When shopping around for Denver plastic surgeons, it’s important to know what to look for prior to making a final decision. There are several credentials you should keep in mind.
Board Certified
Although it might sound obvious, make sure the doctor you’re considering to perform your plastic surgery in Denver is a board certified plastic surgeon. I emphasize this because many “simple” procedures, such as BOTOX® Cosmetic or chemical peels, are often performed by general practice doctors or other healthcare professionals, not plastic surgeons. And even when it comes to cosmetic surgery, many cosmetic surgeons don’t have specialized training in plastic surgery techniques. The unfortunate reality is that any medical doctor is permitted to perform cosmetic surgery procedures. By choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon, you are selecting a doctor who has advanced training in plastic surgery techniques and whose knowledge and skill has been thoroughly evaluated.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Member
Membership in the ASPS means your surgeon’s qualifications are above and beyond what are required to be simply board certified. ASPS Members are required to have three years of training specifically in plastic surgery, and at least six years of experience in general surgery. The ASPS also requires members to fulfill ongoing educational requirements in order to keep their membership current. In addition, member surgeons must perform operations only in fully accredited facilities.
American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) Member
The ASAPS is another prestigious plastic surgery society. Member requirements include certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or, in plastic surgery by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Members also must participate in ongoing medical education to stay current with developments in the field of cosmetic plastic surgery and adhere to a rigorous Code of Ethics observed by all ASAPS-member surgeons.
Fellowships & Awards
Plastic surgeons who are truly committed to their craft often will have been recognized through various awards (such as research awards) and have completed additional post-doctoral training in a plastic surgery specialty. Review a surgeon’s professional resume to determine the types of recognitions he or she has achieved. Finally, don’t forget to trust your intuition. Diplomas, resumes, and credentials are all very nice, but ultimately you want a doctor you truly “click” with, who will listen to your concerns and help you reach your beauty goals.
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Author: Dr. Francesco Campanile
Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Francesco Campanile is a cosmetic surgeon in Denver who is focused on body contouring and breast enhancement. Time and time again, the women and men who choose Dr. Campanile say that they’ve found “the whole package” – a doctor who cares deeply about the quality of their results and has the skill to achieve excellence.
