The early months of a new year is a popular time for many people to get a cosmetic touch-up. Whether it is major liposuction, a breast enhancement, a face-lift or a little Bo-Tox finishing, many people take a trip, enjoy a little warm weather and begin the year with a new look.However, for some of them, the results are less than
optimal. In fact, the results can sometimes be
disastrous-- if they select the wrong physician!
About 10-13 % of the cosmetic treatments performed by
the physicians and dentists, listed in Castle Connolly's
AMERICA'S COSMETIC DOCTORS AND DENTISTS are, according
to a recent survey, "re-do's." That is, patients
were unhappy with a prior treatment and sought a correction.
How does one avoid becoming a member of that 10-13 % of
unhappy patients?
Dr. John Connolly, co-author and publisher of AMERICA'S
COSMETIC DOCTORS AND DENTISTS and former president of
New York Medical College, offers the following advice to
potential patients:
* Research your doctor . Make certain he or she is board
* certified in a medical specialty that trains for cosmetic
* care. That includes the medical specialties only of
* dermatology, opthalmology, oral/maxillofacial surgery,
* otolaryngology, plastic surgery and facial, plastic and
* reconstructive surgery.
*
* Check with the state medical board, by phone or on-line,
* to be certain the physician has not been disciplined.
*
* Make certain the doctor has admitting privileges at a
* well-respected hospital. Even though most cosmetic care
* is delivered in doctor's offices or private clinics,
* hospitals review the credentials of medical staff so
* they provide an additional level of scrutiny.
*
* If the procedure is being performed under general
* anesthesia, make sure it is in an ambulatory surgical
* facility approved by one of the applicable governing bodies,
* the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory
* Surgery Facilities (AAAASF), the Accreditation Association
* for Ambulatory Health Care or the Joint Commission on
* Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).
*
* Make sure you have seen a good library of before and
* after photos and, if possible, talked with other patients
* of the doctors you're considering.
*
* Arrange a consultation with at least three
doctors. (Yes, there may be a charge.) You will learn
a great deal and it will help you choose one you can trust.
© 2005 HealthNewsDigest.com