Plastic Surgeons - Cosmetic Surgeons in San Francisco serving Bernal Heights, Cow Hollow, Diamond Heights, Duboce Triangle, Eureka Valley, Fisherman's Wharf, Haight-Ashbury, Hayes Valley, Inner Sunset, Japantown, Laurel Heights, Marina District, Mission District, Nob Hill, Noe Valley, North Beach, Outer Sunset, Pacific Heights, Presidio, Rincon Hill, Russian Hill, San Francisco, Sea Cliff, Sunset District, Telegraph Hill, Treasure Island, Twin Peaks and Western Addition

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How To Find the Best Cosmetic Surgeon For You in San Francisco , CA

Modern medicine has made great strides in the area of cosmetic or "plastic" surgery. Procedures that used to be invasive and dangerous are now treated as out-patient procedures. Whether you are looking for a face lift, breast augmentation, breast reduction, reconstructive surgery, rhinoplasty, liposuction, permanent make-up, age spot removal, botox injections or any other type of cosmetic surgery, the choices have never been safer. In the following articles, The Prime Buyer's Report has information to help you choose the best cosmetic surgeon for you in San Francisco . more »

How To Find the Best Cosmetic Surgeon For You in San Francisco , CA 

There are two basic types of plastic surgery: 1. Reconstructive, which corrects defects on the body or face such as cleft palates or other natural deformities, or bodily damage from accidents or disease, and, 2. Cosmetic, sometimes known as aesthetic, which deals with some part of the body a person wants changed, such as a tummy tuck, face lift, nose reduction or reshaping (rhinoplasty), eye lift, laser skin resurfacing, botox injections, breast enhancement or reduction surgery or fat removal (liposuction). In San Francisco there are dozens of medical doctors who practice plastic surgery. In recent years the amount of elective plastic surgeries performed has risen steeply as procedures became more mainstream and any stigmas attached to plastic surgery went by the wayside, partly because of the media airing shows such as Extreme Makeover. Shows like that often make the surgeries look very easy. But surgery is surgery and always carries risks. You may have considered having "work done" yourself. If so, choosing the right San Francisco plastic surgeon may be the most important decision you can make. It may interest you to know that any MD can practice plastic surgery without any other special training or certification. Any physician with a license to practice medicine and a medical degree can legally perform plastic surgery. There are, however, plastic surgery accreditations awarded by certain self-regulated medical organizations such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Each has different criteria and qualifications. (See a list of these in our article, "Consumer Resources for Cosmetic Surgery in San Francisco .) But an accreditation certificate hanging on the wall is not indicative of surgical prowess. Certainly plastic surgery accreditation is a great place to start, but a doctor should also give you access to examples of surgeries he has performed for others. Referrals from past patients who are happy with their surgery results should be offered and available. A good working hospital affiliation is also important. Surgeons allowed access to hospital facilities are typically accredited and overseen on a regular basis.

There Are Lots of Plastic to Choose From in San Francisco
Besides experience and skill, a good match of personality and style are important when choosing a plastic surgeon. Find one that meshes well with your personality and that you trust. A list of plastic surgeons in San Francisco includes A Woman's Center for Plastic & Laser Surgery, San Francisco Plastic Surgery, Dr. Gary Friedman, MD, Liposuction & Cosmetic Surgery, Plastic Surgeon Donald M. Brown, MD, Plastic Surgery Associates, Friedenthal Roger P MD, Charles K. Lee, MD, San Francisco Plastic Surgery, Center for Facial Cosmetic Surgery Union Square.

Look for Cosmetic Surgeons That are Accredited
When looking for a high-quality plastic surgeon in San Francisco , look for board certifications and/or kudos from consumer watchdog organizations. The Prime Buyer's Report has compiled a listing of reputable publications, associations, and resources for plastic surgeons. To view these links, see the article, "Key Consumer Resources for Cosmetic Surgeons in San Francisco .

 

 

Choosing The Best Plastic or Cosmetic Surgeon for You in San Francisco  

There are many factors to consider before not only hiring a plastic surgeon, but before deciding to have the surgery at all. Before beginning the process of choosing a cosmetic surgeon in San Francisco or anywhere else, it's best to write down, in as much detail as possible, exactly what you're hoping to accomplish by having the plastic surgery done. When it comes to plastic surgery this task can be daunting; the reasons for surgery may have emotional roots that extend a lifetime. But being clear, with yourself and your potential plastic surgeon, will help move the process along. Having everything clearly spelled out also helps you to compare apples to apples, as each surgeon will be able, in his or her own way, to respond to the same things. When meeting with a potential cosmetic surgeon, we've provide a list of questions to use as a guideline.


What, if any, board certifications do you have?

What was your medical specialty before you entered plastic surgery?

Have you ever been disciplined by a board or the state?

On average, how many revisions do you perform on your own work?

What is your success rate with this procedure?

Would you be willing to perform this procedure on a family member?

Is there any reason I would not be a good candidate for this surgery?

Do you believe my expectations are realistic?

