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Helpful Information

What Every Patient Should Know About Their "Plastic Surgeon"

At Associates in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, P.C. we feel it is extremely important for patients in our community to be informed and educated on plastic surgery, as our surgeons have dedicated their entire careers to perfecting it. Drs. Eyssen, vonWerssowetz, and Chase are committed to providing experienced, caring, and quality care for our area with results that reflect such integrity.

Most people are unaware that in Tennessee and many states, a licensed doctor may call themselves a "plastic surgeon" despite lack of appropriate credentials and training. Also, licensed physicians and other practitioners are allowed to perform "cosmetic surgery" procedures in their office without licensing or any governing body to protect the patients.

There are doctors and dentists who have not been trained in an accredited plastic surgery training program who are attempting to branch out into cosmetic surgery. Some may even be board certified in an area other than plastic surgery, such as oral surgery or otolaryngology, and thus claim to be "board certified plastic surgeons."

Anyone considering cosmetic plastic surgery should investigate their potential surgeon thoroughly.

THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR POTENTIAL COSMETIC SURGEON

1. ARE YOU CERTIFIED BY THE AMERICAN BOARD OF PLASTIC SURGERY?
   The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is the only board certification for an eligible surgeon who has completed a plastic surgery residency program and is fully trained, educated, and experienced in cosmetic surgery of the face, breasts, and entire body. The American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery certifies those surgeons trained in facial plastic surgery with expertise in the head and neck area.
2. ARE YOU A MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLASTIC SURGEONS?
   Membership in this organization assures that the physician not only has appropriate training in plastic surgery and is certified by the ABPS, but also conforms to the highest ethics and standards of the profession. When searching for a plastic surgeon, make sure they display the twin arcs logo of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Only qualified plastic surgeons can be members of the ASPS and thus display this prestigious symbol.
3. WHERE DID YOU GET YOUR TRAINING?
   Board certified plastic surgeons have completed an accredited residency program of two or more years in plastic and reconstructive surgery. They have been fully trained in plastic surgery procedures of all body areas from head to toe, such as facelifts, breast augmentations, abdominoplasties, and liposuction.
   A mini-course in a plastic surgery procedure is no substitute to the extensive training received in a formal plastic surgery residency program.
4. WHAT IS YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH THIS PROCEDURE?
   The surgeon should be happy to provide information regarding their experience in a particular procedure. One may ask about how they were trained, how many they have performed, patient satisfaction, and complications.
   One may ask to see before and after photographs. Some physicians use photographs of patients other than their own to demonstrate before and after results. One should be certain that the results seen in a physician's office, advertisements, or on their website are truly that surgeon's results.
   One may also ask to speak with patients who have had the particular procedure by that surgeon. One should ask around in their community. Other doctors, nurses, and hospital personnel are also good sources to attest to a surgeon's reputation and skills.
5. WHERE DO YOU OPERATE?
   Most cosmetic plastic surgery is performed in licensed, accredited (inspected and certified) outpatient surgery facilities or accredited in-office operating suites. These facilities have trained anesthesia personnel available for patient comfort and monitoring during the procedure.
6. WHERE DO YOU HAVE HOSPITAL PRIVELEGES?
   Rarely, hospital admissions are necessary following surgery. One should know where their surgeon is allowed to admit patients should the need arise.

When considering cosmetic plastic surgery, one may find all the right answers at

Associates in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, P.C. Drs. Eyssen, vonWerssowetz, and Chase are appropriately trained, board certified, and experienced, and are dedicated to providing quality results that will perpetuate our reputation as Chattanooga's premier plastic surgery practice.

Associates in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, P.C.
3404 Navajo Dr

Chattanooga, Tn 37411

423-624-0021