Choosing a plastic surgeon
Because of the increase in the popularity of
cosmetic surgery, it is vital that potential patients
know and understand the facts about choosing a cosmetic
surgeon.
Looking at before and after photos of the surgeon’s
results.
Seeing before and after photos of the surgeon’s previous
patients that underwent your desired procedure can be
extremely important in your decision-making process. All
results are not the same and many factors determine the
final result of any cosmetic procedure. Looking at the
photos together with the surgeon can provide a valuable
perspective on his or her work and an opportunity to
discuss what you hope to achieve. Find out if you are in
agreement on what constitutes a “good result” and
whether your respective ideas and goals are in sync.
See Dr. Kass's before and after
photo gallery. More photographs specifically related
to your procedure can be seen during your initial
consultation.
Discuss the various options regarding the manner in
which to achieve your desired outcome.
Often there may be several techniques available to
achieve improvements in your appearance. Your surgeon
should discuss the various options, what each option can
achieve, recovery time for each option and his or her
corresponding recommendations.
Find out the anesthetic options for your chosen
procedure and who will administer the anesthesia.
Depending on your chosen procedure, there may be varying
anesthetic options. Discuss the options with your
potential surgeon. Ask your surgeon the pros and cons of
each. Ask if the cosmetic surgeon will have an
anesthesiologist or a nurse anesthetist working with him
or her.
 It
is imperative when choosing a cosmetic surgeon to
consider the following and ask questions. Any reputable
cosmetic surgeon will welcome your questions and want
you to be completely comfortable with his or her
qualifications.
Where was the cosmetic surgeon trained?
In what disciplines is he/she board certified?
What did the physician study in his/her residency?
What is the surgeon’s training with regard to the
specific cosmetic surgery procedure you are considering?
Keep in mind cosmetic surgeons’ original disciplines and
certifications may be in dermatology, head and neck
surgery, general surgery, oral and maxillofacial
surgery, ocular plastic surgery, plastic surgery and a
variety of other surgical disciplines. Training in
cosmetic surgery is mainly received after a physician
completes a residency in his or her underlying
discipline. Some physicians may have gone on to
post-graduate training and taken a board examination
specifically in cosmetic surgery administered by the
American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.
American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic And
Reconstructive Surgery
The Society was founded in 1969 to establish a qualified
body of surgeons who have training and experience in
this specialized field of surgery. The purpose of the
Society is to promote study, research, and training in
ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Fellowship in the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic
and Reconstructive Surgery indicates the surgeon has
special interest and training in this subspecialty, and
that he or she is board certified by the American Board
of Ophthalmology or its equivalent. While board
certification and fellowship cannot guarantee a perfect
surgical result, these credentials do identify the
member surgeon as one who has met specific training
requirements.
American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery is a
professional medical society whose members are dedicated
to patient safety and physician education in cosmetic
surgery. Most members of AACS are dermatologic surgeons,
facial plastic surgeons, head and neck surgeons, oral
and maxillofacial surgeons, general surgeons, plastic
surgeons or ocular plastic surgeons-all of whom
specialize in cosmetic surgery. AACS is the organization
that represents cosmetic surgeons in the American
Medical Association through its seat in the AMA House of
Delegates.
Dr. Lawrence Kass was an early member of the highly
selective and prestigious American Society of Oculo-Facial
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and is one of
only a handful of Diplomates in Cosmetic Facial Surgery
recognized by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery in
the entire state of Florida. Dr. Kass proudly maintains
his membership in the American Academy of Cosmetic
Surgery, American Medical Association, and the
Florida Medical Association. He is a past president of
the Tampa Bay Ophthalmology Society.
Read more about
Dr. Kass's background, education and experience.
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