Frequently Asked Questions About Plastic Surgery
Q: Some surgeons are referred to as “Plastic Surgeons” while others use the title “Cosmetic Surgeon” – is there a difference?
A: The doctor you choose should be Board Certified in Plastic Surgery. A cosmetic surgeon can be a dermatologist, gynecologist, dentist- or any other kind of doctor who has taken some courses to learn a cosmetic procedure. This can be somewhat extensive training- or a weekend crash course. Your best bet is to go with someone with experience in performing aesthetic and reconstructive procedures (a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon will have this type of experience).
Q: I want to look good for my upcoming wedding/reunion/trip. How long will it take for me to recover after my surgery so I can look good at the event?
A: Ask me for a range when it comes to healing time. Healing time differs from person to person and from procedure to procedure. You need to schedule your surgery when you have time to recuperate and are able to have postoperative visits when appropriate. In general, it is best not to have surgery with recovery under a specific deadline.
Q: Hospital, Surgical Center, Office- does it matter where a surgeon performs surgery?
A: The American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities and The Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Hospitals gives accreditation to facilities that have established and adopted standardized protocols and routines. These facilities have been subjected to rigorous inspections that examine safety equipment and procedures (like backup power and emergency medications), layout, staffing, record-keeping and a variety of other issues. Therefore, you may want to add “Accreditation” as something to consider when deciding on a Plastic Surgeon. Office based facilities may or may nt have been subjected to the same standards.
Q: What medications should I avoid before surgery?
A: There is a long list of medications AND SUPPLEMENTS that you will need to avoid for at least 2 weeks before and after surgery to reduce the potential for complications. Bring a list of EVERYTHING you take to your plastic surgeon early on so he/she can tell you what you need to stop taking and when. A few to avoid for sure: Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Vitamin E. Again, check with your doctor for details!
Q: I cannot afford to pay for my surgery upfront- is financing available?
A: Yes. We offer financing which helps make health care much more affordable to you, the patient. There are a variety of choices when it comes to financing your surgery.
Q: Is it true that cigarette smoking can affect my result?
A: Yes (Refer to our Skin Care page for more information)
How to Evaluate a Plastic Surgeon
The search for a good plastic surgeon can be a long and sometimes frustrating process. Here are some guidelines and resources you can use to thoroughly research a plastic surgeon’s credentials and find a top-rated, experienced plastic surgeon that is right for YOU:
- The doctor you choose should be Board Certified in Plastic Surgery. Many doctors will say they are Board Certified- but the question you need to ask is “In what?” Gynecology? Dermatology? You can check this by calling the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) at 1-888-4PLASTIC or visiting them at their website.
- Good Plastic Surgeons are members of the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASPRS). Ask your surgeon is he/she is a member of the ASPRS.
- Check the doctor’s licensing status for your state. In Michgain, you can check this by going to www.docboard.org/ca/df/casearch.htm
- Ask to see pictures of the doctor’s work for the procedure you want done. Make sure your taste in beauty is the same as the doctor’s.
- Don’t shop price. Doctors with few credentials or little experience will frequently cut costs in order to entice more patients.
- Speak to other patients. Evaluate the attitude of the staff. Surgeons who have confidence in their work will be glad to let you speak with other patients.
- Never accept a consultation from a consultant or assistant! You are spending time and money, and deserve to have an unhurried
- Be careful of companies that advertise free consultations and/or free financing. They frequently work with sub-quality doctors and charge the maximum allowable interest rate, which will cost you far more than you bargained for in the long run.
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. A good plastic surgeon will not promise you perfection. There is no such thing when you are dealing with the human body. An exceptional plastic surgeon will work with you to set realistic expectations, communicating clearly what can and cannot be done, and then deliver results.
Men and Plastic Surgery
The men who come into our office are often surprised by just how many other men are having plastic surgery. Despite what people think, cosmetic procedures among men are gaining popularity- fast. Among the most commonly requested procedures are rhinoplasty, chin augmentation, neck lift, liposuction (tummy and love handles) and eyes. The trick is finding a surgeon who has an extremely natural touch, which usually comes from years of experience. Giving his patients a natural, unoperated look is Dr. Fishman’s speciality. Further, the majority of his patients experience less down time after surgery and are surprised by how quickly they are able to resume their daily routine. Although you can see pictures of surgery on men in our Before and After section on this site, we felt it might be helpful to gather some of them here.