Find a Doctor

How to find a reputable plastic surgeon.

Step One: Make a List of Names 

Making a list.

First, gather a list of names. Some sources are better than others.
Ask a friend. If you know someone from the neighborhood school, or community, who has had a procedure like the one you are considering, talk to them about it. But don’t decide on a surgeon based on one friend’s own experience.  Your results might be quite different from your friend’s.  This is merely a beginning, not an end.
Ask a doctor.  You will get good information if the doctor is also a friend, or someone who knows you well. Ask whether this doctor-friend would send a family member to this plastic surgeon.

 

Ask a Nurse.

If you know an operating room nurse or surgical scrub tech, you can probably get a well informed opinion on surgeons.  This is often a great source of information, oftentimes better than the generic physician referral.

 

Ask the local hospitals. 

Call a respected hospital in your community and ask for the names of board certified plastic surgeons on staff at the hospital. Ask if all their surgeons are required to be board certified. Be sure to ask for the names of doctors who have privileges (official approval) to do the particular procedure you are considering. Talking to the medical staff office personnel who really know the doctors, although difficult to approach, are much better than other departments such as marketing or physician referral, as these usually just work off a referral list and never give strong opinions.

 

Ask the State of California Consumer Affairs Division (State Medical Board).

As a consumer, you will not find much except major disciplinary actions taken against a doctor. This is not very helpful.

Paid Advertisements Any doctor in the US can list themselves under any specialty heading they like in phone books, the web, or in print. Regardless of their training or credentials, doctors can advertise any services they want to sell. This is a market place and it is to be approached with extreme caution.  Dr. Nolan advises you that your common sense is probably your best guide

 

Ask ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons). 

This is the best resource and might be the only one you need. To obtain a list of plastic surgeons call the toll free number 1-800-635-0635 or use their web site at www.plasticsurgery.org. This is the best of resources.  Membership in this national society, recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties, means that the plastic surgeon:   

- Is Board Certified or Board Eligible by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
- Is part of the largest plastic surgery specialty organization in the U.S.
- Has approved formal training in surgery for a minimum of 5 years, two in plastic surgery
- Is obligated to a course of continuing medical education in Plastic Surgery
- Adheres to a strict code of conduct and medical ethics

Step Two: Checking Credentials

Where did the surgeon train?

What was the quality of the internship, residency, and fellowship?  Were 3 years spent in general surgery training or its equivalent?  Were 2 years devoted to general reconstructive and plastic surgery?  Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is the largest and most demanding society in the US representing plastic surgeons.  It assures you that the surgeon has done their medical education, internship, residency, and plastic surgery training in an accredited academic teaching institution.  Board Certification assures one that:

     The practice has been in existence for a least 2 years.

     The surgeon has passed rigorous written and oral board examinations.

     Is committed to continuing education in the specialty.

     Pledged to a strict code of professional ethics

Hospital Privileges?

Check the local hospitals and ask if your surgeon has privileges to perform your specific precedure at that hospital.  This assures that the surgeon has been reviewed by his or her peers in the hospital and has been found qualified to perform that surgery. Seek information from the Medical Staff Office or Medical Affairs Office within the hospital.

Experience?

You should feel comfortable that the surgeon is well versed in your procedure, appears up to date on techniques and explains everything to your satisfaction.  Ask if they do this surgery frequently.  Ask when was the last time they did the surgery.  Years of experience and total case numbers are elusive numbers.

Professional Society Membership?

Membership in medical societies runs the gamut from flim flam marketing tools to the best of the best professional organizations.  The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest, the most respected, and the most demanding of professional societies.  It represents only plastic surgeons, about to be, or who are, board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

STEP THREE: THE INTERVIEW AND CONSULTATION

Finally, schedule a consultation with a few surgeons.  Don't be afraid to ask questions, and any question should be answered completely, even about fees.  Compare personalities, communications skills, explanation of risks, and expect a full fee disclosure.  Compare perceived character.  Is this someone who might be worthy of your trust.  It's alright to ask about training, and experience.  Things to look for in the initial consultation:

     All questions are answered thoroughly in easily understood terms.

     The surgeon seeks out your motivation for the surgery.

     Reasonable expectations become clear and well established.

     Alternatives and risks are discussed.

     Pre- and Post- Op photos appear to be realistic.

     There should be no pressure.

     The surgeon realizes that the final decision is yours.

 CONTACT DR NOLAN

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