For the past few days, you've been reading about horror stories from plastic/cosmetic surgery performed by untrained or unqualified people. At the end of each article was advice to seek out a qualified, board certified surgeon. Do not let someone fill your butt with "fix-a-flat" or any other product that is not FDA approved for that specific procedures. Industrial silicone does not fill in like medical grade silicone used by plastic surgeons.
People get scammed all the time. It's not just people that can't afford to go to a real plastic surgeon. Priscilla Presley is a good example of someone who could have gone to the finest plastic surgeon in Los Angeles but she chose to go to a "home" party because her friends were doing it to get silicone injections. Look what happened to her!
So, first find a board certified plastic surgeon. Check with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons for a doctor in your area. The only group sanctified by a governing medical board for plastic surgeons is the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Usually members of the AAFPRS are board certified in Otolaryngology. These doctors are trained for head and neck surgery and usually have a fellowship with a plastic surgeon in addition to classes and training in facial surgical procedures.
After you fnd a doctor in your area, or several doctors, go to www.google.com and in the box, type: complaints against (whatever name). Next try www.ratemds.com. This will give you a very general idea of how people rate the doctor.
Next step is to schedule a consult with the doctors left on your list. During this consultation, the doctor will ask what your concerns are regarding whatever procedure you want. Say you want a facelift, the doctor will ask you what bothers you about your face. The doctor will show you photographs of people that he has performed the specific procedure on. Ask the doctor these questions:
What is he/she board certified in? (check www.certificationmatters.org to verify)
How many procedures that you are wanting has the doctor performed?
At what hospitals does the doctor have privileges?
Is the surgery center he uses board certified, State licensed and State accredited?
Has the doctor been disciplined by authorities? Has anyone died under their care?
Has the doctor had any medical malpractice claims filed against him?
If prices are lower than competitors', ask how it is they can charge such a lower rate?
Will he/she be available by phone following the surgery?
Does the doctor perform the all steps of the surgery or does a nurse or someone else do the suturing and bandaging?
Look around the office, are their framed certifications on the wall from schools or accrediting boards? Does the surgeon take time to answer all your questions and concerns?
If anything doesn't feel right, consult with another doctor. Adhering to all the above does not guarantee that something won't go wrong or that you'll be happy with your surgical results. It does give you more of a chance of not being disfigured or dying at the hands of some person off the street with no experience or training, using toxic ingredients in a hotel room or garage or back of a car.
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