Patients and potential patients are continually cautioned to “do your due diligence,” to insure a plastic or cosmetic surgeon is qualified to perform the procedure you are considering. One thing to keep in mind is that, although the terms are used interchangeably, there is a difference between a cosmetic procedure and plastic surgery. The term plastic surgery encompasses both cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries. Additionally, there are many cosmetic procedures that do not involve surgery (i.e. injectibles, fillers, etc).

Whatever procedure you are considering, make sure that the doctor(s) you are evaluating are:

• Board certified
• Qualified and experienced in the procedure you are considering
• A good fit with your personality

Board Certification

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the primary certification organization for plastic and cosmetic surgeons. Surgeons who are “board certified” by the ASPS must:

• Have a minimum of six years of surgical training in plastic surgery
• Complete extensive oral and written examinations
• Pursue 50 hours a year of continuing education
• Operate only in an accredited facility (like a hospital)
• Adhere to a strict code of ethics

Remember, plastic surgery is major surgery. Liposuction, face lifts, tummy tucks and breast augmentation require incisions and healing, and while side effects are not common, they can and do occur. Make sure the surgeon you are working with knows what to watch for, and what to do. This is also why your doctor will stress follow up examinations.

Even common procedures such as peels, injectables and fillers must be administered by an experienced individual. While they are not “surgery,” some of them are aggressive procedures that require the oversight of a doctor in the unlikely event of a complication.

Qualified and Experienced

Make sure that the plastic surgeon you are considering has experience. In addition to the number of similar surgeries performed, a good indication of experience is whether your surgeon has undergone a Fellowship or Fellowships in the surgery. For example, Dr. Ali has completed Fellowships in reconstructive and aesthetic breast surgery, trauma and micro surgery and pediatric plastic surgery. Additionally, he has completed a residency in plastic surgery and an internship in general surgery.

Just Ask

Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor for references. And, don’t be afraid to ask questions. And keep asking until you are satisfied that the surgeon is a good fit with your personality. While this is a less concrete consideration, you need to feel comfortable with your doctor. You are putting your well-being and, really, your sense of self into his or her hands, and you need to feel like their vision is similar to yours and that they are truly looking out for your best interests.

The recent spate of issues and even deaths that have recently been reported has prompted to American Society of Plastic Surgeon to launch a patient safety campaign to inform the public of the dangers of having cosmetic procedures performed by unqualified or under-qualified doctors.

What is a Plastic Surgeon?

Of particular concern to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is a problem they have dubbed “white coat deception.” Just because a doctor has a medical license does not mean he or she is trained and qualified to perform plastic surgery. Only four states (California, Florida, Louisiana and Texas) have laws requiring that physicians disclose the specifics of their medical training and background. In all other states any doctor, for instance a pediatrician or OB/GYN, can claim to be qualified in plastic surgery. In fact, these doctors may not have ever performed any type of surgery and, because they are performing procedures in an outpatient facility, there is no hospital oversight.

Unfortunately, doctors can undergo a few hours or days of training in a procedure, then begin offering cosmetic surgery services. However, this lack of training and experience leaves them unprepared to deal with complications that an experienced plastic surgeon is well aware of and watching for. There have been a number of stories recently in the press about deaths associated with liposuction—a common and safe procedure when performed correctly—when the doctor performing the procedure was not qualified to handle complications. Other stories abound of disfigurement due to botched operations. And, in many cases the ability to repair the damage is compromised by mistakes made during surgery by doctors not experience in sound surgical techniques.

The Dangers of “Pumping”

Another major concern to the ASPS is the issue of “pumping,” which is the illegal injection of silicone to enhance areas of the body, typically the breast, buttocks or lips. These injections are administered by individuals who pose as medical but are not licensed physicians. They often promise that they are using medical grade silicon when in fact they are using industrial grade silicon mixed with baby oil or Crisco. Often times a group of people will pool their money and have a “pumping party,” typically in a hotel room or at a private residence.

Not only is the practice illegal, but it is highly unsafe. There have been recent reports of deaths associated with the practice. And, several “patients” are reporting serious health complications, diseases and disfigurements emerging years later. One patient is unable to sit for long periods of time or to sleep due to her inability to remain still for any length of time.

When considering any cosmetic surgery procedure make sure to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Many recipients of these silicone injections may not even be aware that it is illegal and that the individual administering the injections is not even a licensed medical professional.

What is ASPS Certification

In order to become a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), a doctor must have a minimum of six years of surgical training in plastic surgery. They also must complete oral and written examinations, and continue to pursue 50 hours a year of continuing education with an important emphasis on patient safety. Additionally, ASPS members do not operate in a facility unless it is accredited, insuring the optimum in patient safety for the rare occasion when there is a problem. And, finally ASPS members adhere to a strict code of ethics.

To help you understand what to look for in a plastic surgeon, see our plastic surgery questions.

Most people think of having plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons; to correct a minor flaw or improve their overall appearance. But for some people, plastic surgery is a necessity to correct devastating damage or a birth defect. From breast cancer survivors to children with cleft palates to survivors of global catastrophes, my many years as a plastic surgeon has allowed me to meet and help many of these courageous individuals.

Recently I became aware of a reconstructive surgical option available to those who have so bravely served their country. As a surgeon who has donated many hours to help those in need of reconstructive surgery, I would like to acknowledge those involved in Operation Mend, which offers reconstructive plastic surgery to men and women of the U.S. Military. Reconstructive surgery is an art, and the surgeons of Operation Mend are doing wonderful work repairing damage done during war.

As we reflect upon 911 and the price of freedom, we can take heart that many plastic and reconstructive surgeons are dedicating time and expertise to help out those so tragically affected by the war on terror.

In this final segment of our four-part blog, we discuss face lifts, as surgical procedure designed to eliminate wrinkles, jowls and sagging skin.

Facelifts and Mini Lifts

A facelift is surgery that removes excess skin and tightens the tissue around the facial muscles. Sometimes liposuction is also employed to remove excess fat. The operation takes 3-5 hours, and face lift incisions are typically hidden around the ear. There may be a small incision beneath the chin if contouring of the chin is required. While there can be some bruising and swelling from the procedure, most patients have minimal pain or discomfort and are well healed after about two weeks. While facelifts have become fairly common it is still major surgery. Only have a facelift performed by a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in this area.

The mini facelift is a good option for aging skin with mild soft tissue laxity that doesn’t require a full facelift. Different options are available, including Reveal® a non-surgical mini lift developed by Dr. M. Azhar Ali of Amae Plastic Surgery.