Studies report that the vast majority of people who undergo cosmetic surgery are happy with the results. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in cosmetic surgery, suggests patients take certain steps to help ensure their safety and satisfaction when undergoing cosmetic surgery.
Check the surgeon's credentials.
ASAPS membership ensures that the doctor is Board-Certified in Plastic Surgery and has met additional requirements for continuing education and experience in cosmetic surgery.
Check for surgeon/patient rapport.
In addition to credentials, consider relationships. Optimal results are achieved when surgeon and patient candidly discuss benefits and risks and plan the course of the surgical journey together.
Check hospital privileges.
Wherever the surgery will be performed, be sure that the surgeon has operating privileges in an accredited hospital for the same procedure being considered. Many unqualified cosmetic surgeons do not have hospital privileges for plastic surgery which means they may not be properly trained and were not able to obtain hospital privileges.
Check for facility accreditation.
The ASAPS Bylaws require that members operate in accredited, state-licensed or Medicare- certified facilities. Not all physicians performing cosmetic surgery meet these high standards. Dr. Anderson’s surgery center is fully accredited by AAAASF.
Check for realistic expectations.
Patients should understand that surgery has limitations, and these limitations vary greatly depending on individual patient factors. Frank discussions before surgery as to what is - and what is not - possible should lead to greater satisfaction after surgery when realistic goals have been achieved.
Check for underlying problems.
Health and emotional issues must be addressed before surgery. Patients with underlying health or emotional problems may not be good candidates for surgery, and may be dissatisfied with objectively successful surgical results.
Check for Cost.
Cosmetic surgery is not covered by insurance, and some patients may be tempted by promises of "bargains." The second word in "cosmetic surgery" is "surgery" and the competence of the surgeon should be a patient's primary concern.
Patient safety and satisfaction are best achieved when surgical expertise is combined with a doctor-patient relationship that helps patients identify realistic goals and provides ongoing support from the initial consultation through recovery and follow-up.