The things that you should consider when planning any cosmetic surgery procedure are results, quality and safety. The following article is prepared, in order to educate and guide prospective clients in cosmetic surgery on how to choose the right surgeon to attain their goal.

1. Any surgery with the main purpose of improving the physical aspect of the human body aesthetically, as well as function, is an artistic challenge for us plastic surgeons, and should be a worthwhile experience for the patient. All cosmetic procedures, minor or major, should be done according to certain standards imposed and set by local authorities, in terms of safety. Once your goal is obtained after the procedure, this brings emotional fulfillment and satisfaction to both the surgeon and the person seeking the procedure. But patient's safety and health should be the main priority of your surgeon.

2. Inquire about your surgeon's academic profile and formal training in the field of cosmetic/aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. It takes 6 to 8 years of formal training in burns, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery at an accredited institution after medical school before a physician could call himself a Plastic Surgeon. This would include 3 to 5 years of General Surgery Program and 3 years of Burns, Cosmetic/Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery training. In the Philippines, there are only few training institutions with plastic surgery program that are accredited and recognized by the local association of surgeons (Philippine College of Surgeons, Philippine Board of Plastic and Philippine Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons). Nowadays, there are still a lot of doctors (even non doctors), though board certified, but definitely not in plastic surgery, who perform plastic procedures. With the complexity of the plastic surgery specialty, it is not enough for a physician to just undergo months or even a year of observership or training in an unaccredited establishment, in order for them to comprehend all the principles and applications in the field of plastic cosmetic surgery.

3. A surgeon, equipped with a firm foundation in Cosmetic/Aesthetic Plastic Surgery should be able to evaluate whether you are a good candidate for the surgery you are considering. He must be able to discuss with you, all possible options and its associated risks and advice you which procedure is best to attain your desired results. If there are less invasive or non-surgical procedures that could fulfill your needs, your surgeon should be knowledgeable about this and be able to tell you its advantages and disadvantages. Please be aware that there is no such thing as standard cosmetic procedure that would fulfill the desired result of all patients. Each patient should be approach and treated individually, since we have our own personal definition of beauty.

4. Do not look for the cheapest doctor, more so, do not be deceived by unrealistic offer. Know your surgeon's training and academic profile. Take note of his offer, if it is safe and attainable. You could inquire from any physicians' association, regarding the authenticity of your surgeon's specialty or training; lastly, ask friends and previous patients regarding his credentials. Try visiting their website, if he has one. Your surgeon must be able to provide you details of his training, specialization and the number of years he underwent training.

5. Your surgeon must be able to extensively discuss with you all your possible options. Don't hesitate to ask questions, a good plastic surgeon must be able to entertain all your inquiries regarding your desired procedure. Through this, the surgeon can establish rapport with their patients and establish a comfortable environment.

6. Don't allow yourself to undergo liquid silicon injection at your nose, breasts, or any part of your body. The use of silicon oil injection has long been abandoned and condemned because of its unpredictable result and complications, not to mention its untoward results such as extrusion and infection. Your doctor must be able to provide you data or clinical study regarding the use and safety of the product he is trying to promote.

7. Don't be attracted to newer procedures, drugs and prosthetics without proven long term studies with regards to result, efficacy and safety. Inquire about its approval for use by local and foreign regulatory agency such as US-FDA, Department of Health, etc. Take into consideration the quality, safety and efficacy rather than the cost.

8. Take note if your surgeon's clinic or cosmetic center were able to meet certain standard of safety and certified by the local Health Department. But be informed, that there are certain procedures that are best done in a hospital setting.

9. Ask your surgeon regarding affiliations or membership to any local Plastic Surgery organization that is recognized by both local and international body of Plastic Surgeons. In the Philippines, only the Philippine Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons under the umbrella of the Philippine College of Surgeon is recognized internationally by other foreign Plastic Society. This organization usually require their members certain standard in terms of training and competence in their specialty.

For more information on Philippine Cosmetic Plastic Surgery you may visit www.philippinecosmetic.com or email us at peregrinovii@yahoo.com

Author: Dr Peregrino R Lorenzo VII Plastic Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgeon Certified and fully trained Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon, with 6 years of formal training in the field of Aesthetic, Reconstructive and Burn Plastic Surgery.

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