How do I choose the right cosmetic surgeon?

Certainly you want a surgeon who has the proper qualifications. But what qualifications should you look for? When searching for a plastic surgery doctor, you need to look for several qualifications. The surgeon should be specialty trained in the specific area that concerns you. For facial procedures, a facial plastic surgeon is trained as a head and neck surgeon prior to completing their subspecialty training in plastic surgery of the face. A general plastic surgeon's training is in general surgery and then their training continues in general plastic surgery. This experience is optimal for all breast and body cosmetic surgery procedures. Each plastic surgery subspecialist should be certified by their specific boards and are often certified by two boards. A facial plastic surgeon by The American Board of Otolaryngology (Head and Neck surgery)and The American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and a general plastic surgeon by The American Board of Surgery and The American Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Once you have verified your physicians training and experience performing the desired procedures, evaluate their outcomes. The physician should make examples readily available to a prospective patient by sharing before and after photos and actual patients. References from past patients are also a common request. Click here to read more about Dr. Gordon's and Dr. Restifo's qualifications.

What happens during the consultation?

The consultation is your opportunity to have a totally candid discussion about your desire to have cosmetic surgery. Don't be shy. Only when you are totally honest can our surgeons tell you what is possible.

If you are considering a facelift, explain why you would like one. Describe what makes you unhappy about your face and how you would like it to look. Be precise about what you want, but also be open to suggestions from Dr. Gordon or Dr. Restifo. You might learn about procedures you didn't know were available, or it's possible that you'll learn that a facelift won't do what you want it to do. Dr. Gordon or Dr. Restifo will let you know what you can expect from a facelift. He will explain how the procedure is performed and how anesthesia will be administered. He will also discuss possible complications and risks and what to expect after the surgery in terms of recuperating and returning to work.

In addition, you will see a number of before-and-after photos of some of our other patients who have had the same procedure you are considering. These photos will not only be of beautiful people, but also of average-looking people. This will help you gain a realistic perspective on both our doctors' skills and what you might expect from your own cosmetic procedure.