Choosing a Plastic Surgeon Abroad

To choose a plastic surgeon close to home, you'd hopefully check his or her credentials and disciplinary record; research their education; make sure they are board certified by a reputable plastic surgery organization, such as the American Board of Plastic surgery; meet with the surgeon for at least one consultation; research the surgical facility; and repeat the entire process with several surgeons until you are satisfied you are choosing well. So it should go without saying that your evaluation process for a surgeon abroad should be at least as rigorous.

With the price-driven popularity of medical tourism on the rise, more and more patients are going under the knife abroad with surprisingly little research. In fact, the internet has become packed with cosmetic surgery "vacation" packages offering tummy tucks, facelifts, liposuction and breast augmentation combined with resort stays, sight-seeing tours, and ample pool-side pampering all conveniently pre-planned and at prices that far beat those of the surgical procedures alone in the U.S.

When considering plastic surgery overseas, the first thing to remember is that plastic surgery is not a vacation activity. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the "vacation" activities that lure many to these package deals have no place in plastic surgery recovery.

"Vacation activities should be avoided after surgery. To properly heal and reduce the possibility of complications, patients should not sunbath, drink alcohol, swim/snorkel, water ski/jet ski, parasail, take extensive tours (walking or bus), or exercise after surgery."

Be skeptical of any deal or agency that emphasizes the "vacation" or "resort" aspects. Though inviting, they serve as a distraction from where a patient's focus should be when considering plastic surgery and choosing a surgeon.

When seeking a competent plastic surgeon abroad, there are tools that can help. The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery offers a surgeon-finder tool on their website listing surgeons in 73 countries who meet U.S. standards for training, surgical experience and safety issues.

To those considering quality, domestic cosmetic surgery, Conroe, Texas plastic surgeon Dr. Kim offers complimentary initial patient consultations right here at home.

With Envision Implant Sizing System, Getting the Wrong Size Is Not a Worry

The Envision Implant Sizing System is a unique way to determine which breast implant size patients want. The sizing system was developed by Dr. Kinsley, a female plastic surgeon, and offers the unique perspective of a woman on a woman's surgery. The Envision System is designed with the patient in mind, to help her make the decision that's right for her. After all, no one is ever eager to have implant revision surgery. Do it right the first time.

EAK Envision Implant Sizing System includes ($34.95 plus shipping):

> Tester implants in the four most popular sizes (275cc, 325cc, 375cc, 425cc)
> Breast sizing ruler
> Booklet by Dr. Kinsley with answers to common questions
> Instructional DVD outlining how to use the Envision System
> Before and after photos of implant recipients
> An Envision Bra to test the implants (cup sizes: 32/34, 36, 38, 40+)

> Order additional sizes or replacements on the website for $9.95 plus shipping for a single tester
* Additional sizes available: 250cc, 275cc, 325cc, 375cc, 425cc, 475cc, 525cc, 575cc, 625cc

Once you have the system, don't be afraid to experiment with different sizes and your own clothes. Look at yourself in bra alone as well as other clothes like t-shirts, dresses and swimsuits. Get opinions from people you trust, or other implant patients. Be sure to discuss your concerns with your surgeon. Though the Envision System will not show you absolutely how your implants will look, it will give you an idea of the feel, weight and shape that you will experience once you've undergone your augmentation. This is one of the most important parts of getting a breast enlargement, so doing it right can prevent unnecessary problems later on. For more information on the EAK Envision Implant Sizing system, or to order, visit www.envisionimplants.com

Understanding a Physician's Credentials Before Plastic Surgery

Many doctors advertise they are "board-certified," but understanding what that means can be tricky. Physicians in many specialties can perform cosmetic procedures and be "board-certified" in something, whether it be dermatology,ophthalmology, or podiatry, but that doesn't mean they are trained plastic surgeons. If you are considering any type of plastic surgery, be sure the physician you choose is amply trained in the cosmetic procedure you seek by checking with the American Board of Plastic Surgery. To be certified by the ABPS, a doctor must have graduated from an accredited medical school and completed at least five years of additional residency. He or she must also have practiced plastic surgery for two years prior to certification and pass comprehensive oral and written exams. The ABPS also offers the added assurance of requiring re-examination every 10 years.

Another great resource for choosing a qualified plastic surgeon is the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The ASPS required its members to be certified by either the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, as well as meet additional requirements, such as operating only in accredited medical facilities, and fulfilling continuing medical education requirements. The ASPS requires six years of general surgery experience instead of the five required by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, with three, rather than two years of plastic surgery training.

Another important step in choosing a plastic surgeon is determining what type of plastic surgery they specialize in. If you're seeking breast augmentation, choose a plastic surgeon who specializes in breast augmentation rather than rhinoplasty or other facial procedures. Make sure to find out how many procedures like yours they have performed, and view before and after pictures to be sure the surgeon can deliver the results you want.

There are a few more tricks to use to determine whether a surgeon is someone you should trust or run away from. For instance, you should compare the price of the procedure you are considering with prices being charged by other surgeons. If there is sharp disparity, be skeptical. Cosmetic surgeries performed at extremely low prices can have hazardous results. Also check out which hospitals and facilities he or she is allowed to perform surgery in. Even if you are having an office-based procedure it's important to remember, if the hospitals you trust don't allow him or her to operate in their facilities, you certainly don't want them operating on you.