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Selecting a Qualified Plastic Surgeon is the First Step to A New Look

More and more people are calling on plastic surgeons to enhance their appearance. Last year, 5.7 million cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures were performed in the United States. Surveys indicate that about 60 percent of men and women say they approve of cosmetic surgery. That figure has risen dramatically over the past decade.

What accounts for the attitude shift? Procedures are safer, less invasive and usually do not require a hospital stay. At the same time, people are living longer and staying physically fit. “They want to look as good as they feel,” said Mary H. McGrath, M.D., M.P.H., professor of surgery at the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine and head of the brand new Loyola Plastic Surgery Center at the Oakbrook Terrace Medical Center.

The demand is growing and so is the number of centers and surgeons offering services. Faced with a barrage of ads, people often do not know where to turn. There is good reason to be apprehensive. Anyone with a medical degree can advertise himself or herself as a plastic surgeon, so checking a physician’s credentials is an important step toward finding a qualified surgeon.

“Whether you are considering cosmetic surgery to improve your appearance or reconstructive surgery to correct defects and improve function, you want a surgeon who is dedicated to excellence in plastic surgery care, training and ethics,” McGrath said.

The cream of the crop are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which means they have completed medical school and at l east five years of surgical residency training, including at least two years in plastic surgery. They have passed comprehensive cosmetic and reconstructive surgery exams and are qualified to perform cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons indicates that the surgeon regularly attends continuing medical education courses and adheres to a strict code of ethics.

Patients should feel free to ask plastic surgeons about their credentials and also their experience, such as how many operations they have performed, the complication rate of their patients and how often touch-ups are needed.

The facility and staff also are important. Surgical facilities that are approved by national-or state-recognized accrediting agencies have gone through a rigorous process to document their equipment and staff qualifications.