Would you go to a cardiologist for foot pain or a dentist for chest pain? Many different types of medical providers offer cosmetic surgery and most people do not know about the importance of going to a board-certified plastic surgeon. They may also not know that the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery are the only boards recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties for aesthetic plastic surgeons.
Just like any surgical procedure, there is always risk involved with cosmetic procedures. To help minimize those risks, it’s important to do your research and carefully select a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in your procedure(s) of interest. Board-certified plastic surgeons go through plastic surgery residency and oral and written exams they need to successfully pass in order to receive certification.
Facial Plastic Surgeon vs. General Plastic Surgeon
When it comes to your face, you need to be even more selective in choosing a plastic surgeon with extensive experience with the face and neck. Facial plastic surgeons obtain their board certification by completing 4 years of medical school followed by a 1 year residency in general surgery and an additional 4 year residency in otolaryngology (head and neck surgery). During this 4 year residency the facial plastic surgeon spends their entire focus on the face, head and neck. After 4 years, they usually go on to complete a 1 year fellowship, as Utah facial plastic surgeons at UFP have done.
After medical school, general plastic surgeons complete approximately 3 years in a general surgery residency and a 2 year residency in plastics surgery where there are trained on the entire body.
When comparing the training, you can see why it is important to choose a facial plastic surgeon if you are interested in a facelift, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, etc.
Where Does Your Plastic Surgeon Operate?
Patients do not usually think to ask this question during a consultation. This question is extremely critical because local hospital privileges mean a surgeon has actually been vetted to perform surgery at their facility. The American Society of Plastic Surgery requires surgeons to operate out of facilities that are routinely monitored for quality and safety.
Unfortunately, there are some places that surgeons are operating from that are not accredited nor monitored. Utah Facial Plastics’ surgeons are board-certified including our very own accredited surgical suite which has the highest level of accreditation as an outpatient surgical center. Finding out if your surgery center is accredited is simple. Visit JCAHO, AAAHC, or AAAASF for more information, or to find an accredited surgery center near you. Even if a surgeon has their own operating suite, they should still have rights to operate at a hospital as well.
Do Not Put a Price Tag on Your Health
So many patients prioritize cost when it comes to cosmetic surgery. Some even travel abroad to save money, but confirming a foreign surgeons track record or qualifications can be difficult making this a risky decision. We understand that it can be expensive, but the best plastic surgeons are worth the wait when it comes to your results and health.
To learn about Utah Facial Plastics surgeons educational background, expertise, and credentials, visit www.utahfacialplastics.com. Or call (801) 776-2220 to SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION near Salt Lake City, UT and surrounding areas for more information.