How to Find a Plastic Surgeon
When it comes to your appearance, you can’t trust just anyone to make sure you look your best. For big occasions, women often turn to professional artists and stylists for their hair and makeup; and they have alterations specialists to make sure their dresses fit perfectly.
Men also usually visit a tailor to ensure their suits fit just right. So when it comes to something as significant as your body and health, wouldn’t you want to make sure you have the same kind of experienced professional making any life-changing alterations (to achieve the best results) that will be personalized for you?
Why It’s Important to Choose Board Certified Plastic Surgeons
Many practitioners perform cosmetic surgery, but not all are specifically trained in plastic surgery. Legally, with the consent of the patient, any licensed physician with a valid doctor of medicine degree can perform cosmetic procedures. This means that a physician may not have training or experience in the cosmetic procedure they are performing.*
Doctors can receive formal training in any specialty, such as dermatology, pediatrics, or general surgery, and call themselves cosmetic surgeons. Specific training and experience in plastic surgery are necessary to evaluate the individual needs of a patient; deal with any potential complications; and ensure patient safety to achieve the best results.* Just as you wouldn’t trust an inexperienced stylist to change your appearance, don’t trust an inexperienced doctor to do a plastic surgeon’s job.
To guarantee that you are undergoing a cosmetic procedure with an experienced, first-rate physician, ask your surgeon to show you proof of the following qualifications:*
Certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)
A surgeon who is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) has completed at least five years of approved surgical training and a residency in plastic surgery. If a physician claims to be “board certified,” make sure you check that they are board certified by The ABPS, as this is the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) to certify physicians for plastic surgery procedures.
Member of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) is the leading organization of plastic surgeons who specialize in cosmetic surgery. Membership in The ASAPS is by invitation only, and members must be certified by The ABPS.
Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the largest plastic surgery specialty organization in the world, and its members must perform their surgeries in accredited surgical facilities. Choosing a surgeon who operates in an accredited facility will ensure that they have the proper equipment and staff to monitor your safety.*
Experience Performing the Procedure You Desire
Even if a surgeon has the previous qualifications, he or she should also have extensive experience performing the specific procedure you wish to undergo. If they have a lot of experience and specialize in the procedure you desire, they will be more likely to know a variety of current techniques.* This will allow them to tailor the procedure to meet your individual needs and provide you with the best results possible.*
A surgeon with these qualifications will achieve superior results because they will have the ability to evaluate your features and circumstances to choose the best course of action for your procedure.* An experienced hairstylist is the best person to evaluate your facial structure and hair type to recommend the best options for a new “do.” In the same way, an experienced plastic surgeon is the best person to evaluate your body type to provide the best results.*
Best Plastic Surgeon in Miami
If you are considering plastic surgery in the Miami area, Dr. Constantino G. Mendieta is experienced in performing a wide range of procedures, including face, breast, and body enhancement surgeries. He is board certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and a member of both The American Society for Aesthetic Surgery (ASAPS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Please call 305-860-0717 or fill out our online consultation form to schedule your consultation.