What are my options regarding anesthesia?

What complications are possible due to the surgery?

Are there newer techniques available to accomplish the same thing?

How much pain should I expect?

How much time should I plan to allow for healing?

When should I expect to look "normal" again?

Have you performed this procedure before?

How long have you been performing this procedure?

Can I see some before and after photos of patients who have had this procedure done by you?

May I speak to some of your patients who have actually had this procedure done by you?

Will the procedure be done in your office, or an outpatient center or a hospital?

Do you have hospital privileges if I choose to have the procedure done in a hospital?

Is the medical facility certified and licensed?

Who will perform the actual surgery and outpatient care?

Does your office offer financing?

What tips do you have for easing pain and discomfort?

What will you do if I have a complication?

If I'm not happy with the results, what if your policy for revisions? Would you put that in writing?

What is your availability?


Through this question-and-answer period, consider first impressions, technical abilities, experience levels, and overall feelings of trust. Somewhere in this combination of facets you will the best, high-quality San Francisco plastic surgeon for you

 

 

Key Consumer Resources for Plastic Surgeons in San Francisco  

Associations, Accreditation & Licensing

BBB Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org)
DCA California Department of Consumer Affairs (www.dca.ca.gov)
American Medical Association (www.ama-assn.org)
American Association of Physician Specialists (http://www.aapsga.org/index.html)
American Board of Plastic Surgery, Inc. (https://www.abplsurg.org/ModDefault.aspx)
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (http://surgery.org/)
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (http://www.plasticsurgery.org/)
American Board of Medical Specialties (http://www.abms.org/)
American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (http://www.cosmeticsurgery.org/)
American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (http://www.asoprs.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1)

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for cosmetic surgeons in San Francisco within the following zip codes. 94101, 94102, 94103, 94104, 94105, 94107, 94108, 94109, 94110, 94111, 94112, 94114, 94115, 94116, 94117, 94118, 94119, 94120, 94121, 94122, 94123, 94124, 94125, 94126, 94127, 94129, 94130, 94131, 94132, 94133, 94134, 94140, 94141, 94142, 94146, 94147, 94157, 94158, 94159, 94164, 94165, 94166, 94167, 94168, 94169, 94170, 94172 and 94188.

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for plastic surgeons in San Francisco within the following cities. Bernal Heights, Cow Hollow, Diamond Heights, Duboce Triangle, Eureka Valley, Fisherman's Wharf, Haight-Ashbury, Hayes Valley, Inner Sunset, Japantown, Laurel Heights, Marina District, Mission District, Nob Hill, Noe Valley, North Beach, Outer Sunset, Pacific Heights, Presidio, Rincon Hill, Russian Hill, San Francisco, Sea Cliff, Sunset District, Telegraph Hill, Treasure Island, Twin Peaks and Western Addition

 

 

Tips for Dealing With Plastic Surgeons in San Francisco 

Take Time Choosing Your Plastic Surgeon.
Take your time hiring a Plastic Surgeon. It's an important decision that can easily affect the rest of your life and shouldn't be rushed. Each plastic surgeon will come to the table with different skill sets, experiences and personality. If can plan early enough to interview several-even if you like the first one you meet-your odds of a successful surgery will improve.

Write it Down.
We mentioned this in another article, but it's important. Think about what you have in mind for your plastic surgery—not just what surgery you want, but what you hope it will accomplish. Jot down all your notes about any detail that seem important. Sit down and write this out as detailed as possible; write down everything that comes to mind, no matter how trivial. By writing it down you'll be able to hand each potential plastic surgeon a clear, consistent summary of what you're looking for and expecting. It will also be easier for them to properly evaluate your odds of success based on your consistent description.

Get Several Separate Estimates.
When hiring an San Francisco plastic surgeon, it's not about just finding the lowest bidder. Getting several estimates helps because it will not only help you get an idea of the market value for the work you're requesting, it will give you a chance to sound out the personalities, policies and customer service of each plastic surgeon before getting involved with them.

Documentation, Documentation, Documentation.
Nothing is official until it is written and signed. So insist that your plastic surgeon provides you with a detailed document that describes the surgery, price, contingency plans in case of complications and projected timeframe for the surgery and recovery. Get it in writing. You'll both feel better.

Do Your Homework Before You Sign An Agreement With a Plastic Surgeon in San Francisco .
To narrow down your choices, do some detective work. Research the plastic surgeon's licensing, insurance and reputation. To help with this, see our article: Key Consumer Resources for plastic surgeons in San Francisco . Verify all of this information before agreeing to the surgery. As with most industries, there is an upper echelon of highly regarded cosmetic surgeons that insist on delivering the best customer care possible. Seek out a plastic surgeon that has earned high marks and accreditations from industry groups and past clients and you are much more likely to have a better outcome.

Know Your Rights.
If you have the misfortune of arriving at a disagreement or legal impasse with your plastic surgeon, you are protected by certain rights. Start with the California Department of Consumer Affairs Web site (www.dca.ca.gov).