Health Tips: Plastic Surgery: Three Things You Need To Know Before Going Under The Knife
Sutter Women's Services
Dr. Alan Lim, cosmetic surgeon, (link to profile) has advice for anyone considering plastic surgery: do your research!
#1) Verify your surgeon's medical credentials.
"Of course, you need to confirm that your surgeon is board-certified," says Dr. Lim. "But you also must make sure she or he is board-certified in the type of procedure you are considering. All board-certification is not created equal."
#2) Make sure your doctor is adequately prepared for the worst.
No matter how low the risk of your surgery, your doctor should have admitting rights at a nearby hospital. "Talk to your doctor about what will happen should something unexpectedly go wrong. If your surgery will not be performed in a hospital, make sure you will have immediate access and transport to hospital in the area," says Dr. Lim. "And -- this is important -- make sure your doctor not only has admitting rights at that hospital, but admitting rights related to the type of surgery you are considering."
#3) Know the risks.
Dr. Lim is wary of any surgeon who does not impress upon his or her patients the extent of possible complications or risks. "Don't gloss over the risk of scarring, which is probable for any surgery," he says. "And, especially, make sure your surgeon knows about pre-existing conditions you have. You should be very healthy before having an elective procedure. Most surgeons have strict guidelines for each patient, but we've all heard horror stories of some doctors willing to take dangerous risks with their patients."
In his 20 years of practice, Dr. Lim has seen cosmetic surgeries drastically improve his patients' lives. "Making people feel better about themselves is tremendously fulfilling," says Dr. Lim who, aside from handling elective surgeries, also treats those whose bodies have been altered by trauma, birth defects or cancer. "The benefits of plastic surgery can improve your physique, as well as your emotional state and your confidence. Just be sure to do your research first."
Sutter Medical Group's Alan Lim, MD, FACS, is board-certified in plastic surgery. For more information, visit his Web page.
