GENERAL
QUESTIONS
choosing THE RIGHT surgeon...
Choosing a plastic surgeon is as crucial as deciding to undergo cosmetic surgery itself. A thorough, well-organized selection process is key, as your outcome will largely reflect the time and effort invested in finding the right surgeon. Creating a list of questions is a good start. Knowing which follow-up questions to ask helps you gain deeper insight and understanding.
To make an informed decision, it’s essential to review qualifications, experience, training, and patient testimonials, as well as examine before-and-after photos. Engaging in open and transparent discussions with Dr. Perlman about your expectations and concerns can help ensure you find the best surgeon to meet your needs and goals.
In today’s competitive field, many doctors are expanding their practices to include cosmetic procedures. However, it’s important to know that any licensed medical doctor can legally perform cosmetic surgery, so prospective patients should be cautious in selecting a qualified surgeon.
- Completion of an accredited medical school
- A valid state license to practice medicine and perform surgeries
- In office surgery, or hospital privileges at the surgery site, allowing the surgeon to perform procedures in a licensed facility.
Achieving the highest standards in cosmetic and aesthetic surgery typically requires over a decade of specialized training beyond college.
Getting recommendations from satisfied patients is an excellent starting point when selecting a surgeon, but remember that each patient’s desired outcome and anatomy are unique. Even if a friend had a fantastic experience with one procedure, like a facelift, it doesn't mean that surgeon is the best fit for something different, like liposuction. Consult with the surgeon directly to assess how they approach the specific procedure you're considering and to understand how your own anatomy will influence the results.
Medical professionals—like doctors, nurses, anesthesiologists, and surgeons—are also great referral sources. A surgeon’s reputation among their peers speaks volumes. The ultimate endorsement is when other surgeons would trust them to operate on their own family members. That’s often the most valuable recommendation you can get.
Before committing to a procedure, it’s crucial to ensure that your surgeon provides in office procedures or hospital privileges for the specific surgeries you are considering. While most procedures are performed in office, should any complications arise, you’ll want to know that your surgeon can admit you to a nearby hospital if necessary. The main accrediting organizations include:
- **American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF)** – 847-775-1970
- **Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC)** – 847-853-6063
- **The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)** – 630-792-5800
When considering where the surgery will take place, ask questions such as:
- Where will the surgery be performed?
- What is the accreditation status of the surgery center?
- Who will administer the anesthesia?
- In which hospitals does the surgeon have privileges? And how close are they to the surgery center?
Some patients are drawn to "medical tourism" or cosmetic surgery abroad, often marketed with lower prices and luxury settings. However, it's important to ask the following:
- Where did the surgeon receive their education and training?
- What credentials does the surgeon hold?
- What happens if there are complications during or after surgery?
- Who will administer the anesthesia, and are they fully certified?
- What recourse do you have if you are not satisfied with the results after returning home?
These are all critical questions that will ensure you make an informed decision about your surgeon and the safety of the procedure.
Taking the time to thoroughly research your surgeon and available options will ultimately lead to better long-term results. It's wise to consult with plastic surgeons to get a wide range of opinions on both surgical and non-surgical alternatives. You may even find that one surgeon recommends procedures you hadn't initially considered.
A skilled surgeon will provide a realistic perspective on what can and cannot be achieved based on your age, skin type, body structure, medical history, and technological limitations. If you feel you are working with a surgeon you trust, they should clearly explain why certain procedures will enhance your outcome. Don’t hesitate to schedule follow-up consultations to ensure you feel confident in your decision. If multiple surgeons express concerns about the risks outweighing the benefits, it’s important to take that advice seriously.
Choosing the right plastic surgeon is a personal, often complex decision. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make, and it should be based on thorough research and careful consideration.