Choosing a Cosmetic Surgeon Northern Virginia
Once you have decided that plastic surgery is right for you, you must choose a plastic surgeon. This can be a daunting task, but there are several things to look for when selecting a plastic surgeon you can be comfortable with. Even if you have been referred by family or friends, you need to consider if they are right for your particular needs. Credentials and experience ensure your maximum likelihood of getting the results you want with the minimum risk of complications. In the event of post-surgery issues, insurance like CosmetAssure can assist cosmetic surgery patients in covering costs and reducing the financial burden of unexpected complications.
A skillful and studied rapid recovery plan helps you get back to your normal routine as quickly as possible. And a well-established measuring system can help ensure you get the results you desire. Accreditation and comfort also help ensure you have the best possible plastic surgery experience possible.
Not every surgeon is right for every person, and we encourage you to talk to more than one surgeon to find the right one for you. To talk to Dr. Desman and learn whether he is the right surgeon for you, please reach out to us today to schedule your consultation.
Credentials and Experience
Find out the qualifications, including the length and type of training, any certifications, and any membership in professional organizations, especially positions that demonstrate respect by other members of the plastic surgery community. Even before scheduling your consultation, look at before and after photos of patients who have had the same surgery you are considering.
Ask the doctor to speak with patients who have had the surgery you are considering so that you can get an unbiased opinion about the procedure in question. Ask what qualifications the plastic surgeon has over the phone before scheduling your consultation, and then find out more when you go in for the consultation.
Dr. Desman has many years of experience in performing plastic surgery. Dr. Desman is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Technology and Accreditation
Beyond having the latest state-of-the-art technology, how well does the plastic surgeon know the instruments? What is in place for emergencies? Does the plastic surgeon do continual education to stay abreast of new procedures and technology? Find out if the plastic surgeon will be performing the procedure, or if a specialist will be needed. If the procedure is going to be performed in the plastic surgeon’s facility instead of a hospital, find out what its accreditation is. It should be accredited with the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc.
Level of Comfort
This may seem like an obvious question, but it is important that you are comfortable with the plastic surgeon you choose. You need to trust this doctor, and you must be able to be honest with them. You may also be more likely to listen to what he or she has to say. Make sure your plastic surgeon answers your questions and addresses your concerns. Realistic expectations for your outcome should be addressed in an open and frank manner. If they do not, you may want to keep looking for a plastic surgeon you can talk to.
You should also discuss risks and recovery. Risks and side effects must be measured against the overall outcome. Recovery, depending on the procedure can be weeks or months for the more invasive types. At the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery, Dr. Desman has a rapid recovery plan for breast augmentation. Be sure to ask about this when you contact him for your consultation.
If you are in the Alexandria, Virginia, Northern Virginia, or Washington, DC area, and would like to discuss your options for plastic surgery, please contact the experienced board-certified doctor at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery today.
The Importance of a Licensed/Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to Perform Surgical Procedures
Not a day goes by where some new cosmetic procedure or surgery isn’t mentioned in the media or some star “confesses” to some cosmetic “help”. Between the myriad of reports about stars and reality TV shows about cosmetic makeovers, Hollywood has definitely removed the stigma about having cosmetic surgery. On the other hand, it has also trivialized cosmetic surgery to a certain extent. You see all the miraculous results without much discussion of how the patient got there.
When considering breast augmentation or liposuction or any other cosmetic surgery, you must remember that it is surgery and there are risks and possible complications - just like with any other operation.
One way to minimize the risk and maximize the potential benefits is to research and choose a cosmetic surgeon who is a member in good standing and board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), like Dr. Eric Desman of the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery.
The American Board of Medical Specialties recognizes the ABPS as the only board to certify plastic surgeons on the full spectrum of plastic surgery (meaning face, neck, and body procedures).
When you choose a cosmetic surgeon certified by the ABPS you know for certain that Dr. Desman has:
- Graduated from an accredited medical school
- Completed at least an additional five years of residency in surgery – three years in general surgery and another two in plastic surgery
- Passed comprehensive written and oral exams
Why is this important? It’s important for peace of mind to know that Dr. Desman is experienced and fully trained in the procedures he performs. Seeking board certification is optional and not all surgeons pursue it. Many surgeons state that they are “board certified” but they don’t state in what. They could be board certified in many other specialties but not plastic surgery.
Other Factors to Consider
During the surgeon selection process, there are other factors to consider in addition to selection someone who is board certified.
- How many years has he been performing procedures?
- How many of the procedures that you want has he performed?
- Do the results in the Before & After photos of other patients reflect your goals for your surgery?
- Can you talk to a few past patients about their experiences?
If you live in the Alexandria, VA and Washington, DC area and you’re considering cosmetic surgery, please contact board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Desman at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery for a consultation. We can schedule a 15-minute phone consultation or an in-person consultation in our offices. There’s no obligation and we’ll answer all of your questions.
Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality cosmetic surgery care in the Northern Virginia and Washington DC region. Dr. Desman is committed to serving you through advanced training, dedication to perfection and unmatched personal care.
We are confident you will not be disappointed!