Best Cosmetic Surgery Begins with a Little Detective Work 

It sometimes astonishes me how much and effort someone will take choosing a new outfit or a new pair of shoes and how little time and effort he or she will spend researching the person to whom they will entrust their cosmetic surgery.

Less invasive aesthetic cosmetic methods that promise amazing outcomes are definately very popular these days at the increasing number of “medical spas” nationwide. Yet, each procedure, whether it be surgical or non-surgical, brings with it some financial and physical risks for the consumer.

Did you know that advances in technology combined with a multi-billion dollar market have brought with them a tremendous amount of new treatment options that promise less pain and faster results and recovery time. However, many have not been scientifically proven successful.

Competition for your cosmetic money is intense, particularly in the current economy.

Who are the Real Cosmetic Surgery and Plastic Surgery Specialists?

Prospective cosmetic surgery patients should understand that many more medical practitioners, pressed by the steady reduction in reimbursement, are deciding to complement their income by dabbling in the cosmetic world without specialized training.

The American Board of Medical Specialties is a nonprofit organization formed in 1933 to oversee and regulate the certification of medical specialties. Before ABMS, any doctor could claim to be a professional in any field. Today, ABMS certification entails rigorous training and examinations for medical specialists, to ensure the best requirements of education, ethics and patient care.

Of the 24 specialties recognized by AMBS, only four have a focus in cosmetic care. These are: dermatology, plastic surgery, ophthalmology (with its subspecialty of oculoplastic surgery), and otolaryngology (ear-nose-throat), with its subspecialty of facial plastic surgery.

Other specialty organizations dedicated to the practice of cosmetic surgical treatment have not acquired recognition by the American board of Medical Specialties. Certification by a specialty recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties is crucial for the doctor to be able to practice in a certified hospital.

Deciding on the Best Cosmetic Surgeon

Here are some factors I feel are crucial to picking a plastic surgeon:

1. Board certification – This is required by hospitals and you should require it too. Also, choosing a physician who holds hospital privileges and whose credentials are in good standing ensures continued care in a hospital setting, should it become necessary.
2. Experience matters – Check the number of years in practice, number of cases completed and track the surgeon’s results.
3. Artistic talent – Aesthetic Cosmetic Surgery requires the skill of a surgeon, but the eye of an artist. So seek recommendations from former patients; those who are pleased won’t hesitate to make a positive recommendation.
4. Before & After Photos – Ask to see before and after photos of patients of the physician who have had the procedure (facelift, tummy tuck, breast augmentation / enlargement or reduction, liposuction, Fraxel) you are considering. This can help you decide if the surgeon will be able to help you achieve the cosmetic surgery results you seek.
5. Meet with the surgeon ahead of time – This is the time to talk about your goals and find out how the surgeon hopes to achieve them. A good doctor will reassure you when you’re making good choices and discourage you if you’re not.

The bottom line: don’t let advertising or special pricing drive decisions that impact your appearance and your health. For more details on a variety of cosmetic surgery topics, go to my Oklahoma plastic surgery website at www.plasticsurgeon-oklahoma.com

A typical cosmetic surgeon will change anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars for a solitary surgery, depending upon the complexity of the operation. Included in those expensive costs are not only the cosmetic surgeon’s costs, but also the costs of the anesthesiologist, hospital facilities and accommodations for recovery. Many people are surprised when they initially find out about the high cost of most cosmetic surgical procedures.

Cosmetic surgery is not just for the rich. The average type of elective plastic surgery client only makes about $50,000 per year. Unfortunately most optional cosmetic surgeries aren’t covered by any kind of medical insurance, which leaves most patients to pay the bill another way. Here are some different ways you can pay for your cosmetic surgery:

Savings: Most banks have low savings rates right now, so do not plan on making much cash from the interest. The costs of most cosmetic surgery operations rise regularly so putting away a specific amount of cash may be challenging. Okay, you could save up the money, but it could take a long time, depending upon the cost of the cosmetic surgery you want.

Home Loan: Some cosmetic surgery operations are very expensive and a big loan may be needed. If you own your home and it is valued at more than your remaining mortgage, then you may be able to get a home equity loan if you have a decent credit rating to pay for your cosmetic surgery. {Of course,Obviously} this won’t work if you are underwater with a mortgage. Most home loans don’t have many limitations on how the cash can be spent.

Personal Networking Loan: Peer-to-peer loans allow hundreds of people to loan you very small amounts of money at a remarkably low pay back rate. There are many internet based peer-to-peer loan companies that will give you money as long as your credit rating is not too bad. This is one of most modern ways of borrowing money.

Some cosmetic surgery operations come at a high cost, but the rewards of a quality procedure will frequently outweigh the economic price. The concept of taking out a loan for something like cosmetic surgery tends to frighten some people. You should consider plastic surgery to be an investment in your physical health and quality of life.

Want more information? There are many more methods to pay for cosmetic surgery than you might know of.