Regardless of the reasons behind electing cosmetic or reconstructive surgery – whether it’s to ease the lines of time or to repair a facial abnormality, you should choose a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with expertise and training to ensure you get the face you asked for… According to the 2005 American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) annual survey, nearly half of the surgeons interviewed reported treating patients who needed revision surgery due to complications from undergoing plastic surgery abroad with surgeons who may or may not have been board certified.

Also according to annual survey findings, 42 percent of patients who elected facial plastic surgery in 2005 were between the ages of 17-19, and 27 percent were between the ages of 12-16. As a result of the fact that patients are getting younger and younger, it is vital that parents are familiar with the plastic surgeon selection process to ensure that their child receives the best possible care.  

The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), offers this advice:

One of the most important questions a patient or parent should ask a potential surgeon is the frequency which he or she performs a given procedure.  When seeking facial plastic surgery, patients should understand that a board-certified facial plastic surgeon’s experience and expertise focuses on plastic surgery of the face, head, and neck.  

“Whether opting for a surgical operation like a nose job or a non-surgical filler, patients need to be mindful that these are all medical procedures that should be performed by the hands of a well-trained, board-certified, and experienced facial plastic surgeon,” says Dr. Ira Papel, member and past president AAFPRS.

Consumers seeking facial plastic surgery should make sure the surgeon they trust meets the following criteria in so far as he or she:

·    Regularly performs the specific procedures

·    Has privileges to complete the procedures at a local hospital or ambulatory surgery center

·    Has documented education, training and experience performing the procedures

·    Is board-certified and a reputable member of an organization of surgeons who specialize in facial plastic surgery. (A surgeon should be board certified by boards affiliated with the American Board of Medical Specialists (ABMS) or equivalent boards like the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery or the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery – a board recognized by the ABMS, which certifies surgeons in facial plastic surgery.)

The AAFPRS advises a ll patients to make informed decisions when it comes to undergoing any facial plastic surgery procedure, by ensuring your surgeon meets the above criteria. The organization also provides consumers with free information and brochures and a list of qualified facial plastic surgeons in their area by calling 1-800-332-FACE.

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