiencing side effects (and their potential severity), alternatives to the procedure and the anticipated outcome of treatment.Confirm the

Accreditation of Your Outpatient Surgery Centre

Many cosmetic surgical procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. If this is the case, you should be sure to check that the outpatient surgery centre is properly accredited. Check for appropriate licensing and accreditation before confirming your appointment.