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How do you go about choosing a plastic surgeon, and, having chosen, how do you know your surgeon will provide you with the results you are seeking? To answer this question it is important to first understand what a plastic surgeon is and what it takes to become one.

The term "plastic" in plastic surgery is derived from the Latin word "plastikos" which means to mold or shape. It is appropriate in that plastic surgery typically involves the shaping of a new appearance, whether taking a visible deformity and making it look normal again, or taking a normal feature and making it look better.

The short definition of a plastic surgeon is that it is someone who has been trained in an accredited residency in plastic surgery and who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is one of the oldest credentialing bodies within the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). The ABMS establishes criteria for certification in 24 specialty boards, of which the ABPS is one. The ABPS is the only board which is approved in this country to certify plastic surgeons in the broad specialty of plastic surgery.

Confusion occurs because the title of "plastic surgeon" is not restricted to persons who meet the above criteria. Literally any physician can call themselves a plastic surgeon and can perform plastic surgery procedures in their office without any real restriction. There are now all kinds of plastic surgeons out there. Every specialty has it's plastic surgeons. Otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat) has facial plastic surgeons, dermatology has dermatologic plastic surgeons, and ophthalmology has oculoplastic surgeons.

How does the training of a plastic surgeon differ from the above sub-specialists? Plastic surgeons go through an entire residency of two to three years in which the entire focus is the specialty of plastic surgery. This includes core knowledge in everything from diagnosis, to planning of surgery, to surgical technique, to management of the patient postoperatively. Management of complications is also included in this training. Plastic surgeons are the only specialists who can offer the entire array of options within the specialty in any area of the body. There is a way of thinking which is instilled in the plastic surgeon in training which is unique to the specialty. It takes into account the aesthetic concerns in every procedure, even reconstructive ones, to produce a result which is not only functional , but, hopefully, beautiful as well.

To become a plastic surgeon, a doctor must have completed a requisite period of postgraduate training in one of several specialties: general surgery, otoloaryngology, urology, orthopedics, or neurosurgery. They must then complete a two to three year residency in plastic surgery in a program approved by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Having completed their residency training, the doctor must now pass a comprehensive written examination covering the entire specialty. The doctor is now eligible to practice as a plastic surgeon but after one year he or she must sit for a comprehensive oral examination which includes questioning by a panel of plastic surgeons and review of the care in several cases treated by the examinee. Only after successful completion of this grueling process can the doctor call themselves a "board certified" plastic surgeon.

Proper training, important as this is, is only part of the equation in choosing a plastic surgeon. Other things to consider are the surgeon's experience and, for lack of a better term, their "bedside manner". Experience comes with time. At Bosshardt & Marzek Plastic Surgery Associates, our doctors have a combined 20 years of experience in the specialty in our community. Our reputation is established one day at a time. Most patients will have questions about the results of the procedures we perform. To help answer these we have examples of before and after photographs which former patients have allowed us to show to prospective patients. This web site will have similar photographs to give patients an idea of what various procedures can do. Some of our patients have graciously volunteered to discuss their experience with prospects patients so that they may hear first hand what the entire surgical process is like from the viewpoint of a patient.

Bedside manner is a term used to describe a physician's ability to connect with their patients. This involves not only true care and concern, but an ability to effectively communicate with patients. Without good communication, a true doctor/patient relationship is impossible to establish. More than in almost any other specialty, good communication between the plastic surgeon and patient are crucial so that the surgeon can understand the patient's goals, desires, and concerns, and so the patient can understand the limitations of the specialty in producing specific outcomes. Our doctors will take all the time necessary to ensure that every patient leaves the office with all the information they need to make a carefully considered decision regarding proceeding with cosmetic surgery or not.

Many patients shop for plastic surgery to obtain the best price. This is certainly understandable since cosmetic surgery can involve a significant financial commitment, depending on what is desired. Our practice has always endeavored to provide services for fees that are competitive with that of the majority of better practices. We will not compromise on quality or safety and will insist that every aspect of our office and surgical suite meets the highest standards for our specialty. While price is certainly to considered, we hope that it will not be the only criteria used by patients to select where, and by whom, they will have their cosmetic surgery.

We encourage our patients to ask questions before, during, and after their consultation with the surgeon. We feel that the better informed patients are, the better will be their overall experience. One of the most frightening things about any new venture is the unknown. Our doctors are happy to provide their credentials and discuss there experience to anyone who requests this. They are proud of their training and outcomes. We realize that our reputation is only as good as the last patient that walks out of our office.

Our patients can be a walking , talking testimonial to our practice or not, depending not only on their results but on the overall experience, from the moment they make that first telephone call to the final checkout. Out goal is that every patient will feel that their decision for plastic surgery with one of our doctors was one they would do over again and that they would feel comfortable recommending us to others. This is our definition of success.