No one wants to become a plastic surgery horror story or a bad facelift cliché — let alone suffer serious medical complications. Of course, no amount of caution can guarantee a fabulous-looking, problem-free result. There are steps, however, you can take to minimize your risk.
- If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times: Make sure your surgeon is board-certified. This means that he or she has met the standards for certification that have been set by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This is the quickest and easiest way for you to be sure that your surgeon has the training and experience you would expect from someone who is going to permanently alter your face or body. If you don’t do this step, you may end up with an OB-GYN performing your liposuction ... or an ear, nose and throat specialist doing your face lift.
- It is also a good idea to ask if your surgeon is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Beyond the ABPS requirements, ASPS requires that their members keep up with continuing education. Why is this important? With today’s ever-changing and advancing technology, especially in the field of medicine, do you really want a surgeon who doesn’t keep up with all of the latest information and technical advances?
- Think twice before booking that “plastic surgery vacation” in the Dominican Republic (or Costa Rica, or wherever). Yes, it may be true that there are many fine doctors and facilities overseas, and you could wind up with fantastic results at a fraction of the cost of what you’d spend here at home. Or you could end up with some exotic infection that rears its head upon your return when you are thousands of miles away from the person who performed your surgery. Remember what I said about poor follow-up?
- Be honest with your surgeon. Tell your surgeon truthfully about any medical conditions, medications, even vitamins and supplements. Be honest about your drinking habits, eating habits and whether or not you smoke (even if it's a little). Your lifestyle and medical history are very important to the success and safety of your surgery. Don’t leave anything out, or you could pay a hefty price.
- Err on the side of caution. When choosing between two surgeons, choose the one who seems a bit more conservative in his/her approach. Consider scheduling multiple procedures in separate operations, instead of trying to do too much at once. The longer you’re on the operating table, the higher the risk of complications. Don’t be “greedy” by trying to talk your surgeon into sucking out more fat than he or she thinks is prudent or telling him to “pull it as tight as you can." Above all, remember: It’s much easier to take more out (or off) than it is to put it back. Sometimes less truly is more.
- Consider a specialist. In the United States, about 80% of cosmetic surgery procedures performed are comprised of liposuction and breast augmentation. This means that your average general plastic surgeon may not be performing a great number of nose jobs (for instance) per month. Therefore, it stands to reason that a surgeon who specifically specializes in facial plastic surgery may not only be doing more nose jobs, but may have more time to pursue continuing education specifically dealing with nose jobs. With today’s rapidly advancing technology, isn’t it important to consider your doctor’s expertise in the specific area on which you want him to operate? After all, the phrase “jack of all trades, master of none” is not one I would want associated with anyone who may be putting a scalpel to my face.
- Listen carefully to your doctor when he or she explains the risks and possible complications associated with your surgery. Read every word of every form that you sign, and ask questions about anything you don’t understand. Unfortunately, there are some surgeons who may tend to gloss over the risks to get you on the table. Take responsibility for your own care.
- Don’t bargain-hunt when it comes to choosing a surgeon. When things are really cheap, there is usually a reason.
- Remember that even if you follow all of these rules and find the best surgeon available, there is always a risk. The risks with plastic surgery are actually relatively low (when compared to those associated with nonelective surgery), but they are always there. There are no guarantees you will be 100% safe, and there are no guarantees that you will be happy with your new look. Only you can decide if the potential reward is worth the risk.
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Sources:
How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Consumer Information Sheet, American Society of Plastic Surgeons; http://www.plasticsurgery.org/patients_consumers/find_member_surgeon/How-to-Choose-a-Plastic-Surgeon.cfm
Interview with Andrew Jacono, MD, New York, NY; conducted on 8/5/08
Interview with Matthew Schulman, MD, New York, NY; conducted on 7/31/08
