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Tips in Cosmetic Surgery
1. Any surgery with the main purpose to improving form and/or function aesthetically is an art and an extraordinary experience for both the patient and the plastic surgeon. This brings emotional fulfillment and satisfaction to both the doctor and the person seeking the procedure. This should be done according to certain standards imposed by local authorities, in terms safety.
2. Inquire about your surgeons academic profile and formal training in the field of cosmetic/aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. It takes 6 to 8 years of formal training in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery at an accredited institution, after medical school before physician could claim himself a Plastic Surgeon. This would include 3 to 5 years of General surgery program and 3 years of Burns, Cosmetic/Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery training. In the Philippines, there are only few training institution with plastic surgery program that are accredited and recognized by the local association of surgeons (Philippine College of Surgeons and Philippine Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons). Nowadays there are still many doctors and non doctors who perform cosmetic surgery procedures who are board-certified in specialties other than plastic surgery or may even lack such credentials. With the complexity of the plastic surgery specialty, it is not enough for a surgeon just to under go months or a year of observership or training in an unaccredited establishment, to comprehend all the principle and application in the field of plastic cosmetic surgery.
3. A surgeon, equipped with a firm foundation in Cosmetic/Aesthetic Plastic Surgery should be able to evaluate whether you are a good candidate for the surgery you are considering. He must be able to discuss to you, all possible options and its associated risk and advice you the best procedure to attain your desired results. If there are less invasive or non-surgical procedures that could fulfill your needs, your surgeon should be knowledgeable about this and be able to tell you its advantage and disadvantages. Please be aware that there is no such thing as standard cosmetic procedure that would fulfill the desired result of all patients. Each patient should be approach and treated individually, since we have our own personal definition beauty.
4. Do not bargain for the cheapest doctor, and even so, don’t be deceived by unrealistic offer. Know your surgeon’s training and academic profile. Take note of his offer in terms of safety and if it is realistically attainable. Examine his profile, you could ask any physician’s association in your locality regarding, the authenticity of his specialty or training, lastly ask friends and previous patients regarding his credentials. Try visiting their website, your surgeon must be able to provide you details of his training and specialization.
5. Needless to say, look for a plastic surgeon that you feel comfortable with. Your surgeon must be able to extensively discuss to you all your option. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, a good plastic surgeon must be able entertain all your inquiries regarding your desired procedure. Through this, the surgeon can establish rapor with their patients and establish a comfortable environment.
6. Ask your surgeon regarding affiliations or membership to any local Plastic Surgery organization that is recognized by both local and international body of Plastic Surgeons. In the Philippines, only the Philippine Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons under the umbrella of the Philippine College of Surgeon is recognized internationally by other foreign Plastic Society. This organization usually require their members certain standard in terms of training and competence in their specialty.
7. Don’t be attracted to newer procedures, drugs and prosthetics without proven long term studies with regards to efficacy and safety. Inquire about its approval for use by local and foreign regulatory agency such as US-FDA, Department of Health, and ect. Take into consideration of the quality, safety and efficacy rather than the cost.
8. Take note if your surgeon’s clinic or cosmetic center were able to meet certain standard of safety and certified by the Health Department of your locality. But be informed that there are certain procedures that are best done in a hospital setting.
9. Don’t allow yourself to undergo liquid silicon injection on your nose, breasts, or any part of your body. The use of injected silicon has long been abandoned and condemned because of its unpredictable result and complication not to mention its untoward results such as extrusion and infection. Your doctor must be able to provide you data or clinical study regarding the use of the product he is trying to promote.
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