Dear Doctor Perez, (Taken from a thank you card) Thanks.  What you did was so nice,   I just don't know how to thank you! BUT I think I'll rule out having your name tattooed to my butt. Thanks! D & S M ___________   Dr. Perez, Thank you for doing such a great job.   Thank you for cutting out my "calzone."  You can add it to your photo album! D.F. _____________     Dear Edna, Kim & Lisa, S. and I cant thank you enough for all of your help in attaining my new body.  You made the whole experience more than wonderful.   I will not forget your patience and kindness. Sincerely, KB

10 Questions Every Plastic Surgery Patient Should Ask

Recent changes in medicine have encouraged a proliferation of ”overnight’ plastic surgeons.  These are licensed physicians.  However, many of them have little or no formal training in plastic surgery, yet they operate under the title of “Cosmetic Surgeon”.  It is difficult for these doctors to pass the hospital credentialing process and obtain hospital privileges.  Therefore, surgery is often performed right on the premises.  They attract patients with heavy advertising, free consultations and low fees.  We encourage patients to have multiple consultations before choosing a surgeon.  Here are 10 Questions Every Plastic Surgery Patient Should Ask

About the Surgeon:

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Question 1:   Are you certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery?  Then call the Board to verify at 1-800-635-0635.

Question 2:   Where did you obtain your plastic surgery training?  Training programs in plastic surgery affiliated with medical schools are generally regarded as the best.

Question 3: What percentage of your practice is dedicated to aesthetic surgery?  Many plastic surgeons concentrate on other areas of specialization, such as burns, reconstruction, or hand surgery.

Question 4:  How many times per year do you perform this operation?

Question 5:   At which local hospitals to you have privileges to perform this procedure?   Even if surgery is performed in the office, the surgeon should have at least one hospital as a backup.  Then call the hospital’s medical staff office to verify the privileges.

Question 6:   Who responds to patients’ questions or problems after hours and on weekends?   Does someone else answer the page?  The relationship with your plastic surgeon only starts on the day of surgery. You want to know that you can reach the doctor if an emergency arises.  Try calling on a Saturday afternoon before surgery to see how difficult it is to get through.

About the Facility:

Question 7:   Where will the operation be performed?  (Hospital? Outpatient Surgical Center? Office?)  Many reputable surgeons choose to operate in their office.  However, sometimes this is a tip off that the doctor does not have hospital privileges.

Question 8:   If the operation is done right in the office, what happens if there is a problem during surgery?  There is no mandatory certification of office surgery in Florida.   It is up to the facility to maintain its equipment and procedures up-too-date in care of emergency.

Question 9: May I see the operating room?  If it is not possible right now, make an appointment to come back when it is convenient.  Don’t take no for an answer.  It if doesn’t look safe, run, don’t walk, to the exit.

About the Anesthesia:

Question 10:   Who will be administering the anesthesia and what are his/her credentials?  (A doctor, a nurse, the plastic surgeon?)  The anesthetist is an important and integral part of the safety and comfort the patient will experience during the surgery.

The "10 Questions..." authored by Dr. Perez were published in The Washington Times

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