How To Choose A Cosmetic Surgeon in Denver

Choosing the Right Surgeon

The term "plastic" comes from the Greek word "plastikos," meaning to mold or give form. Plastic surgery does just that - it gives new form to the human body. The specialty includes two kinds of procedures: reconstructive surgery, or procedures done to repair birth defects and deformities caused by accidents or disease, and cosmetic or aesthetic surgery, including facelifts, nose reshaping, fat suction and other procedures done to enhance appearance.

No matter what type of plastic surgery you're considering, the most important factor in its success is the surgeon you choose.

How can you find a well-trained, qualified, experienced plastic surgeon? This information can help you make an informed choice. It was prepared by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), a professional society dedicated to quality care for plastic surgery patients through education, research and the promotion of high professional standards.

Your first step: Gathering Names

In choosing a plastic surgeon, your first goal is to develop a list of good candidates. Where do you find them? Some sources are better than others.

• Friends. If you know someone who's had a procedure like the one you're considering, talk to him or her about it. But don't decide on a surgeon based on one friend's experience. Every patient is unique, and so is every surgery; your results might be quite different from your friend's.
  
  
• Doctors. Your family doctor may be able to recommend a plastic surgeon. Ask your doctor how many patients he or she has referred to this surgeon and what feedback they offered later. Ask whether the doctor would send a family member to this plastic surgeon.
  
  
• Nurses. If you know an operating room nurse - or if you know someone who knows one- you can probably get a well-informed opinion on surgeons he or she has worked with.
  
  
• Hospitals. Call a respected hospital in your community and ask for the names of board-certified plastic surgeons on staff. Be sure to ask for the names of doctors who have privileges (official approval) to do the particular procedure you're considering.
  
  
• ASPS. The Plastic Surgery Information Service of the ASPS is an excellent source of names. Simply call the toll-free number, (888) 4-PLASTIC (475-2784), and leave your name, address and the procedure you're interested in. We'll send you the names of five plastic surgeons in your area who perform that procedure. Their membership in the ASPS means they're certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and members of the largest plastic surgery specialty organization in the United States. You can show this list to a doctor you trust and ask if he or she has any recommendations. You can also check the list against the one you may have received from the hospital.
  
  
• Special directories. You can find the names of board-certified plastic surgeons, listed by state and city, in two reference books available in most public libraries: The Directory of Medical Specialists, published by Marquis Who's Who, and The Compendium of Certified Medical Specialists, published by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).