M A G A Z I N E - Florida Wise

BeautyWise
Finding the Right
Plastic Surgeon
For You
By
Arthur G. Handal,
M.D., F.A.C.S.
Have you ever considered plastic
surgery? Of a certainty, finding and
choosing the right physician is a very
individualized process, whether he or
she is an internist, cardiologist or plastic
surgeon. There are many factors to
consider when choosing the right
physician for you. First, do your
homework (this involves speaking to
friends who have undergone cosmetic
surgery), search the Internet, and consult
with plastic surgeons. In my experience,
through listening to what patients tell me,
it is wise to see no more than 3
surgeons, as this may become extremely
confusing. Next, insure that you have
an exceedingly first-class rapport with
not only your surgeon, but with each
and every member of the staff you are in
contact with. The nursing staff and
administrative staff are reflections of your
surgeon. From your first contact on the
telephone, you should be treated with
dignity, respect, efficiency,
professionalism and courtesy. This will
give you an indication of what your
overall experience will be like, and you
should insure that your experience in the
office is positive, from the surgeon to the
receptionist. Ask yourself, is the office
clean? Are you seen for your
appointment in a timely fashion? Are all
of your questions answered?
We suggest to patients, from start to
finish, that they write questions down as
they think of them, and bring the list to
the office, whether it’s for their initial
consultation, preop appointments with
the nurse and the surgeon, the morning
of surgery and all postop appointments.
We stress to patients that the more
informed they are, and that they have a
good understanding of the process they
will undergo, the easier their
postoperative period will be. Another
important question to ask would be: Is
your surgeon board certified, and is the
operating room licensed and accredited?
Licensed operating
rooms must adhere to
certain criteria set forth by
the State of Florida and
other accrediting bodies.
Thus, it is important that
you ascertain this very
important fact in choosing
your surgeon.
It is of the utmost
importance that you trust
your surgeon. Ask to see
photos, and to speak with
other patients who have
undergone similar
surgeries. Request a tour of
the facility and, above all,
if you do not understand
what you are being told,
ask as many questions as
you need to feel
comfortable. Remember
that there are no such
things as “stupid questions”.
Cosmetic surgery should be
considered a positive, and patients
should approach it as such,
remembering however, that it is surgery,
and above all else, safety should be the
prime consideration.
You are about to embark on a very
intimate relationship with approximately
5 to 7 people; your surgeon, his or her
nurses, the anesthesia department, and
16 September 2005