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Plastic Surgery Society Commends USA Today Series on Patient Safety in Cosmetic Surgery

American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)
September 15, 2011

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) applauds USA TODAY for reporting on the importance of appropriate training, board certification and facility accreditation in plastic surgery. Patient safety is at risk as the growing trend of marketing trumping science proliferates in the field of plastic surgery.

In the series published during September, USA TODAY reporter Jayne O'Donnell writes about the dangers that stem from the "commoditization of cosmetic surgery." The growing demand for cosmetic procedures as well as the attraction of self-pay elective surgery in an era of managed care, has encouraged physicians from various specialty-training backgrounds to assume the mantle of "cosmetic surgeon."

The Importance of Board-Certification

The article also focuses attention on board certification. O'Donnell notes, "residencies - the years-long stints working in hospitals under the guidance of more senior physicians - are required for board certification and are the principal distinction separating plastic and cosmetic surgeons, who typically instead do year-long fellowships or private training."

All plastic surgeons with board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery are trained in "cosmetic surgery," but all "cosmetic surgeons" are not trained in plastic surgery.

"This article just reinforces that patients must do their homework when choosing an aesthetic plastic surgeon," says Jeffery M. Kenkel, M.D., president of ASAPS. "There is tremendous confusion about plastic surgery. Television shows trivialize the experience, and advertisements often intentionally mislead. It's important for people to realize that when the surgeon is properly trained and the facility is accredited, patients are much more likely to be satisfied with the outcome."

Patient Safety and Satisfaction Steps

There is no such thing as "risk-free" surgery but there are steps patients can take to help ensure their safety and satisfaction when undergoing cosmetic surgery. The Aesthetic Society offers the following list of questions as a guideline of what to ask during a consultation with a plastic surgeon:

Check Board-Certification - A doctor's board-certification is the best indicator of his or her training in a particular medical or surgical specialty. Look for certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the only Board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) to certify doctors in the specialty of plastic surgery.
Check ASAPS Membership - ASAPS membership ensures that a doctor not only is ABPS-certified (or certified in plastic surgery by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada), but also has significant experience in cosmetic surgery. ASAPS membership is by invitation only.
Check Facility Accreditation - Cosmetic surgery can safely be performed in a hospital, surgicenter or office-based surgical facility. Current published data shows that accredited office-based facilities have a safety record comparable to that of hospital ambulatory surgery settings. Another advantage of selecting an ASAPS member is that all ASAPS surgeons operate in accredited, state-licensed or Medicare-certified facilities.
Check Hospital Privileges - Before granting operating privileges, hospital review committees evaluate a surgeon's training and competency for specific procedures. Wherever the surgery will be performed, be sure that the surgeon has operating privileges in an accredited hospital for the same procedure being considered.
Check Reliable Sources - Asking a patient's primary care doctor for recommendations is a good place to start, and friends may offer suggestions, but the surgeon's board-certification should always be verified independently by contacting the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Check Thoroughness - The consultation is an important opportunity for questions to be asked and answered. It should include a candid discussion of risks as well as benefits of the surgery. A thorough consultation also involves a review of medical history including any existing medical conditions.
Check Rapport - Even the most experienced surgeon is not the "right" surgeon for every patient. Any successful relationship depends on good communication. Patient satisfaction is enhanced when surgeon and patient candidly discuss goals, agree on realistic expectations and plan the course of the surgical journey together.
Check Experience - Experienced aesthetic plastic surgeons generally perform a wide range of cosmetic surgeries on a regular basis. Patients should ask about the surgeon's experience with the particular procedure being considered. If considering a "new" technique or technology, patients should inquire whether results substantiating safety and effectiveness have been published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Check Follow-up Care - Good surgical care does not end with the surgery. Patients should inquire about follow-up visits and about the doctor's policies should surgical revisions be necessary.
Check Cost - Fees may vary considerably depending on geographic region, surgeon experience and individual patient factors. Not all patients can be treated with the same technique, and the complexity and length of surgery affect cost. Patients should note that cosmetic surgery usually is not covered by insurance.

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