You go to an orthodontist if you need braces, an orthopedic surgeon if you need a hip replacement, and a neurosurgeon if you need brain surgery. So why would you visit an Ear, Nose and Throat Doctor for liposuction?
Hopefully, you wouldnt. But the bad news is there are many doctors in the U.S. performing cosmetic surgery who are not cosmetic surgeons. These doctors, who specialize in other areas of medicine like dentistry, gynecology, pediatrics, and dermatology, have very little or no experience in plastic surgery. There is no law preventing these doctors from performing cosmetic surgery because as long as they have a medical license, they are permitted to do so.
What is the problem with this?
The problem is that non-certified cosmetic surgeons lack experience in plastic surgery procedures, lack precision and expertise in getting their patients the results they are looking for, and lack experience in dealing with complications that may arise during or following surgery.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeons go through rigorous training in their field and meet strict guidelines and standards. They also participate in continuing education programs to ensure they are up to date on the latest and best techniques and safety standards. Board Certified Plastic Surgeons submit to high ethical standards so they can provide their patients with proper care.
Dr. Fadi Nukta, of NOVA Plastic Surgery, is a Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who practices in Northern Virginia. Double Board Certified means that he is certified by the American Board of Surgery to perform both surgery and plastic surgery. To receive these certifications, Dr. Nukta, upon completing medical school, spent five years practicing general surgery, two years practicing plastic surgery, submitted to a rigid exam process, and was then certified after a group of experts in the field, testified that Dr. Nukta is a safe surgeon and certified to practice surgery and plastic surgery.
If you are looking for a plastic surgeon in Northern Virginia, it is important to find one who is board certified, to ensure receiving proper care.
Questions you should ask your plastic surgeon in NOVA and elsewhere:
- Are you board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
- How many times have you performed this procedure?
- What are the possible complications associated with the procedure?
- How are complications handled?
- Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
- Do you have hospital privileges? Where will the procedure be performed?
- What is the recovery period?
- What kind of assistance will I need during my recovery?
For more information or if you are considering plastic surgery and would like to schedule a consultation with our Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Nukta, please contact us.