As you might expect, when it comes to the face, a well-qualified, board certified, experienced facial plastic or plastic surgeon is most likely to produce the result you desire. Certain criteria should be used to determine the suitability of the facial plastic and facial cosmetic surgeon you are considering.
Is the physician a board-certified facial plastic or plastic surgeon?
The recognized boards for facial plastic surgery are: The American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and The American Board of Plastic Surgery. Statistically, over 75% of facial plastic surgery in the United States is performed by facial plastic surgeons. These are facial plastic and facial cosmetic surgeons who have had 5 to 7 years of residency training in facial plastic surgery following medical school. These are also surgeons who restrict their practice of plastic surgery to the area of the face and neck.
Anurag Agarwal, M.D., F.A.C.S., and Richard W. Maloney, M.D., F.A.C.S., are board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. This board deals exclusively with facial and neck, plastic and reconstructive surgery. Drs. Agarwal and Maloney are also certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. This board recognizes medical and surgical experience of the head and neck region exclusively.
The American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery can be reached at (703) 549-3223 or you may visit their web site at http://www.abfprs.org/(Opens in a new tab).
Casey Holmes, M.D. is a fellowship trained Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with expertise in the full breadth of plastic surgery, including aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, breasts and body.
Is the plastic surgeon a specialist in the procedure you are contemplating?
While certification in many organizations assures you of a certain experience level, it does not reflect the surgeons capabilities in all areas of plastic surgery. Dr. Agarwal and Dr. Maloney specialize only in facial plastic and facial cosmetic surgery of the face and neck. Dr. Holmes specializes in face, breast, and body contouring procedures. Our specialty driven approach is the hallmark of our success – Experience really does matter!
Do you and your plastic surgeon agree on what constitutes an cosmetically pleasing appearance?
This is a subjective question. At the Aesthetic Surgery Center, you will consult with the team who is responsible for your treatment and care – Dr. Agarwal, Dr. Maloney, Dr. Holmes, the patient coordinator and the surgical nurse. Good communication between the patient and the surgical team is essential for good results. In some cases (i.e. rhinoplasty and chin augmentation), both patient and doctor can objectively review the image on the computer screen and discuss what is most pleasing and realistic.
Have you and your plastic surgeon developed a rapport?
Because you will be placing your health and appearance in the hands of your physician, it is essential that you trust and have confidence in his or her abilities. Consider, too, whether he or she welcomes your questions. Has he or she explained to you, in terms you understand, what approach will be undertaken and the rationale for this decision? Has he or she carefully described what you can expect immediately following surgery? Have the risks associated with the surgery been fully explained to you? A doctor who guarantees results or denies the possibility of complications is cause for concern.