6 Rules for Selecting a Plastic Surgeon

6 Rules for Selecting a Plastic Surgeon

Selecting a plastic surgeon is a significant decision that will most likely have life-long implications. The surgeon’s specific experience, credentials, and training all should be reviewed and evaluated of course. Additionally, there are other important questions you will need to ask as part of your evaluation and selection process.

1. What is the status of your physician board certification with the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)? Certification by the ABPS, ensures that your surgeon has successfully completed an accredited, broad-based training program in plastic and reconstructive surgery.  Please be careful to not be misled or confused by surgeons who indicate certifications by other groups or associations touting officially sounding names. Please note that there is no recognized Board with “cosmetic,” “aesthetic,” or “facial cosmetic” in its name. Surgeons who show affiliation with these do not meet the standards of training and expertise required of board certified plastic surgeons. Check your surgeon’s current standing with the ABPS at www.abplasticsurgery.org
2. Please check your surgeon’s hospital admitting privileges. Although many procedures can be performed at an outpatient surgery center, hospital privileges ensure that in the event of any complications, you can be admitted to the hospital for further treatment and continued care. Hospitals also perform an extensive and comprehensive background check on physicians before granting privileges. This provides an additional layer of confidence in your selection of the right surgeon for you.
3. Was the initial consultation a comfortable and open experience?  A successful patient-doctor relationship is built on trust, honesty and open communication.  You should feel a personal and professional connection with your surgeon and be able to discuss your full medical history and as well as discussing your expectations in an open environment.  Your surgeon should fully answer any questions, and give you the time you deserve to make sure you have all the information you need to make a decision.
4. How did the office staff treat you? The surgeon’s office staff should treat you respectfully, professionally, and with courtesy.  The staff demeanor and professional conduct is a good indication of the standards set by your surgeon. The office staff is an integral part of your experience helping to answer your questions, scheduling, and discussing fees and payment options.
5. Has your surgeon performed the procedure successfully a number of times? This experience translates to more predictable and safer outcomes, more fully meeting your expectations.  You should also be provided the opportunity speak to previous patients and review before and after pictures.
6. What is the surgeon and office staff availability to you?  Either the surgeon or staff should be available to you 24 hours a day to answer questions and address any concerns that may come up. You should feel assured that you can speak to the office when needed.

Dr. Rottman is an ABPS double board-certified plastic surgeon with full admitting privileges to Northwest Hospital Center, Sinai Hospital, Greater Baltimore Medical Center and Georgetown University hospital. Under Dr. Rottman’s leadership, Rottman Plastic Surgery is in the forefront of transforming plastic surgery in the Baltimore area. Dr. Rottman believes in facilitating an individual’s choice to undergo plastic and reconstructive surgery. To this end, he guides his patients with professional insight and realistic outcomes. He explains both the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure so you can make an informed choice about your treatments. Schedule an appointment to meet with us to discuss your next plastic surgery treatment.