If you’re seeking a cosmetic plastic surgeon in San Francisco, Dr. Romano should be among the first offices you visit. If you have decided to get cosmetic surgery, you’ll have a better experience if you partner with a compassionate, qualified, and skilled plastic surgeon. After you do some preliminary research, schedule consultations with a few different plastic surgeons in the Bay Area.
Choose a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Board certification matters! You can review a surgeon’s certification info on www.abms.org, the website of the American Board of Medical Specialties. Doctors with board certifications in fields like dermatology, internal medicine, or ophthalmology, can legally perform cosmetic procedures. These physicians do not undergo the same training as a board certified plastic surgeon.
As a board certified plastic surgeon, Doctor Romano has undergone focused and rigorous training. 3-5 years of surgery training is required, followed by 2-3 years of specialized plastic surgery training. Throughout their career, board certified plastic surgeons complete continuing medical education and take a written test every 10 years.
Review a doctor’s CV and career background.
Although many physicians undergo training in different parts of the world, moving around to different cities might be a red flag. Once a plastic surgeon has joined or established a practice, he or she will typically stay there for at least a few years.
You can check if malpractice suits have been filed against a Bay Area plastic surgeon by contacting the California medical board. They will have information on lawsuits as well as disciplinary actions.
Find out where the surgeon went to medical school and view the type of training he or she received. Surgeons who complete a residency in plastic surgery undergo two or three years of intensive training that covers a full scope of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.
Many plastic surgeons belong to professional medical groups that have strict requirements for membership. If a surgeon says that he or she is a member of a society, write it down and do your research; learn what it takes to be a member of that group.
During a consultation, ask when the doctor last performed your procedure of interest.
Consultations are a great time to ask about the doctor’s experience. You should feel free to ask any question you have about the procedure or about the surgeon and his/her experience. A good surgeon will answer all of your questions, understanding why you want to know the answers.
Find out how often they perform the surgery, how many times they’ve performed it, and if they’ll be assisted by anyone. If you bring a friend or partner to your consultation, they can ask important questions too.
Determine if Your Surgeon Has Hospital Privileges
Hospital privileges indicate that your surgeon has established credentials and a reputation in the Bay area. Even if the surgeon operates out of a private outpatient facility, you should check for hospital affiliations here.
Read more about finding a qualified surgeon in San Francisco!
Photo: Golden Gate Bridge in SF by amalakar on Flickr
