Choosing The Right Surgeon

What does it mean to be “Board Certified”?

The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery is the only certifying board exam devoted to examining a surgeon’s skill in cosmetic surgery of the face and body. It is an independent subspecialty board that examines and certifies physicians in general cosmetic surgery.

Eligibility requirements include:

  • Spend a full year training exclusively and comprehensively in cosmetic surgery
  • Perform a minimum of 300 individual cosmetic surgery procedures of the face, breast and body.
  • Receive additional in-depth training in non-surgical cosmetic procedures, including Botox & fillers, laser resurfacing, and skin care
  • Perform and document an additional minimum set of cosmetic procedures following completion of the 1-year fellowship
  • Pass a comprehensive, rigorous 2-day oral and written exam covering all aspects of cosmetic surgery

Dr. Owsley is board certified and Dr. McDaniel is board eligible in both Cosmetic Surgery and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

For more information on the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, consult their web site at www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org.

When choosing a cosmetic surgeon, there are several questions you should ask the surgeon and yourself.

Board Certification

  • Is this surgeon board certified or board eligible?

Experience

  • What training do you have in the procedure I am considering?
  • How many times have you performed this procedure?

Rapport

  • Does this surgeon feel right to me?
  • Do I think the recommendations by the surgeon are safe and right for me?
  • Throughout the process, will I be comfortable asking the surgeon any question?
  • Will I be able to disclose my full medical history and habits to the surgeon?

Safety and the Operating Facility

  • Where do you perform the surgery?
  • What is your facility’s level of accreditation? JCAHO, AAAHC, AAAASF provide operating facility certification.
  • If undergoing general anesthesia, what are the qualifications of the anesthetist? You want a Board Certified Anesthesiologist or a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

Customer Service

  • Is the staff friendly and supportive?
  • Did I receive invaluable materials to prepare me for the risks of surgery and recovery?
  • Have all fees been clearly stated?
  • Did I receive a prompt reply when contacting the practice?