A Canadian Plastic Surgeon is a Well-Trained, Qualified Specialist

A Canadian Plastic Surgeon is a Well-Trained, Qualified Specialist.

As of May 17, 2010 the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario has the authority to inspect out-of-hospital facilities where cosmetic procedures are performed.

Truncated version: Choosing a Plastic Surgeon that is Right for You. ...by Sandra J. Freer

More and more Canadians are seeking plastic surgery for many reasons based on a combination of aesthetic, social, professional and emotional factors.

Along with the increase in popularity is the increase in concerns from the patients. The decision to undergo any type of elective surgery is extremely personal. They want to ensure how to select the most qualified plastic surgeon for their particular surgery.

The Canadian Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (CSAPS) and the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons (CSPS) encourage Canadians to educate themselves before their trip to the plastic surgeon's office.

We all want to feel comfortable with the surgeon we choose and we want to feel that we can communicate openly and honestly with him or her.

“The relationship between patients and their plastic surgeon is very important, especially with surgeries requiring more technical skills like breast augmentation and liposuction. Our primary goal is to make sure that any Canadian who is seeking a cosmetic procedure is fully informed and is receiving the best standards of care by a certified surgeon,” said Dr. Achilleas Thoma, President, of the Canadian Society for Plastic Surgeons.

Most importantly, patients need to feel comfortable talking with their physician, before and after surgery and we hope that by raising awareness of available tools that Canadians can use, we will achieve that and discard the myths that exist around plastic surgery.”

Just as important as your choice of surgeon is the comfort to know that your surgeon has the knowledge of several options for your personal surgery. If considering a breast augmentation we suggest that you ask your surgeon why he or she would chose a certain type of implant and what surgical technique is suggested for your own body type.

A clear understanding of the qualifications of the surgeon you choose is imperative. He or she should also have proper and extensive training and operating at an accredited surgical facility. All procedures performed under general anesthesia should be performed at an accredited facility.

You can check with www.caaasf.org to verify accreditation and regulations concerning a private surgical facility.

The aim of the Canadian Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities is threefold: To establish facility and equipment guidelines that facilities must meet before being accepted for membership; To designate appropriate qualifications for individuals working in an ambulatory surgical facilities; To ensure that these standards are maintained in the day-to-day operation of the facility

A Canadian plastic surgeon is a well-trained, qualified specialist who has passed the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons examinations and is board certified to practice Plastic Surgery. The Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons is the Canadian organization to which practicing plastic surgeons belong.

Bring questions and take notes during your consultation; decide if you feel at ease with the surgeon and the surgeon’s staff, the surgical facility and most importantly do you feel comfortable with the surgeon’s qualifications and experience?

Your choice is important and should also meet your personal comfort level.

© SDA Publishing Inc.2010