8 Tips on How to Choose Your Plastic Surgeon

Online, March 1, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Follow these tips to help ensure that you get the most qualified and well trained physician to give you the results that you desire. Dr. Robert Heck with Columbus Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery lays out several guidelines that you can follow in choosing your plastic surgeon.

As a patient you need to look at a physician's:
-Training -Board certification
-Membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
-Membership in the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
-Whether or not the surgeon is Fellowship trained
-His/her years of experience
-His/her reputation including word of mouth referrals and personal/professional referrals
-Whether he/she is a specialist in the type of plastic surgery that you desire

1. First of all, it is important to make certain that your plastic surgeon is well trained and experienced. You need to make sure that he/she has attended an accredited medical school and has completed a plastic surgery residency that is fully accredited by the ACGME (Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education).

2. The next step is to make certain that your plastic surgeon is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Board Certification will ensure that your surgeon has undergone rigorous examinations of safety and competency and that he/she has fulfilled their strict educational requirements.

3. Once a surgeon is Board Certified and has met the appropriate requirements, he/she becomes eligible to become a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). The ASPS is the governing body of plastic surgery. They set strict ethical, moral, and educational standards and only accept surgeons who meet these stringent requirements.

4. The next goal of a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon is to become a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery(ASAPS. The ASAPS membership is an exclusive privilege for those plastic surgeons who display exemplary results with years of experience and training in cosmetic plastic surgery of the face and entire body. Members are required to attend the latest and most up-to-date meetings and conventions to stay current with the cutting edge technology and changes surrounding the field of plastic surgery. There are strict requirements to become a member of this elite group of physicians, and each individual most be voted in by his/her peers. By choosing a plastic surgeon that is a member of the ASAPS, you can rest assured that he/she is a leader in their field, well educated, and has the experience to meet your aesthetic needs.

5. It is also a necessity to look into your surgeon's level of experience. It is reassuring to know that your surgeon has years of experience in his/her field when they are performing your surgery.

6. Next it is good to check into your surgeon's reputation. Word of mouth and personal experiences can provide great insight into a physician's character and quality of work. Don't be afraid to ask around and talk with your friends.

7. You should also make sure that your plastic surgeon is a specialist in the type of plastic surgery that you desire. For example, you would not choose to have a breast augmentation with a plastic surgeon that specializes in hand or facial surgery. Do not be afraid to look into a physicians training and specialties and make sure they are qualified to perform your surgery.

8. Lastly, check and see if your surgeon has specific Fellowship training. Fellowship training that is performed after the required residency program gives that surgeon an extra knowledge base, experience, and additional skills in performing your surgery.

Hopefully Dr. Robert Heck's guidelines will help you pick the most qualified plastic surgeon to meet your cosmetic needs. For more information about Dr. Robert Heck with Columbus Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery, please visit http://www.robertheckmd.com