How To Find the Best Cosmetic Surgeon For You in Contra Costa County, 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 Contra Costa County. more »Updated March 5, 2008
Top 10 Plastic Surgeons - Cosmetic Surgeons in Contra Costa County
| Joseph A. Mele, III, MD, - Plastic Surgery |
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(925) 943-6353 130 La Casa Via Walnut Creek, CA 94598 |
Areas Served: Walnut Creek, Richmond CA, Pittsburg, San Ramon, Concord CA, Pleasant Hill, Antioch
| Robert G Aycock MD FACS |
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(925) 937-8377 1855 San Miguel Dr # 4 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 |
Areas Served: San Ramon, Walnut Creek, Richmond CA, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Concord CA
| Advanced Cosmetic Surgery Center |
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(925) 937-7100 1844 San Miguel Dr # 109 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 |
Areas Served: Contra Costa, Walnut Creek, Pittsburg, San Ramon, Richmond CA, Blackhawk, Danville
| Behmand Institute Plastic Surgery |
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(925) 939-9200 1776 Ygnacio Valley Rd # 108 Walnut Creek, CA 94598 |
Areas Served: Orinda, Walnut Creek, Concord CA, Blackhawk, San Ramon, Danville, Richmond CA
| Dr. Bradford T. Prescott, M.D |
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100 N. Wiget Ln., STE 100 Walnut Creek, CA 94598 |
Areas Served: Walnut Creek, Moraga, Concord CA, Orinda, Richmond CA, Pittsburg, Blackhawk
| East Bay Laser Skin Care Center Inc |
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(925) 932-9389 1479 Ygnacio Valley Rd Walnut Creek, CA 94598 |
Areas Served: Walnut Creek, Blackhawk, San Ramon, Moraga, Orinda, Alamo CA, Pleasant Hill CA
| Mariotti Eric MD |
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(925) 685-4533 2222 East St # 310 Concord, CA 94520 |
Areas Served: Richmond CA, Blackhawk, Walnut Creek, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill CA, Danville CA
| Attaran Homayoun MD |
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(925) 362-8292 919 San Ramon Valley Blvd #158 Danville, CA 94526 |
Areas Served: San Ramon, Walnut Creek, Pittsburg, Richmond CA, Blackhawk, Danville CA, Concord CA
| Plastic Surgeon Specialists |
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(866) 471-8873 919 San Ramon Valley Boulevard Danville, CA 94526 |
Areas Served: Danville CA, Walnut Creek, Blackhawk, San Ramon, Pittsburg, Concord CA, Richmond CA
| Cosmetic Surgeon Specialists |
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(888) 517-4187 919 San Ramon Valley Boulevard Danville, CA 94526 |
Areas Served: Walnut Creek, Moraga, Blackhawk, Richmond CA, San Ramon, Orinda, Danville CA
How To Find the Best Cosmetic Surgeon For You in Contra Costa County, 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 Contra Costa County 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 Contra Costa County 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 Contra Costa County.) 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 Contra Costa County
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 Contra Costa County includes Joseph A. Mele, III, MD, - Plastic Surgery, Robert G Aycock MD FACS, Advanced Cosmetic Surgery Center, Behmand Institute Plastic Surgery, Dr. Bradford T. Prescott, M.D, East Bay Laser Skin Care Center Inc, Mariotti Eric MD, Attaran Homayoun MD, Plastic Surgeon Specialists, Cosmetic Surgeon Specialists.
Look for Cosmetic Surgeons That are Accredited
When looking for a high-quality plastic surgeon in Contra Costa County, 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 Contra Costa County.
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Choosing The Best Plastic or Cosmetic Surgeon for You in Contra Costa County
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 Contra Costa County 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 Contra Costa County plastic surgeon for you
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Key Consumer Resources for Plastic Surgeons in Contra Costa County
Associations, Accreditation & LicensingBBB 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 Contra Costa County within the following zip codes. 94506, 94507, 94509, 94511, 94513, 94514, 94516, 94517, 94518, 94519, 94520, 94521, 94522, 94523, 94524, 94525, 94526, 94527, 94528, 94530, 94531, 94547, 94548, 94549, 94553, 94556, 94561, 94563, 94564, 94565, 94569, 94570, 94572, 94575, 94582, 94583, 94595, 94596, 94597, 94598, 94801, 94802, 94803, 94804, 94805, 94806, 94807, 94808, 94820 and 94850.
The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for plastic surgeons in Contra Costa County within the following cities. Alamo, Antioch, Bay Point, Bethel Island, Blackhawk, Brentwood, Briones, Byron, Canyon, Clayton, Clyde, Concord, Cowell, Crockett, Danville, Diablo, Discovery Bay, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Hercules, Hilltop Mall, Kensington, Knightsen, Lafayette, Los Medanos, Maltby, Martinez, Moraga, N Richmond, North Richmond, Oakley, Orinda, Pacheco, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Point Richmond, Port Chicago, Port Costa, Rheem Valley, Richmond, Rodeo, San Pablo, San Ramon, Tara Hills, Vine Hill, Walnut Creek, Walnut Heights and West Pittsburg
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Tips for Dealing With Plastic Surgeons in Walnut Creek, Pittsburg, San Ramon and Richmond
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 Contra Costa County 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 Contra Costa County.
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 Contra Costa County. 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).
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