According to a recent NBC news story (see article linked below), a cosmetic surgery chain in Georgia is facing allegations of substandard patient care, including patients who claim they were “disfigured” as a result of botched procedures. The article notes that these cosmetic surgery chains are becoming more popular across the country, as they promise “minimally invasive” operations to reshape their bodies, such as eliminating stubborn fat.
This news story is just one example of how important it is to check the credentials of any plastic surgery facility before you agree to any new procedure. So let’s clarify what “board certified” means when it comes to plastic surgery.
How to Verify Plastic-Surgery Board Certification
“Board-certified” can mean many different things. For cosmetic or reconstructive procedures, look specifically for certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the plastic-surgery board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). You can check a surgeon’s status in minutes using the ABPS website or the ABMS’s certification verification tool. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) also reminds patients not to be confused by other official-sounding boards. For example, there is no ABMS board with “cosmetic surgery” in its name.
How to check board certification:
You can search the ABPS directory by name or location, and confirm the same physician on the ABMS certification page noted above. Look for consistency across both websites to validate plastic surgery credentials.
Start With a Consultation With the Plastic Surgeon
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential plastic surgery facilities after vetting board certification, it’s essential to request a consultation with the plastic surgeon to get answers to all your questions and learn more about the procedure.
Make the most of your consultation. If the consultation feels rushed and the surgeon doesn’t give you the opportunity to ask plenty of questions, that should be a red flag. A high-quality consultation with a plastic surgeon should feel thorough and unhurried. Expect a discussion of your goals, along with a review of your medical history, your medications, and your supplements. There should be an exam with measurements, and a personalized plan that explains risks, recovery, and realistic outcomes.
When a cosmetic surgery chain arrived, lawsuits alleging shoddy care followed
Read the original story published by NBC at https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/cosmetic-surgery-chain-doctors-lawsuits-allege-injuries-pain-rcna232186
Author: Dr. Stephen M. Davis
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Stephen M. Davis and his experienced team are committed to total patient satisfaction and excellent results. Green Hills Plastic Surgery first opened its doors in Nashville, TN in 1998 and continues to provide patients with time-honored plastic surgery procedures at TriStar Centennial Medical Center.
