Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Plastic Surgeons

What is Plastic Surgery?

• Plastic surgery is a surgical sub-specialty that deals with the healing and restoration of patients with injury, disfigurement or scarring resulting from trauma, disease or congenital defects. It includes aesthetic, or cosmetic surgery to correct or rejuvenate facial and bodily features not pleasing to the patient. Derived from Greek, the word plastic means molding or giving form and does not refer to the use of plastic materials.

How does a physician become a plastic surgeon?

• Training to become a plastic surgeon is a difficult task. To become board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery a physician must complete a specialized post-graduate training course of five to seven years. Background training usually includes a thorough grounding in general surgery, as Dr. Worrell has done. The final two to three years of training must be in an approved plastic surgery training center. Prior to official certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery the physician must pass a rigorous set of both written and oral examinations. While numerous physicians use the term "plastic" surgeons only those certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery are true plastic surgeons.

Does certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery ensure that a patient will get a perfect result from an operation?

• No. Healing of operated tissue is affected by several factors, and some of these are beyond the control of the surgeon. As in any other type of medicine, no guarantee of perfection or even a good result can be given. By making sure to do your homework before choosing a plastic surgeon, you can check out a surgeon’s training, skill, and experience to better ensure your safety and desired results. Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery means that the surgeon has completed the rigorous requirements for full time practice as a specialist in plastic surgery.

What questions should I ask before choosing a plastic surgeon to make sure he/she is qualified to operate on me?

• Bringing a checklist of questions can help ensure the safety and quality of your procedure. Questions to ask are:

  Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?

  When the doctor claims to be board-certified, ask by which board. Only the ABPS is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties to certify doctors in the area of plastic surgery.

  Do you have hospital or ambulatory surgery center privileges to perform this surgery?

  Some surgical procedures can be performed in the doctor’s office or other outpatient facility but it is important to find out if the doctor has operating privileges in an accredited hospital for the same procedure you are having. Before granting operating privileges, hospital review committees evaluate a surgeon’s training and competency for specific procedures.

  What are the risks involved with the procedure?

  There are risks with any surgical procedure. Find out what they are, how often they occur, and how they will be handled if they do occur.

  What is the expected recovery time?

  Be sure to discuss postoperative restrictions on activity and typical time periods for resuming work.

  What is your policy on surgical revisions?

  Some cases may require revisions to achieve the desired results. Find out about any costs for which you may be responsible.