Cosmetic surgery is surgery, which means that there are risks. One of the best ways to reduce your risk of complications and to ensure stunning aesthetic results is to choose your surgeon carefully. Here are few things to look for when you choose your surgeon.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Many patients don’t realize, but you don’t have to be a plastic surgeon to provide cosmetic surgery. Any surgeon can do cosmetic procedures, even if they specialize in something else. Choosing a board certified plastic surgeon ensures that your doctor has extensive training in plastic surgery. It also ensures that they have met have specific educational, training and testing requirements. Any surgeon can offer cosmetic surgeries, but when you choose a board certified plastic surgeon, you know that this is their focus and primary skill.
State Medical License
You’ll also want to make sure your chosen surgeon is currently licensed to practice medicine in your state. Do a search for your state’s medical board and use their license search tool (the Virginia medical board website is found here). Make sure your chosen doctor has a current, valid license. You may also want to check the licenses of their nursing staff. Dr. Lewis’ licensing information is found here.
Professional Affiliations
Professional organizations are a wonderful tool for surgeons to obtain education, network with other professionals, and hone their skills. Many good surgeons are members of several organizations. Dr. Lewis is affiliated with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (check out his page here) and the Richmond Academy of Medicine. He is an associate member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American College of Surgeons.
Seeing the professional organizations that your surgeon affiliates with can give you a better idea of their focuses and interests when it comes to surgery.
When you choose plastic surgery, you need to choose the best. Otherwise you’re exposing yourself to unnecessary risks. Choose a highly trained surgeon that specializes in plastic surgery and check their credentials carefully. Gorgeous results are possible when you choose the right surgeon.