How To Choose a Facial Plastic Surgeon
There are a number of specialties which qualify surgeons to perform Facial Plastic Surgery.
Where do you begin when looking for a qualified facial plastic surgeon?
Facial cosmetic surgery has become extremely popular due to the competitiveness of today’s society; everyone wants to look young and vibrant. Although it seems that everyone is having something “done,” not many are so willing to announce it; let alone refer you to their doctor. Ideally, referrals are a great way for one to inspect a surgeon’s work but are sometimes difficult to come by. So now what? Well, it’s time to do some homework.
Not every cosmetic surgeon have the same training or certifications. Currently, there are five different legitimate boards that are either a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or found equivalent to the ABMS boards.These boards include: The American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The American Board of Plastic Surgery, The American Board of Dermatology, The American Board of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, and The American Board of Ophthalmology.
The American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery certifies surgeons in the specific specialty area of plastic surgery of the face. The only surgeons who even qualify to take this specialists’ board exam are either board-certified diplomates of The American Board of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, or The American Board of Plastic Surgery. The American Medical Association(AMA) recognizes The American Board of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, The American Board of Plastic Surgery, and The American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as legitimate certifying boards to test the qualifications of surgeons to perform facial plastic surgery.
Board certified and Fellowship Trained Facial Plastic Surgeons complete 5 years of a Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery residency where they only operate on the face, nose, eyelids, head and neck first. During this time they perform cancer surgery for the head and neck, nose and face including reconstructive surgery on the face. They also perform cosmetic procedures such as rhinoplasty, eyelid lifting, and face-lifting during this time. They then go on to complete an additional year of Fellowship training specializing further in the most updated techniques in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. This Fellowship is sponsored by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Board certification is just the beginning. Once you have discovered that your surgeon has the appropriate boards, it is now time to look at some before and after photographs. Browse through their online photo gallery. A skilled surgeon should have many before and after photographs on their site. It is also important to note whether you like the surgeon’s aesthetic. Cosmetic surgery is a both a skill and an art; just because a doctor has all the required credentials doesn’t necessarily mean that they are able to create the look you desire.
You should also check your doctor’s hospital affiliations. If a physician has privileges to perform surgery at an accredited hospital, this demonstrates that his or her performance and credentials are subject to regular scrutiny.While most plastic surgeons perform surgery only in their office, they do have privileges to perform surgery at a local hospital.If a doctor does not have these privileges, do not use that doctor.
Your next step is to schedule a consultation. Understand that if you choose to have surgery with this doctor, you will be spending quite a bit of time in the office so it is important that you feel comfortable there. A good doctor will listen to your concerns, answer all your questions, and explain all risks and benefits of the procedures you are interested in. Some surgeons use digital morphing programs to simulate the changes you may expect from having facial cosmetic surgery. Many have found this to be a helpful tool.
After meeting with the surgeon, it is most likely you will meet with a Patient Care Coordinator. The Patient Care Coordinator will discuss financing, book your surgery dates, pre and post operative instructions, and answer any other questions you may have. At that point, if you would like to speak with a patient who has undergone the same procedure you are considering, the Patient Care Coordinator can put you in touch with them. Skilled surgeons usually have happy patients who are willing to share their experiences with someone.
Remember, you can’t hide your face so the decision to have facial plastic surgery will be one of the most important decisions you will make. If you still have further questions, you may wish to have a second consultation with your surgeon.
A Facial Plastic Surgeon, such as Doctor Jacono, limits their practice to the face, head and neck. Their background in Head and Neck Surgery and subspecialty training in Facial Plastic Surgery gives them a unique knowledge of the face and its underlying structures, which is why you should “Trust your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon”.
Read Dr. Jacono’s Book! FACE THE FACTS: The Truth About Facial Plastic Surgery Procedures that DO and Don’t Work
