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Choosing a Surgeon

Reguardless of the type of plastic surgery you are considering, one of the most important factors in its success is the surgeon you choose. In seeking a well-trained, qualified, experienced plastic surgeon, the following factors may assist in making an informed choice.

First Step : Gathering Names

Your first goal is to develop a list of good candidates. Where might you find them? Physicians, nurses, hospitals, friends, ASPRS, special directories. Some advertisements may give youa good feel but be sure they sound realistic. Internet evaluations may help but one happy patient or one disgruntled patient may not be a true evaluation of the surgeon. So be discriminating on what you read on the internet.

Next Step : Checking Credentials

While good credentials can't guarantee a successful outcome, they can significantly increase the odds.

Board Certification : Board certifications are very important. It says that someone has had specific training and has passed an exam testing his or her knowledge. It is extremely inportant to know that there are boards but only a few boards are approved and supervised by the American Board of Medical Specialities. (ABMS) All other boards are not supervied and may not mean any thing except someoen has subscribed to that board or paid to get the certificate. The American Board of PLASTIC Surgery is the only plastic board approved by the ABMS.

Memberships : Check for membership in the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASPRS) or the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).

Hospital Affiliations : Check the surgeon's hospital affiliations. It is important to know that in the office a surgeon can perform any operation that the patient allows himor her to do. In a hospital the surgeon must be approved for specific procedure and must show his or her training in that procedure.

Experience : Experience may be one of the most important factor. The patient can ask about the fequency that the surgeon performs a particular peocedure. How long have they been doing the procedure? Have they published about this area. Publications in peer reviewed journals make tend to mean that the surgoen has done further research in that area or may even be an expert in that area.

Final Step : The Consultation / Interview

Talk candidly with the surgeon(s). Evaluate their personalities, their opinions on the type of surgery you should have, their fees, and the way they answer your questions and explain the risks involved. Any surgeon who does not explain in detail the procedure and the risks may not be someone to continue with. That person should sound like he or she is interested in your care and not simply getting you to sigh up for a procedure. Remember that you are beginning a relationship with the surgeon and that office. It is important to be sure you are comfortable witht that relationship.

Making Your Choice

If you've obtained your surgeon's name from a good source, checked his or her credentials, are satisfied with your initial consultation, and have realistic expectations for the surgery, chances are very good that you'll be pleased with the outcome of your plastic surgery.

Before and After Photo Gallery

Although each person's results will defer, before and after photos are good examples of potential changes. They should be used not only as a comparison of techniques and surgeons, but are a good starting points for evaluation, comparison and discussion with your surgeon.

How We Are Different

Experience Matters, Dr. Yousif has received several awards and honors for his research and has pioneered many new techniques in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Read More

  • World expert on facial aging.
  • First to describe and perform the Gortex Midface Lift.
  • Published over 100 articles on plastic/reconstructive surgery with the majority focusing on facial anatomy.
  • Continues to investigate and describe the structure and treatment of the aging neck.
  • Clinical Professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
  • Listed in Best Doctors of America.