SAFE SURGERY PRACTICES: The Most Important Things You Should Know About Plastic Surgery Safety Tips, Facts and Statistics Top 10 Questions To Ask Your Surgeon Before Going Under The Knife Quick Facts: 28% did not check their doctor’s credentials before surgery 37% did not check if their surgeon was certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery 54% did not check if their surgeon completed an accredited residency training program in plastic surgery.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. With more than 6,000 members, the Society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 90 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the Society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. SAFETY TIPS: The ASPS offers the following suggestions to anyone interested in having cosmetic plastic surgery. Check Board Certification: Determine if your physician is certified by a board approved by The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). Members of the ASPS are certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only board recognized by ABMS that certifies physicians in plastic surgery of the face and all areas of the body. This ensures that the plastic surgeon has graduated from an accredited medical school and completed at least five years of surgical residency, usually three years of general surgery and two years of plastic surgery. Ensure Safe Facilities: Everyone who chooses cosmetic plastic surgery has the right to a safe procedure. Injectables should be administered in a setting with appropriate medical personnel and necessary equipment to observe patients and manage potentialcomplications, as well as provide for the disposal of medical waste as required by Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations. ASPS requires all members who perform surgery under anesthesia to do so in an accredited, licensed or Medicare-approved facility. Require a Medical Evaluation: When considering a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure, consult with a physician for anevaluation, as well as a full medical history, to determine what is most appropriate. Be Informed: Speak with friends and family about the procedure as well as with a physician. When a treatment decision is made co-operatively between the physician and patient, the physician should explain the risks, benefits, alternatives, and reasoning for the proposed treatment, after which an informed consent document should be signed by the patient. Look For Specialty Group Affiliation: Membership in the ASPS ensures that not only is the plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, but that the plastic surgeon regularly attends continuing medical education courses and adheres to a strict code of ethics. For more information call the ASPS at (888) 4-PLASTIC (888-4752784) or visit www.plasticsurgery.org.
Top 10 Questions To Ask Your Surgeon Before Going Under The Knife 1. What are your credentials and training experience? Patients are often referred to a surgeon by their primary care physician; however, it is important to know what qualifies the surgeon to perform your procedure. Ask your surgeon if he/she is “board certified” in plastic surgery.¹ ASPS Member Surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and are trained specifically in plastic surgery. They operate only in accredited medical facilities, adhere to a strict code of ethics and fulfill continuing education requirements, including patient safety techniques. 2. How many procedures of this type have you performed? In addition to knowing your surgeon’s credentials, it is important to know the level of experience he/she has in performing your procedure. Choosing an experienced surgeon is one way to ensure good results.¹ 3. Are there alternatives to surgery? Sometimes, surgery is not the only answer. You might be able to achieve the desired results through non-surgical treatments. Ask your surgeon about the benefits and risks of these alternatives so you can make an informed decision.¹ 4. What do I need to do to prepare for surgery? Certain surgeries require that you stop smoking, lose weight or follow a specific diet limiting the food you eat and the medications you take prior to your surgery; or, there may be medications that your surgeon wants you to take before your procedure. Make sure that you speak to your surgeon and your anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist about any allergies or about any conditions for which you are taking medication. You should mention any vitamins, supplements or over-the-counter medications as well. 5. What are the risks? Every surgery has some associated risk. Weigh the benefits of the procedure against the risks of side effects and complications (e.g. nausea, vomiting, pain, infection, or blood clots) before making your decision.¹ 6. How can I better manage post-surgical side effects and complications such as nausea, vomiting, pain, infection or bleeding? Some post-surgical side effects and complications are more manageable than others. Make sure you speak to your surgeon about your risk of experiencing side effects and complications and about any medications he/she may prescribe to minimize these symptoms. For example, your surgeon may prescribe a medication before surgery to minimize nausea and vomiting or prescribe something for pain. 7. How will side effects or complications be handled? If you should experience a side effect or complication after surgery, find out who will be available to address your concerns and when. Ask if any additional costs will be incurred should you need additional treatment.¹ 8. How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery? Some surgeries take longer to recover from than others. Make sure you speak to your surgeon about how long it will take to heal, as well as how you might physically feel immediately following your surgery.¹ Your surgeon will be able to inform you of the arrangements necessary to ease your recovery. 9. Will my recovery keep me from my usual, daily activities such as work? The recovery time associated with your surgery is dependent on the nature and length of the procedure. To ensure that you don’t slow your recovery, make sure you speak to your surgeon about the things you may or may not be able to do in the first few days, weeks and months after surgery.¹ 10. Where and how will you perform my procedure? Find out if your surgery will be performed in a hospital, office, or ambulatory facility. If performed in an office or ambulatory facility, check if it is accredited, which means the facility has passed strict guidelines for equipment, staff, hospital access, anesthesia administration, and more. ASPS requires all members who perform surgery under anesthesia to do so in an accredited facility. Also, if your procedure will be performed in an office or ambulatory facility ensure your doctor has privileges to perform the same procedure at an accredited hospital. Many surgeries require anesthesia and certain types have a greater risk of post-surgical side effects and complications. Make sure you speak to the person administering it to find out whattype of anesthesia is required for your procedure (e.g. local, regional, or general anesthesia) and the side effects or complications that may be associated with it.¹ Often there are multiple techniques for one procedure. Ask your surgeon which surgical technique may be best for you. A less invasive technique may mean less time under anesthesia and ultimately fewer side effects and complications.The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. With more than 6,000 members, the Society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 90 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the Society represents physicianscertified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. ¹ “Having Surgery? What You Need to Know?” October 2005. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. FACTS AND STATISTICS: Nearly 11 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures were performed in the United States in 2006, up 7 percent from 2005, according to statistics released today by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). In addition, more than 5.2 million reconstructive plastic surgery procedures were performed last year. Surgical cosmetic procedures increased 2 percent, with more than 1.8 million procedures performed. For the first time, breast augmentation (329,000) is the most popular surgical procedure since the ASPS began collecting statistics in 1992. Minimally invasive cosmetic procedures increased 8 percent, with more than 9 million performed, and hyaluronic acid injectables (778,000) make the top five for first time. Reconstructive plastic surgery decreased 3 percent. Tumor removals (3.9 million) remain the most often performed reconstructive plastic surgery procedure. The authors reviewed 5,316 consecutive plastic surgery cases completed between 1995 and 2000 – the majority of which were cosmetic plastic surgery procedures including facelift, eyelid surgery, breast augmentation, liposuction, and nose reshaping. Less than one percent of the 5,316 patients experienced complications, the vast majority were due to hematomas (a collection of blood) following facelift surgery. Patient Experiences, Perceptions, and Attitudes on Post-surgical Side Effects¹ and Complications Forty percent of cosmetic plastic surgery patients agree they should have done more homework to learn about potential side effects and complications before surgery.
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