Make Sure The Plastic Surgeon Performing Your Thigh Lift Has The Proper Credentials by Dave Stringham

A thigh lift is a procedure which, unfortunately, can be performed by any physician - whether adequately trained or not. Most states have very little regulation on this matter. Because of this, non-plastic - or so called "cosmetic" - surgeons can perform a thigh lift as well. In addition, some physicians who are legitimately board certified in other specialties, such as ENT, dermatology, and gynecology, for example are performing "cosmetic" surgery even though they often have never had any formal residency training in the specialty of plastic surgery itself. Weekend courses abound and the patient is often confused as to which doctor to see.

You should try to make sure that you plastic surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which is the only plastic surgical specialty recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) to perform plastic surgery of the face and entire body. Beware of self designated boards that are not recognizes by the ABMS. These would include The American Board of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, The American Board of Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, and The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery - just to name a few. The ABPS requires ongoing education and maintenance of certification to help ensure that each board certified plastic surgeon is current and able to provide the best care possible. Many plastic surgeons are also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). This organization allows only board certified plastic surgeons in its membership. The ASPS says it best by stating that they "are dedicated to advancing quality care in plastic surgery by encouraging high standards in training, ethics, physician practice, research, and continuing education." Look for the circle - the symbol of excellence that represents which surgeons have fulfilled these criteria.

Although operating in an office setting is not in and of itself inappropriate, it is always possible that an extended hospital observation or additional care might be needed. Indeed, certain procedures or multiple surgeries are usually best treated within the context of a full hospital facility. In addition, hospitals usually require certain standards (credentialing) such as board certification before a physician can have staff privileges. Unfortunately, there are no legal restrictions in most states that prevent physicians operating out of their offices or non hospital associated free-standing surgery suites; so be sure to ask if your doctor does have admitting privileges at a fully accredited hospital facility. If they don't, their ability to either transfer patients or provide continuity of care is potentially compromised.

Dave Stringham, the President of LookingYourBest.com writes about plastic surgery in Ann Arbor, Michigan and plastic surgery procedures such as ann arbor thigh lift, brachioplasty, nose job, face lift, breast augmentation, and forehead lift.

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