Choosing a Facial Plastic Surgeon
A facial plastic surgeon specializes in performing cosmetic and reconstructive surgery on the face, head and neck region. Whatever your reason may be to have plastic surgery, it is not a decision to be taken lightly. In choosing a plastic surgeon, one should be educated in the background of the chosen physician.
A facial plastic surgeon has the following qualifications that differentiate him or her from other plastic surgeons:
- A facial plastic surgeon is typically board certified in Otolaryngology, the specialty addressing surgery of the
head and neck. - A facial plastic surgeon has spent five to six years in post-graduate surgical training and their training includes one year of post-graduate training and at least four additional years of specialty training in head and neck surgery and facial plastic surgery. Concentrating on the complex anatomy, physiology, pathology, biochemistry and bacteriology of all the organs and structures of the head and neck, provides the facial plastic surgeon a strong focus on the anatomical region being treated.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Asking the right questions will help ensure you the best treatment, and therefore the best outcome. Your first question should be: “Are you board certified, and with which board?” Dr. Heinrich is certified with the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Once you find out the proper qualifications for your chosen surgeon, use personal references through friends and family. This will give you another great insight into the plastic surgeon’s reputation throughout his or her community.
You should also ask what happens in case of an emergency. Your plastic surgeon should always have a backup plan in case an emergency arises. A board certified plastic surgeon will tell his or her patients about the risks and complications that may occur during surgery. They will make you aware of what happens when they occur. Knowing this type of information requires educating yourself about your surgeon’s qualifications. Your surgeon should have a good standing with the emergency hospital, or hospitals, that are nearest to the medical facility where the surgery is taking place. You can check the surgeon’s credentials with the alternative hospital or hospitals. It is also important to make sure that the medical facility where the surgeon operates is accredited.
Lastly, you should view before and after pictures of patients that were operated on by the chosen surgeon. Every doctor should be proud of his or her work. Plastic surgeons want to prove to you that they are the best and that you are the most important person to them, from the moment you meet with them for a consultation, until you leave their office at your last follow-up appointment. Dr. Heinrich is a dedicated and caring physician and is there for his patients throughout the entire proces
