Plastic surgery is a combination of science and art. Cosmetic plastic surgery is a special field of plastic surgery that requires basic surgical principle, meticulous technique, and the surgeon’s artistic creativity that ultimately result in a great outcome. 

Cosmetic plastic surgery is never an easy choice, but Drs. Nguyen will take the time to consult with you, answer all your concerns and most importantly, make you look and feel your very best.

HOW TO CHOOSE A COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGEON

Cosmetic plastic surgery is a big business, but its offerings – from facelift and liposuction to the seemingly straightforward botox injections and thread lift – are potentially dangerous medical procedures that need to be carried out only by well trained experts. Going for the clinic with the gift of the gab or accepting cheap price can have bad consequences.

Your primary care doctor can be your first source of referral if you are considering surgery. He or she can recommend a reputable plastic surgeon in your area.  Make sure that the physician is a plastic surgeon who does cosmetic surgery, not a cosmetic surgeon (dermatologist, general surgeon, ear nose throat surgeon, ophthalmologist, Obstetrician/Gynecologist, internist or family practice physician) who take several courses on a particular cosmetic procedure and claims him/herself an expert.

 If you feel uncomfortable to discuss surgery with your primary care physician, it can be tempting to answer an ad in the back of a magazine or on the internet, and the ads picturing amazing transformations can be very persuasive.  Responding to this type of advertising is not the best way to find your surgeon.  Most reputable plastic surgeons don't use ads in the back of newspapers encouraging people to come into their offices. If you see any ad with pictures of 'before and after', be very wary because chances are they are not mainstream plastic surgery.  

Talk to friends. Someone who has had a positive experience is the most reliable advertisement for a good surgeon. In addition to asking friends and family who have had good experience with a plastic surgeon, ask if they know of anyone else who has been to one. It may have been for a non-cosmetic procedure, such as reconstructive surgery after a car accident. Generally, if the plastic surgeon provided fantastic results in this sort of operation, they can be expected to bring those same skills to a cosmetic surgery procedure. Call the hospitals and get recommendations from the medical staff

Investigate the doctor’s credentials.  Cosmetic surgeons do not go through the same training as a plastic surgeon.  Usually a plastic surgeon is required to complete an additional arduous accredited fellowship training of at least 2-3 years after completing a 5 years of general surgery or otolaryngology.  With such intense training, a plastic surgeon is well competent despite of his/her age.   Are they board certified or eligible by the American Board of Plastic Surgery? What schools did they attend? Where did they perform their residency training? Most of this information can be obtained from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.  You can call the hospitals that they have privileged and ask the medical staffs.  Most plastic surgeon will have privileges to do reconstructive surgery where as non-plastic cosmetic surgeons will not.  It is one of the best ways to make sure that they are legitimate plastic surgeons.   

When you have a consultation, make sure you see the actual surgeon who will be operating on you. In some clinics or medical spas, the first person to see any prospective patients is a “counselor” or a “consultant”. If a counselor/consultant is trying to sell you a surgical procedure, you should be very suspicious, particularly if they are trying to persuade you to have more surgery.

Prices do vary. To give an accurate price, a plastic surgeon will need to have a full consultation with you and collect all the facts that may affect the complexity and length of the surgery. If someone is offering it quicker and cheaper, there is usually a hidden reason.   Do compare prices, but don't make a decision based on this factor alone.

When you've decided on a cosmetic plastic surgeon, leave yourself plenty of time after the consultation before you sign up for a procedure. Don't feel pressure to make a quick decision; a reputable office will encourage you to take some time to think it through.