Medical Malpractice

Even though surgeons use the word 'practice' to describe their business, you don't want a surgeon practicing on your face. It's important to choose a surgeon that not only has experience, but has the right kind of experience for your cosmetic procedure.

Check qualifications

Many cosmetic surgeons advertise that they are 'board-certified'. You may be surprised to know there are 24 different boards that fall under the parent organization of the American Board of Medical Specialties. For facial cosmetic surgery, choose surgeons who are board certification with the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS).
Surgeons with this certification specialize in surgeries of the face, neck and head and follow a strict ethics code that will help you achieve the best results.

Denver's Dr. Robert G. Fante has been an active member of AAFPRS for years, and is also a National Medical Specialty Society member of the American Medical Association (AMA). He is also a member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) and is one of only 400 facial cosmetic surgeons to be so designated.

Sources for names

There are several good ways to find a qualified facial cosmetic surgeon. Referrals are often the best way. Simply searching through the yellow pages may not yield a surgeon who is skilled in your type of cosmetic surgery.

.: If you know of someone who has had cosmetic surgery, ask them for a referral. This is a good starting point, but keep in mind everyone is different so you are not guaranteed to achieve the same results.

.: Ask your family doctor or specialist to recommend a qualified surgeon. Do they have any feedback from other people they've referred to this surgeon?

.: Check out the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery's information service at 1-703-299-9291

.: Your State Medical Board is an excellent source of qualified surgeon. They can provide information about training, background, malpractice claims, and license standing.

.: Your surgeon's training and experience is very important. They should have had 3-5 years of residency training after medical school, then 2-3 years of specialized plastic surgery training. Certification proves your surgeon has the training and expertise necessary to provide you with an excellent outcome.

Does your chosen surgeon have community hospital privileges? Although your cosmetic surgery maybe be performed in the surgeon's own facility, hospital privileges means your surgeon must stay on his toes to meet with the approval of other surgeons. It also gives your surgeon has access hospital care in the case of any complications.

Schedule consultations

When you consult with your surgeon, note his or her willingness to answer your questions fully. Is the surgeon in a big rush? Does the office and staff seem calm, friendly and well organized?
You'll also want to ask the right questions, such as:

.: How many times has the surgeon performed your particular procedure?

.: Can the surgeon provide phone numbers of people who had this procedure?

.: Ask to see before and after photos of successes and those that did not come out as planned.

.: Ask about post-surgery needs, such as rest and care.

Your cosmetic surgeon is also interviewing you to determine if you are a good candidate. The surgeon should ask you about your expectations and why you want this procedure done. He or she should also take the time to explain about recovery and provide post-operative instructions.

Move on until you're satisfied

If you have any doubts about this surgeon when the consult is over, move on to other surgeons. It is imperative that you have complete confidence in your surgeon's abilities. Successful facial plastic surgery can be greatly enhanced when the patient and surgeon have developed open, trusting lines of communication. Both realistic expectations on the part of the patient, and the highly skilled expertise of the physician should be evident before surgery even begins. The consultation is the time to determine if your desires and the surgeon's abilities are a good fit.

Keep in mind that your facial plastic surgeon devotes his training and practice to surgery of the head, neck and face. He is an expert in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery and can answer all your questions and allay your fears. Your facial plastic surgeon is a doctor, an artist, a craftsman, perhaps even a psychiatrist! He or she will be happy to share with you the rewards and risks of surgery, and answer questions about the recovery process. When it is time for you to arrive for your surgery, you should feel absolutely confident in your doctor's skills and your decision to go forward with the surgery.

While there are many physicians focusing on other specialties, such as dermatologists, who can perform some types of cosmetic surgery, only a board-certified facial plastic surgeon has the intensive training, years of experience performing your particular procedure, and ongoing training specifically in plastic surgery of the head, neck and face to safely perform your facial cosmetic or reconstructive surgery and produce the stellar results you desire.